Health department officials are optimistic about the county’s emergence from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The story of the last three months is very positive overall,” said Union County Health Commissioner Jason Orcena.
During Wednesday’s Board of Health meeting, Orcena noted that COVID-19 case counts have “slowed dramatically” and only seven new hospitalizations were reported in that period.
Even so, he cautioned that the pandemic is not yet completely over.
“It has not gone away,” Orcena said.
He noted that there have been “a fair amount” of outpatient visits among those with COVID-19 recently, but those numbers are also declining.
In the midst of improving conditions, Orcena said almost all public health orders from the Ohio Department of Health have been rescinded.
“Oddly enough, we were very busy this time last year with orders but not many cases,” whereas now it is the opposite scenario, he said.
Even so, Orcena noted that private organizations can still create their own regulations.
“A lot of what you see with masks are being done voluntarily by certain organizations,” he said.
Orcena emphasized that businesses, including hospitals, can still require face masks to be worn within their buildings. He said hospitals also have the right to continue to limit visitation numbers.
Beyond the choices of some businesses, Orcena said other accredited entities, like nursing homes or assisted living facilities, have received guidance from the federal government that supersedes state orders.
Ultimately, he asked that residents to continue to abide by guidance from the health department and follow regulations posted by businesses.
“We just keep encouraging folks… if you are unvaccinated, please wear a mask,” Orcena said.
As case counts have decreased, the local demand for vaccines has, too.
“We have slowed down dramatically the past several weeks,” the health commissioner said.
The Union County Health Department is hosting open COVID-19 vaccine clinics at their offices, 940 London Avenue, from 2-7 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday through June.
Orcena said UCHD is among many public health entities throughout the nation seeking creative ways to encourage those who have not yet gotten the shot to do so.
The health department is partnering with local medical providers to inoculate people at their offices, Orcena said, and has hosted smaller, pop-up clinics throughout the county.
He said UCHD is aiming to make the vaccine easily accessible to those who would like to get the shot while being considerate of those who don’t.
“We’re trying to be very respectful of everyone’s view on this situation and not overextend,” he said.
Availability of the vaccine in Union County after June is yet to be decided.
Orcena said the health department will “let demand dictate” how frequently and when clinics are hosted. He said staff is hoping to offer morning and evening hours through the summer.
There is not currently a high demand for weekend appointments, but Orcena said that could change in the fall as students are returning to school.
Though demand is decreasing, Orcena said he is still pleased with vaccine uptake in the county.
“Overall, I think our population was very accepting of the vaccination and saw value in it, particularly in the older groups,” Orcena said.
Board of Health member Donna Burke agreed. She said it is encouraging to see that Union County vaccination numbers exceed the state levels in most age groups.
Burke also shared her “kudos” with the health department staff and volunteers who have worked to vaccinate community members.
“I’m still hearing very good feedback in how (the clinics) were handled,” she said.