Cuyahoga County held a briefing on August 28, updating residents and the media about the COVID-19 in the county.
County Executive Armond Budish opened the briefing with a pre-recorded message about how nearly 3,000 children in Cuyahoga County custody need a welcoming home. Budish asked residents to consider becoming foster parents and stated that the county has resources available to anyone willing to open their home to a child in need, which can be found at www.everychildneedsfamily.com or requested by calling 216-881-5775.
Nearly 3,000 children are in Cuyahoga County custody.
For the second week in a row, Cuyahoga County is at risk level two (level orange in the COVID-19 Public Health Advisory System), down from risk level three (level red in the COVID-19 Public Health Advisory System). While keeping the lower risk level is good news for the county, Cuyahoga County Board of Health, Health Commissioner Terry Allen stressed to residents the importance of data -- specifically data trends on the trajectory or risks of spread -- and how it would help them make informed decisions. He also encouraged residents to continue their vigilance in keeping physical distance, wearing masks, practicing good hygiene, and all the other things that can help reduce the spread of COVID-19.
“These prevention measures work and can have multiple benefits against many respiratory illnesses,” he pointed out as he discussed the upcoming flu season, noting that the trends they see in the southern hemisphere on the reduction of flu cases could be good news for us. He also encouraged everyone to get a flu shot this year.
As of August 27, there were 15,316 reported cases of COVID-19 in the county, including Cleveland.
As of August 27, there were 15,316 reported cases of COVID-19 in the county, including Cleveland. The county also continued its trend of having a more than 15 percent hospitalization rate –the highest of any county in Ohio.
Next, he discussed Governor DeWine’s health order requiring schools to create a COVID-19 reporting system. While the Cuyahoga County Board of Health awaits more instruction from the state on the creation and implementation of this system, it will continue to provide training and support to school administrators on a weekly basis, as districts continue to adjust and finalize their reopening plans. Many of those plans include schools opening with remote learning which is the current recommendation from the board of health.
Medical Director Dr. Heidi Gullett wrapped up the briefing with updated COVID-19 case numbers. As of August 27, there were 10,689 total coronavirus cases in the county – excluding the City of Cleveland. These cases do not include rapid or antibody test results she reminded viewers. While 37 percent of those with the virus had a pre-existing condition, Dr. Gullett pointed out that more than a third (34 percent) did not. The highest cases of COVID-19 were among adults ages 20 to 29 years old (22 percent), followed by those age 30 to 39 years old (16 percent).
So far, 9,165 people have recovered from the virus.
A total of 1,110 people in the county have been hospitalized due to the virus and 275 of those people were admitted into the intensive care unit. So far, 9,165 people have recovered from the virus.
