AKRON, Ohio — Editor's note: Video at the top of this story was published before Summit County issued their stay-at-home advisory.
As COVID-19 cases surge in Ohio, Summit County has now activated a stay-at-home advisory through Dec. 16.
“The advisory urges all residents to stay at home to the greatest extent possible due to the risk of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in the county,” officials said in a press release Thursday morning. “Residents should only leave home to go to work or school, or for essential needs such as seeking medical care, going to the grocery store or pharmacy, picking up food or receiving deliveries.”
Other requests within the stay-at-home advisory:
- Employers are asked to move as many employees as possible to work from home.
- Residents are urged to avoid out-of-state travel.
- Residents are urged not to welcome guests into their home – including for the upcoming holiday season.
- Businesses and local governments should move as many transactions and functions to online.
- Schools are directed to monitor cases within their district and community.
Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro said the county is quickly approaching a tipping point.
“We must take collective action beginning today,” Shapiro said in a statement. “If we do not, we are putting the lives of our friends, family and neighbors at risk and threatening the ability of our hospitals to provide care to patients. We have all made immense sacrifices this year. We all are feeling exhausted, but I am asking the residents of Summit County to continue to prioritize the health and safety of our community.”
Cuyahoga and Medina counties both announced a stay-at-home advisory on Wednesday. Earlier this week, the city of Akron also announced a legislation that limits the number of outside guests residents can welcome into their homes.
“We are seeing an alarming trend in both the number of cases and the positivity rate of COVID-19 in Summit County. We have to change our behaviors and routines to slow the spread of this disease in our community,” said Health Commissioner Donna Skoda. “Please stay home as much as possible. If you have to leave your home, wear a mask and distance from others.”
MORE HEADLINES:
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- RELATED: Cuyahoga County issues stay-at-home advisory, recommending schools and churches close due to COVID-19 surge
- RELATED: Medina County issues Stay-at-Home advisory amid COVID-19 surge
- RELATED: COVID-19 in Ohio: Tracking the latest data
- RELATED: Akron City Council passes legislation limiting private gatherings for 30 days