Erie County Health Department issues warning after increase in COVID-19 deaths

SANDUSKY – The Erie County Health Department is reminding the public to be vigilant in fighting COVID-19, after an increase in deaths and hospitalizations in Erie County during November.

According to the Health Department, COVID-19 related deaths have not exceeded 1-2 a month since February 2023; however, during November, five deaths attributed to COVID-19 occurred.

The Health Department says masks and vaccinations are still the main prevention measures and have led to significant decreases in infections, hospitalizations, and deaths.

They also state that current guidelines for managing COVID-19 infection state that an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19 must isolate for five days from symptom onset, and, following release from isolation, masking is recommended to occur on days 6-10 to reduce any potential spread to others. Any individual who is exposed to COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status, is recommended to mask for 10 days from last known exposure.

The Health Department also says that effective treatments are now widely available for individuals who have COVID-19 and are at high risk of developing severe illness. They say that these individuals should contact their healthcare provider as soon as possible, as treatment must be started within a few days after first developing symptoms to be effective.

This article was written by Nate Hinners. Contact Nate at nhinners@huroninsider.com.