SUMMIT COUNTY, Ohio — Summit County officials have extended their stay-at-home health advisory— originally set to expire on Dec.16— to expire on Jan. 31, 2021, in response to the increase in the number of COVID-19 cases, emergency room visits, and COVID-19 related deaths.
The advisory urges all residents to stay at home as much as possible. Anyone who needs to leave home should do so only for work, school, or essential needs.
“It has never been more challenging to fight through quarantine fatigue and adhere to what we know works best—staying home and staying apart from each other. Conversely, it has never been more important to do just that,” said Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro. “Failing to adhere to the best practices advised by public health experts puts not only the individual at risk, but the entire community as well. Please, be safe.”
Residents are advised to avoid having guests gathering in their homes during holiday parties and gatherings. Summit County employers are encouraged to allow employees to work from home whenever possible.
“We are beginning to see the surge of COVID-19 cases as the result of folks gathering at Thanksgiving. Our hospitals and emergency rooms are overwhelmed” said Health Commissioner Donna Skoda. “As the year winds down and the holidays are upon us, please keep your gatherings limited to those who live in your house. And, as always—stay home, and if you have to go out, wear a mask, stay six feet apart and wash your hands.”
Residents that have been identified as a contact to an individual diagnosed with COVID-19 should quarantine for one full incubation period (14 days) from the date of last contact. Residents should continue to wear a mask, social distance, and avoid travel throughout the state.
