Erie County, as well as the state, is experiencing a rise in coronavirus cases during the holiday season, according to a news release from Erie County Health Department.
Cases have doubled from the month prior, the release said.
This has led to an increase in hospitalizations and deaths, according to the release.
Within the month of November, a total of five deaths attributed to COVID-19 occurred, the release said.
Deaths have not exceeded one to two a month since February 2023 in the county, according to the release
This is a reminder to the public to be vigilant in monitoring and take appropriate prevention measures to avoid severe illness, the release said.
Prevention
Masks and vaccinations have been the main prevention measures throughout the COVID-19 pandemic that have led to significant decrease in infections, hospitalizations and deaths, the release said.
An individual should consider wearing a mask based on their perceived level of risk for infection, their recent activities and their potential for developing severe disease.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all individuals aged 5 years and older should receive one dose of an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against serious illness from the virus, the release said.
Other prevention measures to combat the virus include social distancing when possible, disinfecting high-touch surfaces, and avoiding contact with people who are ill, according to the release.
Current guidelines
Current guidelines for managing COVID-19 infection state that an individual that has tested positive for the virus must isolate for five days from symptom onset.
Following release from isolation, masking is recommended to occur on days six to 10 to reduce any potential spread to others.
An individual exposed to COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status, is recommended to mask for 10 days from last known exposure.
Treatment
Effective treatments are now widely available for individuals that have COVID-19 and are at high risk of developing severe illness.
Contact your health care provider as soon as possible.
Treatment must be started within a few days after first developing symptoms to be effective.
COVID-19 testing and vaccinations are available at the Erie County Health Department/Community Health Center.
Call central scheduling at 567-867-5174 to make an appointment.
Individuals also can make telehealth appointments for COVID-19 treatment.
Visit COVID-19 – Erie County Health Department at eriecohealthohio.com for more information on COVID-19 trends and resources in Erie County.
Contact Taylor Kula, epidemiologist, at 419-626-5623, Ext. 5103 for questions pertaining to COVID-19 testing, vaccination and trends, the release said.
