Tuesday, June 30th, 2020

Mercer has 2 new virus cases, Auglaize none

By Leslie Gartrell
CELINA - Two new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Mercer County on Monday, raising the county's total to 267.
No new cases were reported in Auglaize County.
The two newest cases involve a man from the age of 80-90 who is hospitalized and a woman from the age of 70-80 who is self-isolating at home, according to a Mercer County Health District news release.
The health district over the weekend also reported three confirmed cases on its Facebook page. These involved men from the age of 50-60 and from 40-50 and a woman from the age of 50-60. All individuals are self-isolating at home, according to the release.
District officials also reported five probable cases, 226 people who have recovered, eight pending tests, 1,152 negative test results, five hospitalizations and nine deaths from COVID-19.
Celina has the largest number of cases at 119; Coldwater has 52; St. Henry, 43; Fort Recovery, 26; Maria Stein, 12; Rockford, six; Mendon, three; Chickasaw, three; and Burkettsville, one, according to the health district's online dashboard at arcg.is/1mTqa5.
The dashboard includes a map of cases by town and ZIP code and demographic breakdowns by race, sex, age range and the number of cases by the date when the tests were taken.
The map also includes a breakdown of long-term care and confinement facilities with confirmed cases of COVID-19 among staff and/or residents. Officials update the online dashboard each weekday by 4 p.m.
The health district noted positive antibody tests are reported as probable cases of COVID-19. If the same individual would test positive more than once, the results would only be counted as one case.
Health officials in the release emphasized the importance of taking safety measures to stop the spread of COVID-19 as the Fourth of July holiday nears.
"The virus continues to live in our communities and it's important to remain vigilant and understand the significance of social distancing, wearing face coverings, washing hands, sanitizing, and staying home if you are sick," the release reads.
Independence Day fireworks shows can proceed, but large gatherings are still prohibited at this time, the release continued. Spectators are urged to find ways to celebrate the holiday in small groups, such as watching displays from porches, backyards or vehicles.
As of Monday evening, the Ohio Department of Health reported 51,046 confirmed and probable cases in the state, 7,746 hospitalizations and 2,818 confirmed and probable deaths.
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FORT RECOVERY - Village council members unanimously hired Jean Schoonover as the village's new grant administrator and assistant fiscal officer during a special meeting on Monday evening.
FORT RECOVERY - School board members at a special meeting on Monday afternoon unanimously hired middle school principal Tony Stahl as the new high school principal.
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Compiled by Gary R. Rasberry
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