FCPH reports 120 new COVID cases

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From over the last seven days, Fayette County Public Health (FCPH) is reporting 120 new COVID-19 cases (88 confirmed, 32 probable) and 111 recoveries (90 confirmed, 21 probable).

Two COVID-related deaths were reported last Wednesday — both males in their 70s — for a total of 28 total deaths in the county.

FCPH is currently vaccinating the priority groups identified in Phase 1 by the Ohio Department of Health. As vaccine supply increases, the state will continue to vaccinate all Ohioans who choose to receive it.

On Monday, more local first responders received the COVID vaccination.

Jeff Warner, firefighter/paramedic at the Jefferson Township Fire Department, posted the following on Facebook Monday:

“I can’t thank the Fayette County Health Department enough for getting our First Responders from Fayette County Ems, Jefferson Township Fire and EMS and MedFlight 9 for getting us that choose our Covid 19 vaccinations so timely. It has been a very draining last 10 months and will continue to be so for a while, but I believe there is a bright light in the months ahead. Between all of us, we have transported hundreds of Covid patients and our goal is to remain Covid free and healthy ourselves so that we can continue to take care of you. Some of us haven’t, but I am a strong supporter of this vaccine. There are a lot of Covid Specialist I see during my work at some of the Nations Top Hospitals that are a lot smarter than me that have influenced me on the safety and need of this vaccine. I urge each and everyone of you to get this vaccine.”

According to FCPH, Ohio has started distributing safe, effective COVID-19 vaccines statewide to those who choose to be vaccinated. The COVID-19 vaccine development process included steps comparable with those used to develop previous vaccines, such as the flu or measles vaccine.

As COVID-19 vaccines progressed through the thorough process to obtain emergency use authorization (EUA) from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the state began strategically and thoughtfully planning vaccine distribution to Ohioans most at risk. This distribution is being guided by recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM).

“Ohio’s goals are clear: To save lives and slow the spread of the virus. In the early vaccination phase, we focus on the most at risk, as well as distributing the vaccines as quickly as we can to essential healthcare workers and personnel caring for COVID-19 patients. Priority is being given to vulnerable individuals who live in close proximity and those who care for them,” said a statement from FCPH.

The vaccine has been shown to prevent COVID-19 and to decrease the severity of illness in people who catch the virus that causes the disease. Vaccinating a significant portion of Ohioans will help prevent serious hospitalizations and deaths and allow us to more quickly return to normal.

Using all the tools available to help prevent the spread of the virus continues to be critical until a substantial number of Ohioans can be vaccinated. Continuing to wear masks and social distance will reduce your chance of being exposed to or spreading the virus, according to FCPH. Proper prevention measures coupled with the vaccine will provide the best protection from COVID-19.

Reach Record-Herald Editor Ryan Carter at 740-313-0352.

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Local first responders continue to receive vaccinations

By Ryan Carter

[email protected]

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