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LISBON -- Hospital admissions for confirmed COVID-19 cases in Columbiana County remain low, but county health district officials are reminding residents what to do if they test positive or have been exposed to COVID-19.
The health department has a new informational sheet available from the Ohio Department of Health which explains the steps to follow.
If positive for COVID-19, stay home for the next five days regardless of symptoms or vaccination status. After five days have passed, if fever is gone and symptoms improved, resume normal activities while wearing a mask for the next five days.
That's it in a nutshell.
Anyone having symptoms of COVID-19 and awaiting test results should stay home until the results are received. Stay away from other people as much as possible, including in the household, and wear a three-layer or better mask. If no symptoms were experienced, resume normal activities after five days while wearing a mask for the next five days.
For someone who is exposed to COVID-19, they should wear a mask around others for 10 days. If symptoms develop, stay home. Even if symptoms don't develop, test after five full days unless the person tested positive in the last three months. If the test is negative, continue wearing a mask around others for five days.
During a recent county health board meeting, Health Services Administrator Amanda Amato said the new COVID vaccine was ordered and the RSV vaccine will be available, along with the flu vaccine. In talking about vaccine costs, she explained that Vaxcare, the vaccine supplier for the district, increased what it charges the district per vaccine.
In other business, the board welcomed newly appointed member Linda Garwood of Fairfield Township, who was chosen by the District Advisory Council to fill the seat left empty July 29 by the death of longtime board member Tom Haugh.
"We look forward to working with you," board President Shawn Apple said.
The board approved Advanced Excavating of East Liverpool for septic system replacements or repairs for one project funded by three separate sources, including H2Ohio and Water Pollution Control Loan Fund with a bid of $11,245. Colian Multi Service of Salem won the contract for the second project funded by the Water Pollution Control Loan Fund with a bid of $44,550.
Carryovers were appropriated for the workforce fund, home heath fund, food service fund and rabies program.
Fiscal Officer Karen Clark reported the health district received $138,431 from Norfolk Southern for expenses from February through June for response related to the train derailment.
The next health board meeting will be 4:30 p.m. Oct. 18.
mgreier@mojonews.com