LISBON — Members of the Columbiana County Well being Division Advisory Council obtained an opportunity to have a look at present county COVID-19 numbers and ask questions on the group’s assembly on Monday.
Well being Commissioner Wes Vins reported regionally we’re seeing 400 circumstances per week, whereas the statewide common is 600 circumstances. About 25 % of these circumstances are presently youngsters and though youngsters often fare higher with COVID-19 than older residents, Vins mentioned there have been 14 county youngsters hospitalized as a result of virus and a few these had been pretty critical.
Vins additionally predicted the case numbers will proceed to rise awhile if the identical trajectory continues as in November. He shared with members of the council that Columbiana County has traditionally been about two weeks behind the statewide averages and state well being specialists imagine the state is about two weeks or so from the height of the most recent spike.
Moreover, Vins talked in regards to the low vaccination charges in Columbiana County in comparison with different components of the state. Of the 38.42 % of county residents, roughly 40,000 individuals, who’re vaccinated, there have been 155 break-through circumstances. Nonetheless, that’s solely about .38 % of these vaccinated.
Vaccines proceed to be accessible at about 30 pharmacies, hospitals and clinics all through the county.
Vins mentioned the well being division continues to attempt to assist reply questions, whereas the colleges and PCG, the corporate the state put accountable for contact tracing, proceed to work on getting individuals quarantined, who must be quarantined. He expressed frustration that the well being division employees, which dealt with contact tracing into Could, was requested to step again and let PCG deal with the contact tracing, however by getting assist for PCG via the varsity nurses he believes issues are bettering in getting involved with individuals faster once more.
Vins mentioned the well being division simply ordered about 3,500 take a look at kits, which can be utilized to get individuals out of quarantine quicker, in the event that they take a look at unfavourable for COVID-19 on days 5, six or seven of quarantine.
Members of the advisory council had been inspired to ask questions. One member, Heart Township Trustee Tim Novak mentioned he believes the rationale why lots of people should not getting vaccinated is the sensation they’re being pushed into it by individuals who appear to suppose they’re “morons” as a result of they don’t belief the vaccine. Moreover, he questions the protection of vaccines which are supposedly FDA authorised when he has no recourse ought to he have a foul response to a vaccine. He additionally questions whether or not those that mathematically have a excessive price of full restoration must be vaccinated.
Novak requested about native numbers of hospitalizations and was advised there are 19 residents within the hospital for COVID-19 in the present day, though Vins mentioned it’s troublesome to offer him much more info he requested corresponding to co-existing situations because of confidentiality necessities.
“I don’t get mad at individuals who obtained (vaccinated),” Novak mentioned. “Don’t get mad at me for selecting to not do it.”
One other trustee requested about whether or not masks work and Vins mentioned a latest research by John Hopkins Hospital was convincing that masks do cease or cut back bigger droplets from getting out, which can comprise COVID-19 virus.
For now, Vins mentioned he’s not listening to from the state any push institute any mandates, however can not say what might occur on a nationwide stage.
Vins additionally knowledgeable the advisory council in regards to the county well being division’s funds, which positive aspects most of its funds for purchases and applications via grants. What’s left is $380,000, which serves the 73,170 individuals served by the well being division or a value of $5.23 per individual.
Earlier than the council adjourned, Chairman Jordan Williams requested for 4 others to volunteer to have a look at any potential appointments for the well being board on March 7, the subsequent assembly. Williams mentioned he has gone to a number of latest conferences of the well being board and imagine they’re working effectively, however he doesn’t need to see the subsequent renewal or appointment strategy and not using a committee doing “due diligence.”
The Advisory Council is made up of representatives from the native townships, small cities and a county commissioner.
djohnson@mojonews.com
