During a press conference on Friday, the Department of Health says new coronavirus cases have jumped 247% in the last two weeks. There are just over 6,500 people hospitalized with COVID and 1,300 of them are in intensive care. The Director of the Ohio Department of Health calls what the state is seeing the Omicron tsunami and it is spreading to different parts of the state.

FOA is working toward not only helping addicts get recovery, but spreading awareness about addiction. 

Brandon Fischer, Emergency Planner of Allen County Public Health explains, “We will be in discussions with the Ohio Department of Health weekly to determine how many doses we need based on the amount of people who show up to the clinics. We strongly encourage people to get the vaccine as soon as possible.”

The legislature issuing the first override of his term after a yearlong battle over how the state should respond during a health emergency. The Republican-controlled House and Senate voted today to reject DeWine's veto of Senate Bill 22. The decision allows lawmakers inputs on decisions by the state, and local health departments when responding to emergencies such as the coronavirus pandemic.

Allen County Board of Elections is looking for new poll workers, and the Ohio Department of Health wants everyone to know that the polls are just as safe as any other public space. Although the polls will remain open through the coronavirus concerns, the board of elections is facing a new problem of not having enough poll workers. Many of the workers are those who are at high risk of contracting the virus, and although the Ohio Department of Health says the polls are safe, it’s a risk many aren’t willing to take.

The news has not been received well but organizers say they must put public safety above all else. The Lima Irish Day Parade set for this Saturday has been officially canceled. The decision was announced this morning by Lima Mayor David Berger after receiving a written request from the Governor and the Ohio Department of Health to minimize large social gatherings. The request specifically sited parades. The Lima Irish Day Committee is respecting the Mayor's and Governor's request and while disappointing they understand the need to cancel the parade.

As information continues to flood the media about the Coronavirus, the potential for unfounded fears surrounding the virus begin in Ohio, but the state is remaining proactive in the outbreak. Governor Mike DeWine held a press conference that should put a halt to some of those fears of the virus spreading through Ohio. As of right now, dangers of the virus are not nearly as high in the United States and especially in Ohio than they are overseas, but DeWine wants people to keep a close watch on how the disease evolves. 

The Ohio Department of Health is reporting the number of people hospitalized for the flu is increasing. For the first full week of February, almost 1000 people were reported hospitalized, the most in one week for this flu season. A total of more than 5000 people have been hospitalized since the end of September. That's more than double the patients reported during the flu season this time last year. It's not too late to get a flu shot if you prefer. But also be sure to stay home if you feel sick, cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, wash your hands often and avoid touching your face after touching objects.

Allen County is one of four counties in the state of Ohio that has been identified with elevated lead levels according to the Ohio Department of Health. The number of older homes in the region could partially to blame. Public Health Consultant Lisa Salyers from the Ohio Department of Health speaking to members of the Family and Children First Council today. 

Right now the Ohio Department of Health says that vaping has increased by 48 percent for middle school-age students. There was a 78 percent increase for high school students. This is why the department wants to educate people about the dangers involved with using these devices. ODH recently wrote a letter to Ohio school districts asking them to prohibit the use of vaping products. They are also investing over $3 million to develop and promote resources available to help people who vape. And $800,000 will be used for public education and vape prevention campaigns. This is something that the ODH believes needs to be done because of the impact that vaping companies are having on the youth.