LORAIN COUNTY, Ohio — In the past few weeks, Ohio and most of the United States have seen a spike in the number of coronavirus cases. This is especially true in Lorain County for the younger population.
According to Lorain County Public Health, they have seen an increase in positive COVID-19 tests in children and teenagers.
Although the risk for severe coronavirus cases in kids remains low, being sick can cause lost school time and work time for the parents.
The kids can also spread the virus to older adults and their parents or grandparents.
“So far, COVID-19 cases in school-age children have not resulted in the virus spreading through the schools,” says LCPH Health Commissioner Dave Covell, RS, MPH. “Schools, teachers and coaches are doing a great job keeping as many barriers as possible between students and the virus. Before and after school, however, some young people are letting their guard down.”
The Lorain health department sites sleepovers, unmasked carpools and sharing water bottles as the reason for the uptick of COVID-19 cases in the County.
“It’s critical that parents talk to their children and - together - come up with ways on how to stay socially responsible,” says Covell. “Teenagers want to keep their friends, teammates and coworkers safe. They don’t want to miss out on sports and other favorite activities. Continuing safety measures will become even more important as we begin the winter months.”
As always, the ways to slow the spread include washing your hands, staying six feet away from others and wearing a mask in public.