The Ohio Department of Health reported last week that the two-week statewide average of cases per 100,000 residents is 49.5. These cases had onset dates in a two-week period from May 22 to June 4.

Ottawa County’s rate had fallen below the state average, resulting in its being downgraded from red to orange in mid-May on Ohio’s Covid-19 health advisory. The advisories have since been discontinued, but Ottawa County’s rating would decreased to yellow if it still remained.

“Ohioans have shown our resilience and grit, and by continuing to get vaccinated we are coming through this pandemic stronger than ever,” said Gov. Mike DeWine. “When I announced this goal March 4, I said that reaching 50 cases per 100,000 would mean we were entering a new phase of this pandemic. Vaccinations are working.

“That’s why cases, hospitalizations, and deaths are down. But that doesn’t mean we can let our foot off the gas. If you’re not vaccinated against Covid-19, continue to wear a mask in public and Ohioans that are able to get vaccinated should.”

More than 5.3 million Ohioans have started the vaccination process, making up 45.9% of all Ohioans and 40.5% of Ohio adults, and 4.7 million are fully vaccinated.

Case rates per 100,000 residents have been monitored throughout the pandemic and were as high as more than 900 cases per 100,000 residents in data from Dec. 14. Specifically, 939.1 cases per 100,000 were reported from Nov. 30 through Dec. 13. The last time Ohio fell below 50 cases per 100,000 residents was last June 25, when 49.7 cases per were reported for June 11-24 in 2020.

Although this is a positive indicator in the fight against Covid-19, the threat of the virus remains. Individuals should continue taking proper preventative measures including washing, and sanitizing hands and surfaces frequently. While masking is no longer mandated, unvaccinated Ohioans should continue wearing masks indoors or in crowded settings where social distancing is not possible.

Businesses and organizations can continue to require masking regardless of an individual’s vaccination status, including in healthcare settings.