As of Thursday, February 11, Ashtabula is still in the red zone due to our high per capita infection rates, according to the Ohio Department of Health.
As of Tuesday, February 9, Ashtabula County had 215 active cases. 177 were new positives in the past week. 7 are currently hospitalized.
Overall, only 577 out of 5,629 cases have been in congregate living (nursing homes, etc).
This means 9 out of 10 cases were spread by people out in the community: at work, home, school, worship, etc.
Most people do not know they have COVID for at least 3-4 days after they are infected. So if you go have an unmasked meal at a friend’s house who later turns out to have COVID, you may still spread the disease at school and work and the grocery store before you get a fever or cough or lose your taste. In up to 40-50% of cases, you never get symptoms at all.
All the people you encountered may be at risk, even if you had no symptoms. That is how 90% of cases are being spread in our County.
The CDC has announced that wearing two masks increases your protection.
Hospital cases are now low enough that it is now easier for anyone to buy a surgical or N95 mask for added protection. A custom fitted mask will better prevent spread.
Healthline says that clear face shields do NOT prevent the spread of disease from your breath. A face shield can be added to a mask to keep the invisible airborne virus out of your eyes.
What if you want to make sure others can see your mouth? Ask Mickey Mouse! Disney Parks will admit patrons who have a clear mouth covering, as long as it is sealed on all sides to filter your breath. Great ideas from the folks who gave us Disney+ to reward staying home and streaming.
Ashtabula Health Info 