Weather discussion: Temperatures won’t be as cold as you step out this morning. Clouds will increase through the day & it’ll be a little warmer with highs in the low 40s & breezy from time to time. Tonight will be mostly cloudy with lows near 30. A wintry mix is possible on Thursday with highs near 40. Skies turn partly cloudy through the day on Friday with highs near freezing. Mostly cloudy & cold on Saturday as we hit the mid-20s. Snow showers are possible late Saturday & Sunday. Sunday afternoon will be seasonably chilly. Mostly cloudy on Monday & seasonable. Back into the mid-30s on Tuesday with a little more sunshine. In the 30s again midweek & beyond.
The bone-chilling weather has ended for the week, as we anticipate a milder couple of days.
Jan 12, 2022
TOLEDO, Ohio — We’re through the coldest stretch of weather this week as highs will now be above freezing today and tomorrow. With the more mild air also comes more clouds though.
A passing flurry may be possible Thursday but overall snow chances are very limited. Highs will turn colder into Friday, likely only reaching into the upper 20s.
A powerful storm system is expected to cross toward the east coast by late this weekend into early next week. While a direct hit appears unlikely we may be on the fringe with light snowfall possible.
SNOW POTENTIAL
A potent storm system is expected to dive south out of the Northern Plains this weekend. This system is likely to develop into a significant East Coast storm. The impacts to our area will depend on one of three possible general storm tracks. A coastal system favors only a few flurries, cold and dry. A more inland track could increase our snow chances late Sunday and into Monday.
Cincinnati -- The first thing you'll notice this morning is that it's not as cold outside! Southwest winds overnight moved in milder air. Low temperatures will be in the low 30s, a few in the upper 20s.
Today's forecast is partly cloudy and milder. Temperatures warm to the mid 40s this afternoon as the sky turns mostly cloudy. Winds will be in from the southwest at 5 to 15 mph during the day. It's my pick of the week, especially if you want to get outside!
Thursday's forecast turns a bit cooler with highs in the low 40s. You'll also notice a lot of cloud cover tomorrow. A weak area of low pressure is moving through the Ohio Valley, thus the change. But this system doesn't have a lot of moisture with it so it doesn't look likely that we'll see rain or snow Thursday. There's a slight chance that something develops with this system, but not enough to lead to any travel issues.
Friday's forecast is mostly cloudy with highs in the upper 30s. A light north wind is pulling the temperature down a bit.
And we are still monitoring the weekend forecast for snow. It looks like the system will stay southwest of us on Saturday, keeping snow out of the Tri-State for the day. The only possible locations that could see a few flurries would be our very southwest counties Saturday morning, but even there, isn't nothing to worry about.
U.S. officials have held off on saying whether they believe a new omicron-specific COVID-19 vaccine will be necessary, instead urging all to get boosters.
WKYC / Associated Press January 11, 2022
WASHINGTON — Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said Monday that a COVID-19vaccine that specifically targets the omicron variant will soon be ready.
Pfizer's CEO acknowledged that he doesn't know whether the omicron-specific vaccine will be needed or how it'll be used, but if there's a need there will be doses ready once approved.
The highly contagious omicron variant has sent new cases of COVID-19 to a record high, exploding to over 700,000 a day in the U.S. on average and obliterating the record set a year ago. The number of Americans in the hospital with the virus is running at about 110,000, just short of the peak of 124,000 last January.
At the same time, omicron appears to be causing milder illness than the delta variant.
Biden administration officials have held off on saying whether they believe a new Omicron-specific shot will be necessary. Instead, health officials have urged Americans to get a booster dose of the current Pfizer or Moderna vaccines to ensure they have maximum protection. Studies show a booster dose at least temporarily revs up virus-fighting antibodies to levels that offer the best chance at avoiding symptomatic infection, even from omicron.
Boosters already were encouraged for all Americans 16 and older, but last week the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention endorsed an extra Pfizer shot for younger teens — those 12 to 15 — and strengthened its recommendation that 16- and 17-year-olds get it, too.
The Ohio Department of Health has now reported a total of 2,226,881 coronavirus cases in the state.
WTOL / WBNS January 11, 2022
COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Department of Health reported 19,611 new COVID-19 cases, 442 additional hospitalizations and 363 deaths on Tuesday.
According to the Ohio Department of Health, omicron is now the dominant variant in the state.
Data collected between Dec. 18, 2021 and Jan. 1, 2022 shows omicron makes up 74.24% of all cases in Ohio with delta accounting for 24.83%. In the previous two-week reporting period, omicron was 31.44% and delta was 68.10%.
While the delta and omicron variants appear to act similarly in some ways, doctors say omicron appeared to be much more contagious.
The state is also experiencing the highest number of COVID-related hospital admissions since the start of the pandemic.
Reported data as of Jan. 11:
2,226,881 cases
30,435 deaths
100,272 hospitalizations
1,854,943 presumed recoveries
7,068,240 (60.47%) have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine
Coronavirus surge in the county prompts the emergency
WCPO - Cincinnati January 12, 2022
HAMILTON COUNTY, Ohio — The Hamilton County board of commissioners declared a county-wide state of emergency as a result of rising COVID-19 cases in the region.
The emergency declaration states that, as of Jan. 10, Hamilton County has a high level of community-based transmission of the virus, resulting in a 25.25% positivity rate. When businesses were shut down for COVID in 2020, getting below a 5% positivity was a barometer for reopening.
The CDC reported that Hamilton County had a 7-day average of 1,659 new cases per 100K people on January 9th, which was a new high since the start of the pandemic.
Stephanie Summerow Dumas, president of the Hamilton County commissioners board requested the board to "immediately renew and declare a Public Health State of Emergency in Hamilton County," the declaration of the state of emergency reads.
The county will also resume providing regular COVID-19 briefings.
The board approved Dumas' request Tuesday during a staff meeting, determining that an emergency does exist in the region as a result of "multiple streams of information and understanding the degree of danger COVID-19 continues to present to citizens."
The board of county commissioners is also requesting the Hamilton County Emergency Management Agency activate the Hamilton County Emergency Operations Center while the state of emergency is in place, to help coordinate response efforts.
The state of emergency allows any powers or actions taken as a result of local disaster emergency plans will continue in full effect. It also allows the county administrator to "utilize all necessary resources and personnel" to respond to the COVID-19 surge. The county can also forego the competitive bidding process for purchases related to the COVID-19 emergency, for purchases between $50,000 and $100,000 and allows for delegation of some responsibilities of the board.
The state of emergency will end in 60 days unless renewed by a majority vote of the Hamilton County board of commissioners.
Hamilton County officials declared a state of emergency Tuesday
WCPO - Cincinnati January 11, 2022
Hamilton County commissioners declared a state of emergency on Tuesday because a rapid increase of COVID-19 mounting in Hamilton County.
The county's rate of positive cases per 100K people tripled in the last three weeks and ranks among the 10 most infectious county rates in the state, according to Ohio Department of Health data.
The state of emergency declaration, approved in a resolution by County Commission President Stephane Summerow Dumas, allows staff to spend up to $100,000 (twice current allowances) on bids for tools like rapid COVID-19 tests. It also eases Federal Emergency Management Agency reimbursement processes for county staff, according to County Administrator Jeff Alutto.
Meanwhile, the number of COVID-19 positive patients in the region's 6 hospitals hit a record high of 981 Tuesday, according to The Health Collaborative.
Before Christmas, the owner of Black Owned, a streetwear company based downtown, saw his holiday sales surge end as a sign of things to come.
"It's like 'not again,'" said Means Cameron, owner of Black Owned in December.
So many of his employees tested positive for COVID-19 that Cameron closed his shop and only accepted online orders for one week.
"Holiday traffic did us in," he posted on Instagram.
That same week, Hamilton County saw a surge in positive cases. It had the 68th highest rate in Ohio on December 23rd, according to state data. One day before New Year's Eve, the county ranked 15.
"I have an obligation to protect all of my employees to keep them safe," Cameron said in December. "So, obviously I want to focus on profits, but I also have to focus on health."
With 2,094 cases per 100K people, Hamilton County currently holds Ohio's eighth-highest rate. Only counties in northeastern Ohio rank higher.
The Health Collaborative said all but three zip codes within Hamilton County are hot spots and health leaders are desperate to turn the tide.
"I think that there may be an oversell about how benign Omicron is," Dr. Richard Lofgren, CEO of UC Health said during a press conference last week. "I do get concerned that the greater community is not aware about how we can overwhelm or potentially overwhelm our health care system so that not only COVID care and non-COVID care can be compromised."
The Hamilton County commissioners' emergency declaration covers the next 60 days and will not take away funding or focus from existing strategies like the 513 Relief Center that helps people struggling to pay utilities and rent, Summerow Dumas said.
"We all have a responsibility to make sure you communicate to your neighbors, your friends where you work about how much of an emergency this is," she said.
It is why Black Owned re-opened with new rules: all employees and guests must wear masks inside the store, Cameron said. Guests must sanitize upon entry. The story has a limit of four shoppers at a time. Finally, employees are required to be tested every 14 days.
The Ohio Department of Health is also pushing new flow chart guidance for people regardless of vaccination status to follow and perhaps slow the pandemic's fastest spread yet.
'A vaccinated workforce is the best way to protect our patients, especially those who are immuno-compromised, chronically ill or not yet eligible to be vaccinated.'
WTOL / WKYC January 12, 2022
AKRON, Ohio — Employees at Akron Children's Hospital who remain unvaccinated against COVID-19 have been notified they will be placed on unpaid leave.
It comes as the hospital's Jan. 11 vaccination deadline has passed.
3News received the following statement Tuesday evening from Lisa Aurilio, the Chief Operating Officer at Akron Children’s Hospital:
“While the Jan. 11 deadline for our COVID-19 vaccination requirement is firm, we are working with those employees who have expressed in good faith their commitment to be fully vaccinated. Those employees for which we have no record of vaccination or exemption were notified on Friday that they will be placed on unpaid leave. This will not happen without a one-on-one meeting between an employee and manager. We value the contribution of each and every employee, but we must uphold our founding promise to provide the best care possible for every child in our service area. A vaccinated workforce is the best way to protect our patients, especially those who are immuno-compromised, chronically ill or not yet eligible to be vaccinated.”
On Monday, the Ohio Hospital Association reported a record-setting 6,177 inpatient hospitalizations.
WKYC / WBNS January 11, 2022
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Gov. Mike DeWine announced on Tuesday that additional Ohio National Guard members have been deployed to support COVID-19 testing locations around Ohio.
“We are grateful that National Guard members are continuing to fill critical roles in our state's response to this pandemic, especially as the strain on our health care providers continues,” said DeWine. “As cases increase across the state, the best thing Ohioans can do is to stay up to date on their COVID-19 vaccine.”
National Guard members are now supporting 12 testing locations as part of the efforts to help ease some of the burden on the state’s hardest-hit hospitals as Ohio is experiencing the highest number of COVID-19 driven inpatient hospitalizations, ICU admissions, and patients on ventilators seen throughout the pandemic.
“Our men and women are supporting about a dozen testing sites throughout Ohio, helping to provide additional opportunities for our fellow Ohioans to be tested for COVID-19. We have been fulfilling COVID-19 missions for more than 20 months, and we are committed to supporting our state during this time of need,” said Maj. Gen. John C. Harris Jr., Ohio adjutant general.
According to the governor’s office, the testing locations are helping to divert traffic from hospital emergency rooms.
He cited the Walker Testing Center in Cleveland which has tested more than 22,000 people, averaging more than 1,100 daily, since it launched.
At this time, the Ohio National Guard has been deployed to support the following testing locations:
Open
Akron: Atrium Testing Site (Summa Health), 1077 Gorge Blvd., Akron
Canton: (Aultman/Cleveland Clinic Mercy), Stark County Fairgrounds, 305 Wertz Ave. NW, Canton
Chillicothe: Adena Regional Medical Center, 272 Hospital Road, Chillicothe
Cleveland: Walker Center (Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals), 10524 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
Columbus: (Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center), first floor of the CAS parking garage at 2540 Olentangy River Road, Columbus
Dayton: (Premier Health) Miami Valley Hospital, 1 Wyoming St., Dayton
Mansfield: Avita Ontario Hospital, 715 Richland Mall, Mansfield
Maumee: Lucas County Recreation Center, 2901 Key St., Maumee
Zanesville: Genesis Hospital, 2951 Maple Ave., Zanesville
According to the governor’s office, the total deployment of National Guard members working with Ohio’s healthcare systems is now at 2,300 members.
This includes approximately 200 Guard members offering medical support and approximately 2,100 offering general support, including testing, food services, in-hospital patient transportation, administrative tasks, and more.
“Ohio hospitals appreciate the continued support and service of the Ohio National Guard during this critical time of healthcare need related to COVID-19. The testing locations organized by the Guard and hospitals have been extremely important to provide this dedicated service to give better access to testing while alleviating demand of hospitals’ emergency departments. We will continue to assess daily the needs for testing and the best utilization of Guard support during this surge,” according to a statement from the Ohio Hospital Association.
DeWine said the Ohio Department of Health and the Ohio Hospital Association are evaluating the situation daily at the state’s hospitals to ensure members are assisting in locations with the most need.
LANCASTER — As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, Fairfield County Emergency Management Agency Jon Kochis said central and southeastern Ohio hospitals capacity limits are a problem.
"The number of case counts continue to rise as we can all see in the news reports from ODH (Ohio Department of Health) and from the state," he said. "The hospitals really are getting to a point where between staffing and the number of people in the hospital, they're reporting all to be full, essentially."
Of course, the hospitals are not full of just COVID patients.
Kochis said there have been 1,112 COVID-related admissions to central and southeastern Ohio hospitals recently, up from 832 on New Year's Eve. That is an increase of 280 patients in about 11 days.
Kochis also said the number of patients in intensive care units was in the mid-150s but is now more than 200 in the region.
"We're we're looking at a large increase in patient counts and severity," he said. "There are 144 people on ventilators and that compares to previous to the new year about 110. As we see a greater number of case counts, just the wall of statistics would show that you have a greater number of people that are going to be going to the hospital and who are more critical."
Another pandemic issue has presented itself: COVID-19 tests are becoming increasingly harder to find.
10TV January 12, 2022
CLICK ON HEADLINE TO VIEW THE ENTIRE LIST OF TEST SITES
COLUMBUS, Ohio — As Ohio reports its highest spike in COVID-19 hospitalizations and people continue to test positive for the virus, another pandemic issue has presented itself: COVID-19 tests are becoming increasingly harder to find.
Demand for the tests spiked during the holidays, as people rushed to test negative before making the trip to visit loved ones. Now, more than one week into the new year, COVID-19 tests are still hard to come by.
In order to help get people tested, Gov. Mike DeWine announced more Ohio National Guard members have been deployed to 12 testing locations around the state.
The United States added nearly 200 million over-the-counter, at-home COVID tests to its artillery back in December, an amount President Joe Biden later said was “clearly not enough.” In late December, Biden announced the U.S. would purchase an additional 500 million tests, saying Americans could request to have one shipped to their home, free of charge, by January.
Many are still struggling to access tests amid the increase in demand. 10TV has compiled a list of locations and information to make your search that much easier. Just keep reading for what to know:
Columbus Public Health
Columbus Public Health announced last month it ran out of tests and is hoping to get more by January.
Columbus Metropolitan libraries will soon implement a new system to let people know when tests are in stock. A banner at the top of the library's website will detail test availability. From there, you will be asked to call the curbside number in the library's parking lot, and employees will bring the test to your car.
CAS parking garage at 2540 Olentangy River Road. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m, Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday.
The Ohio National Guard is also helping with 11 other locations throughout the state, which can be found here or at the bottom of this story.
Hospitals & urgent care locations
Adena:
You can call Adena's COVID-19 hotline at 740-542-7233 to answer screening questions. You will be given instructions from there.
Mount Carmel:
Anyone who is experiencing mild symptoms or has a known exposure to COVID-19 can get a PCR test at Mount Carmel East between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. You must schedule an appointment, which you can do here.
You can also get a test at both Mount Carmel urgent care locations. You are asked to contact them for more information on how to receive your test at the location:
Mount Carmel Urgent Care East: 614-986-7752
Mount Carmel Urgent Care Grove City: 614-871-7130
OhioHealth:
OhioHealth offers drive-thru testing locations across central Ohio. Hours for the locations are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Testing at all OhioHealth Urgent Care locations is limited to patients with symptoms. Anyone who is asymptomatic can schedule a video visit here or schedule a test on your MyChart account.
Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center:
Those who want to schedule a test at Ohio State can log in to their MyChart account here.
There is also a drive-thru testing site on the first floor of the CAS parking garage at 2540 Olentangy River Road. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m, Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday. You must make an appointment to get tested. You can make an appointment by logging into your MyChart account here.
The hospital system says on their website the emergency department is no longer providing COVID-19 tests for patients unless the patient has significant symptoms such as shortness of breath or hospital admission is expected.
Ohio Department of Health
ODH's website has a map of Ohio showing testing locations, where to get a rapid test and other resources. You can also locate a pharmacy, testing location or health center to take or find a COVID-19 test.
Retail stores & pharmacies
CVS: You can see your testing availability/access a test by visiting the CVS website. Just provide your zipcode for a list of nearby locations, then answer a series of questions. CVS will provide you with testing spots based on availability of which test you're looking for.
Giant Eagle: People can book an appointment for a COVID-19 test online on their website. Pharmacy hours vary, but most are open at 8 or 9 a.m. and close at 8 or 9 p.m.
Kroger: Several at-home COVID-19 tests can be purchased at a Kroger pharmacy, depending on availability, or online. You can see a list of tests sold here.
Meijer: Meijer's website offers three different at-home COVID-19 test kits and says whether they are available in the store you have selected.
Target: Target offers three at-home COVID-19 tests according to their website. The website will say whether the test is available at the store you have selected.
Testing sites statewide
The Ohio Department of Health is in the process of expanding COVID-19 testing sites to cities across the state. The Ohio National Guard either has been, or will soon be, deployed to all of those locations. Below is a list of sites currently open:
Akron: Atrium Testing Site (Summa Health), 1077 Gorge Blvd., Akron
Canton: (Aultman/Cleveland Clinic Mercy), Stark County Fairgrounds, 305 Wertz Ave. NW, Canton
Chillicothe: Adena Regional Medical Center, 272 Hospital Road, Chillicothe
The requirement was announced this week as part of the Biden administration’s effort to expand access to testing.
10TV January 12, 2022
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Healthcare insurance providers will be required to cover at-home rapid antigen tests for customers, according to a new rule announced by the Biden administration this week.
On January 15, private insurance will cover eight at-home COVID-19 for individuals and 32 tests for those with a family of four per month.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services says the over-the-counter tests need to be FDA approved.
Here is how CMS is hoping it rolls out, there will be no cost at the purchase site, but if you end up paying, check with your insurance plans to see how you can submit a receipt for reimbursement.
If a plan or provider does not setup a process to offer no-cost at-home testing, then the provider or health insurance company are required to cover the entire amount, CMS says.
America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), a national association representing health insurance providers, commented on the announcement.
“Every day, more Americans are being diagnosed with COVID-19. From the beginning, health insurance providers have taken decisive action to cover the costs of tests to diagnose and treat COVID-19 – and we continue to do so,” said Matt Eyles, president and CEO of AHIP. “Health insurance providers will work as quickly as possible to implement this guidance in ways that limit consumer confusion and challenges. While there will likely be some hiccups in early days, we will work with the Administration to swiftly address issues as they arise.”
For more frequently asked questions on the new rule for individuals and providers, click here.
(WEHT) — Generators can be helpful during a power outage, but they present serious health and safety concerns. FEMA gives these tips to help avoid danger while using one.
Safety Tips Be aware of hazards, such as carbon monoxide poisoning, fire and electrocution. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions on how to use the generator.
Carbon monoxide poisoning ▪ Do not assume that you are safe. Carbon monoxide from generators is completely colorless and odorless, so you won’t know if it’s there. It could kill your family and your pets. ▪ Install battery-powered carbon monoxide alarms inside your home to alert you of dangerous levels. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommended placement. ▪ Do not use a generator indoors or in partially enclosed spaces – including homes, garages, and crawl spaces – even those areas with partial ventilation. ▪ Do not operate a generator near open doors and windows. Using fans will not prevent carbon monoxide build-up in the home.
Electrocution or electric shock ▪ Always connect the generator to appliances with heavy-duty extension cords only. ▪ Do not hook up your generator directly to your home power supply. It could increase the voltage or cause a surge to the outside power lines and potentially injure or electrocute an unaware utility line worker. It would also bypass some of the built-in household circuit protection devices. Connecting the generator to your home could cause a surge in electricity that might result in injury or death to yourself or your family. ▪ Use a qualified electrician to install the appropriate equipment in accordance with local electrical codes or ask your utility company to install an appropriate power transfer switch.
Fire ▪ Keep your generator outside and fuel your generator outside.
