Hancock County urged to stay vigilant amid rise in virus cases

Talking about Hancock County's sharply rising COVID-19 numbers, Health Commissioner Karim Baroudi put it this way: "I won't say I'm scared. I'm concerned, a little bit." He said the community is in a better position now with more people vaccinated against the virus, meaning that if they do get infected, they are not likely to get as sick or to end up in the hospital. Baroudi said while there is no need to panic, "I urge people to stay vigilant." And his office's advice, even for the vaccinated? While recognizing that it is up to the individual, "We strongly urge people to wear masks at this point." As of Wednesday afternoon, Hancock Public Health reported 70 active cases of the virus among county residents. The active cases range in age from 1 to 81 years old. On July 29, the number of active cases was 17. Concerning trend The "really concerning" trend, Baroudi said, is that 20 of the current 70 cases were fully vaccinated. Most had mild symptoms, but one of those 20 is in the hospital. A total of eight county residents are currently hospitalized, Baroudi said. Six of those residents are at Blanchard Valley Hospital, but two are at Ohio State University receiving "advanced medical intervention," he said. On Wednesday the county also recorded another death. Baroudi said the death actually happened a couple of weeks ago, but Hancock Public Health was waiting on coroner's reports to confirm it was COVID-related. The death was a 37-year-old man who had not been vaccinated, Baroudi said. A total of 136 Hancock County residents have died of COVID-19. Baroudi said that the delta variant has still not officially been confirmed in Hancock County, but Hancock Public Health is assuming that it is present. Incentives available Hancock Public Health is offering the Pfizer vaccine at a clinic from 4-6 p.m. Thursday at the health department's office, 2225 Keith Parkway. Advance registration is required, but people can register up until the clinic starts. The health department is also offering a local incentive. Starting Thursday, everyone who gets their vaccine will receive a season pass for their family to the upcoming Hancock County Fair. Baroudi said he thought a lot about what might make a good local incentive and recognized that people locally have enormous "pride in our community," and the fair is a part of that. The initiative, a partnership with the Fair board, is called "Vax, Relax and Enjoy the County Fair," Baroudi said. For more information about Thursday's clinic, or vaccination in general, call the health department at 419-424-7105. The health department also posted information on its Facebook page on Wednesday about another incentive being offered. All Ohio Medicaid and MyCare members age 18 and older who receive their first dose of vaccine between July 26 and Sept. 15 will receive a $100 incentive. More information about the incentive is available on the department's Facebook page, @HancockPublicHealth. Anyone with questions should call member services at the number found on their health plan card. Arthurs: 419-427-8494