OHIO- Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced during his press conference Thursday that the spread of COVID-19 is worsening in our communities. Nineteen counties are now in Red Alert Level 3 — meaning there is a very high risk of exposure and spread. 

As of Friday night at 6:00, all Red Alert Level 3 counties will be under a mask order, which means nearly 60 percent of Ohioans will be required to wear masks in public. 

DeWine detailed the situation for many of those in the Red Alert status. 

ATHENS: The situation here has rapidly accelerated with isolated outbreaks that have resulted from a concerning community spread. Local health officials report at least three outbreaks at local bars, all of which have temporarily closed due to staff cases.

ALLEN: They’ve had a surge of 76 cases over the last two weeks. This is not just from increased testing, as more and more Allen County residents are seeking care from their doctor and from the ER for COVID-19 symptoms.

BUTLER: Cases here are still increasing but at a slightly slower pace than during the previous week. Butler County, with 368,000 residents, has had more cases during the past two weeks than the entire country of Denmark, population 5.8 million, has had during the same period.

CLERMONT: During the past two weeks, they’ve had 130 new coronavirus cases, which is 24% of their total cases since the beginning of the pandemic. With 197,000 residents, they’ve had more cases during the past two weeks than the entire country of Finland, population 5.5 million.

CUYAHOGA: Outpatient visits for coronavirus more than tripled during the past three weeks. It’s critical that the residents of Cuyahoga County remain vigilant and do all they can to reduce their risk and exposure to coronavirus. We are continuing to monitor their data closely.

DELAWARE: With 174,000 residents, they’ve had 233 cases over the last two weeks. More than the entire Republic of Ireland, population 4.9 million, had over the same period. Local officials note a number of travelers who may have contracted the virus while in Florida.

HAMILTON: Local health officials have relayed to us that numbers may be plateauing. However, indicator data remains at a high level, and the number of people seeking medical care has increased two and a half times over the last three weeks.

LICKING: While some cases have come from long-term care facilities, almost three-fourths of the cases have come from outside congregate settings, indicating significant community spread. Local officials also note a small outbreak at a house of worship.

LUCAS: The average number of cases has more than quadrupled over the last three weeks. ER Visits have doubled. People seeing their doctor with symptoms have tripled. Local officials note an outbreak at a long-term care facility and a recent funeral.

RICHLAND: They’ve seen their daily case average double over the last few weeks. With 124,000 residents, Richland County has had more cases over the last two weeks than the entire nation of Jamaica, population 2.9 million.

SCIOTO: Almost all of their new cases were from outside congregate settings, indicating significant community spread. More are going to their doctor and being diagnosed with coronavirus. Local officials note an outbreak at a daycare center and at least one other workplace.

UNION: Daily average cases have quadrupled over the last three weeks. Union County has experienced new cases due to travel outside Ohio, including to Arizona, Florida, and North Carolina, as well as routine travel to and from neighboring counties.

More detailed information on all Red Alert Level 3 counties can be found by following this link.