JOINT STATEMENT ON STAY-AT-HOME ADVISORIES AND HOLIDAY WEEK RISKS

Seven Ohio counties today jointly urged Ohioans to “stay at home” to protect themselves and their family members, reminding residents to follow public health guidance related to social gatherings, wearing masks, and avoiding unnecessary travel.  Within the last week, each of the participating counties – Franklin, Cuyahoga, Hamilton, Summit, Montgomery, Lucas and Mahoning – have issued a Stay at Home Health Advisory, in partnership with their county administrations, boards of health, and their largest cities.
 
The Advisories encourage residents to stay home to the greatest extent possible due to the rapid rise of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in the state. Residents are advised to only leave their home to go to work or school, or for essential needs such as seeking medical care, purchasing essential items from a grocery store or pharmacy, picking up prepared food, or receiving deliveries.
 
Additionally, residents are strongly advised to avoid traveling in and out of the State of Ohio and to forgo having guests in their homes or residences during the upcoming holiday.
 
These Advisories are consistent with all orders set forth by Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Health, as well as the Governor’s statewide curfew order which took effect on Thursday, November 19.
 
Health leaders and elected officials are particularly concerned about activities related to the holiday week and the ability of Ohio hospitals to manage a rapidly growing number of patients who need care.
 
“This week presents a major challenge to our state as we try to prevent the spread of COVID-19.  All of our actions could affect the health of our families and members of our community.  Our best bet this week is to avoid in-person gatherings with people outside of our homes,” said Lucas County Health Commissioner Eric Zgodzinski.
 
“We’re in a fight to save lives here.  This week kicks off a season of celebration, but each of us needs to make sure that we’re doing everything we can to protect our loved ones and community.  The guidance is clear- wear a mask, keep your distance, don’t travel, and we’ll all get through this together,” said Franklin County Board of Commissioners’ President, John O’Grady.
 
"Cases and hospital admissions are at the highest levels we have seen during this pandemic, by far.  These county health advisories reflect the urgent need for all of us to protect ourselves and our families to stop the spread of this virus," said Hamilton County Board of Commissioners President Denise Driehaus.