One in four Hamilton County residents have started receiving COVID-19 vaccinations. However, there's still a lot of viral activity.
The county is seeing a plateau of daily cases, which is slightly more than 100. However, Hamilton County has roughly 3,300 active cases, indicating high COVID activity. Health Commissioner Greg Kesterman said there's a lot going well for the county, most notably the number of citizens receiving vaccinations.
"We're making really good metrics, and hopefully this will long-term impact the number of people that can get serious illness," Kesterman said. "But each of us must continue to be careful and continue to practice safety steps to protect ourselves and our family."
Hamilton County will receive more than 26,000 doses of COVID vaccines this week. Kroger pharmacies in the region are receiving direct shipments from the state. The Cintas Center mass vaccination site will also receive another 10,000 doses in the coming weeks. Kesterman says more than two-thirds of people over the age of 65 have been vaccinated.
"They are the population that have ended up the most sick with COVID-19, so I'm really excited to see that progress and we're excited to continue to make sure we can get vaccine for that population and anyone who wants it," Kesterman said.
Next Monday, Ohioans over the age of 16 become eligible for vaccinations.
Less than 800 people tested positive for COVID-19 in Hamilton County over the past week. More than 75,000 people in the county have contracted COVID-19 during the pandemic.
