Command Center reports 82 new cases of COVID-19 in Muskingum County

ZANESVILLE, Ohio–The Muskingum County Joint Unified Command Center reported Monday that 82 more residents have tested positive for COVID-19.

This number breaks down as follows: 31 reported on 10/16, 43 reported on 10/17, and 8 reported on 10/18.

18 of these cases are recovering and connected to Primrose Retirement Community.

Another case connected to the outbreak at Primrose involves a 94-year-old woman who is hospitalized.

Dr Jack Butterfield issued the following safety message:

We are experiencing a surge in local cases through community spread as well as the current outbreak in the Primrose Retirement Community. For 3 weeks, Muskingum County has been designated a Level 3 (RED) COVID-19 risk level, meaning there is high risk of exposure and community spread. And, this risk level is likely to continue for the foreseeable future. Genesis has more patients in the hospital with COVID-19 than on any other day since the pandemic began. There are also more COVID-19 patients in the ICU on ventilators than we have had on any one day in the past. It is becoming more important than ever for our community to protect the most vulnerable people.

Therefore, the Safety Division has the following recommendations:  It is strongly advised that all Long-Term Care Facilities suspend all indoor visitations until we see a drop in the county COVID-19 risk level as determined by the Ohio Public Health Advisory System. This includes all unnecessary vendors, contractors and any other persons entering the facilities.  Masks remain strongly encouraged when in public, especially indoors and anywhere when social distancing is difficult.  It is vital to maintain social distancing whenever possible.  Frequent hand washing/sanitizing is important.  If you are having respiratory symptoms, stay home.

Muskingum County is reporting the following: • 832 Confirmed Cases • 17 Probable Cases • 849 Total Cases • 150 Active Cases • 14 Current Hospitalization/94 Total Hospitalizations • 5 Death

For more information on these cases you can go to the Health Department’s website http://www.zmchd.org/coronavirus.