Erie County has 4 new outbreaks

SANDUSKY — The latest wave of COVID-19 cases has been declining nationally in Ohio, but in Erie County, it's still going strong. The Erie County Health Department reported Tuesday that there are 295 new cases in a week's time. That compares to 259 new cases tallied last week. The large number of new cases was boosted by four new outbreaks, said Ashley Franks, an epidemiologist for the Erie County Health Department. One is connected with Sandusky High School's homecoming dance and another is at Providence Care Center. One outbreak was at Firelands Regional Medical Center and one was at a wedding, Franks said. The health department also reported 23 COVID-19 patients being treated at Firelands Regional Medical Center, down only a small amount from the 26 patients reported in last week's news release. Of the current 23 patients, 20 were unvaccinated. There were two additional deaths from COVID-19, bringing the total number up to 236. The Erie County Health Department also announced it started to offer booster shots for recipients of all three of the COVID-19 vaccines. Anyone who got a Johnson & Johnson vaccine can get a booster two months later. Recipients of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines can get boosters if six months have passed from the second shot and if they are 65 or older or if they have certain medical conditions or are considered to be in high-risk occupations. Booster shot sessions at the health department may be scheduled at the CovidErieOhio.com website or phoning the health department. Moderna booster clinics are scheduled 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and also 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 pm Thursday and Friday. Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson boosters are being scheduled on an individual basis. Booster shots also are being offered at other locations, including pharmacies. Magruder Hospital in Port Clinton is offering Moderna boosters but clarified Monday that appointments must be made and shots will not be given on a walk-in basis.