Clark County will learn if its upgraded to purple health level today, ‘major changes’ planned if that happens

CLARK COUNTY — Clark County’s health commissioner cautions more restrictions could be on the way if the county does not see an improvement in multiple COVID-19 indicators by today’s release of the new health advisory system map.

Last week, Gov. Mike DeWine announced Clark County, already at Level 3, “red,” on Ohio’s Public Health Advisory System, had been placed on a watch. That means the county meets the criteria for the highest level, Level 4, “purple,” public emergency.

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“If we go purple we will have to make some major changes to try to right the ship,” said Charles Patterson, health commissioner.

County officials have worked to distribute 145,000 masks it received recently, set up new testing sites and have had discussions with local leaders about what new regulations might look like should Clark County be upgraded to “purple” today.

Patterson said DeWine is leaving the decision on new restrictions, including with schools, up to local officials.

“People need to understand our hospitals are seeing more patients. All the hospitals in the region are seeing more patients,” Patterson said. “We don’t want our school kids affected. We don’t want our businesses affected.”

Patterson added, Clark County as of Thursday last week had seen 30 deaths in the last 22 days, a number he called “staggering.” Many of those deaths have occurred in long term care facilities. But he said it simply should not be happening, calling on people in the community to come together and follow existing guidelines to avoid being upgraded to Level 4 today.

“We know that the people of Clark County can pull together in trying times and make a difference,” Patterson said. “This is a time when you can make a difference.”

Cox Media Group