New COVID-19 case rates have dipped in most area counties, although Athens County saw a slight increase.
Athens County, population 65,327, reported 150 new cases from Dec. 22 to Jan. 4, and its rate of 229.6 per 100,000 people was the 29th highest out of Ohio’s 88 counties. From Dec. 15-26, Athens had 140 new cases for a rate of 214.3, which ranked 50th.
Monroe County was the next highest, with 24 new cases among its 13,654 residents for a rate of 175.8 per 100,000 that was 59th in the state. In the earlier period, there were 34 new cases and the rate of 249 per 100,000 was 34th.
Washington County, population 59,911, followed with 103 new cases and a rate of 171.9 per 100,000 (62nd). Although the number of cases decreased from 113 and the rate from 188.6, the county moved up from 68th in the state.
Morgan County had 24 new cases among its 13,654 residents, and its rate of 165.4 per 100,000 was 69th. All of those numbers are down from the previous period, when there were 31 new cases and a rate of 213.7 (52nd).
Noble County dropped back near the bottom of the counties, with just 10 new cases among its population of 14,424. The rate of 69.3 per 100,000 was the second lowest in the state. Its rate in the earlier span was 124.8, ranking 84th, on 18 new cases
The statewide average of new cases per 100,000 people decreased for the second consecutive week, from 232.4 to 203.4.
Washington County moved back to medium on the COVID Community Levels measure updated weekly by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The county was listed as high last week, based on new cases per 100,000 people and hospitalization statistics for the preceding seven days.
In counties designated as high, the CDC recommends wearing masks in indoor, public spaces. In counties rated medium, people at greater risk of serious illness from COVID are encouraged to discuss precautions like masking with a health care provider.
Monroe County was also medium, the same level it was on last week.
Morgan and Noble moved from medium to low, joining Athens County. With a low designation, the CDC advises residents to keep up with vaccinations and get tested if they develop symptoms.
