Lorain County Updates

Lorain County reported 220 cases and 13 hospitalizations from April 16 to April 22, marking a decline from 287 cases the previous week. Given that cases have been rising for the last month, health officials continue to urge caution despite increasing numbers of vaccinated people. 

As of April 22, 40.27 percent of the county’s population has received at least one dose of the vaccine. 

Lorain County remains classified by the Ohio Department of Health at “Red Alert Level Three” on a public emergency scale of four for “very high exposure and spread.” Level Three counties are advised to limit activities as much as possible. Lorain County must meet three benchmarks to move to a lower alert level: lower per capita case levels, lower community spread outside of congregate settings, and a lower seven-day average of cases.

Statewide Updates

After weeks of rising COVID-19 numbers across the state, cases are finally beginning to decline. ODH reported 6,598 new statewide cases and 340 hospitalizations this week. Last week, Ohio had 8,450 new cases. 

In February, Governor Mike DeWine announced that when Ohio reaches a rate of 50 cases per 100,000 people over a two-week period, he will lift all COVID-19-related health orders. However, COVID-19 cases have been rising in most states — Ohio included. This week marks the first break in that pattern for Ohio, which had 185.7 cases per 100,000 people this week, down from 200 last week.

Over the past week, Ohio has experienced a decrease in vaccination rates, causing providers across the state to request a hold on next week’s vaccine shipment. The decline comes as the U.S. sees a national decline in vaccine demand. Despite all Americans becoming eligible for a shot on April 19, there has been a 9 percent drop in the average number of daily shots administered. 

As of April 22, roughly 38.39 percent of Ohio residents had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. To learn more about vaccinations and sign up for an appointment, residents can use Ohio’s vaccination tool.  

More information on COVID-19 in Ohio is available through the ODH and LCPH websites, where case numbers are updated every weekday at 2 p.m.

Oberlin College Updates

This week, of the 638 tests administered, the College recorded two new COVID-19 cases. According to ObieSafe, the College has only had 12 positive cases during the spring semester.  

The College asks that students submit documentation of vaccination to the Student Health Portal. Faculty and staff should submit their documentation to Human Resources. 

Students who have vaccine appointments outside of Lorain and Cuyahoga Counties should submit a Temporary Travel Approval Form to the College. They will not be required to quarantine or undergo additional testing.