Covid-19 positivity rate now over 15 % in Ohio

Ohio – Ohio has surpassed a 15 percent positivity rate on COVID-19 tests.

The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) has advised Ohioans to either avoid traveling to states with a 15 percent positivity rate or to self-quarantine on their return to the Buckeye State. On Thursday morning, Gov. Mike DeWine announced his state had surpassed the ignominious threshold.

“Positivity rate is an indicator of how much COVID-19 there is in a community, and ODH is recommending against travel to those states with high positivity,” the Ohio Department of Health said on its website.

The state health department added Ohio to its list of states to avoid traveling to, a warning to out-of-state travelers. This is the first week since April that Ohio has landed on the travel advisory list.

“The state has seen record levels of cases, deaths, and hospitalizations in the past week, and all Ohioans can help to limit the spread and impact of this virus. This includes recommendations to stay at home except for necessary trips for supplies, consistent mask-wearing when around others, and frequent hand washing. Together we can help stop the spread of COVID-19,” ODH said.

Besides Ohio, health officials are advising passengers to avoid traveling to the following states: