The situation around the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is changing rapidly, and the Lake County General Health District (LCGHD) is taking proactive steps to make the best decisions with the best information available to protect the public’s health, especially among older adults. With support of the Board of Health, Lake County General Health District recommends Lake County Senior Centers remain closed until January 1, 2021. At that time, this decision will be reassessed. This will minimize risk, prevent unintentional infection, and allow for the time necessary to develop proper testing protocols and safety measures, train senior center staff, and monitor the burden of COVID-19 on Lake County’s residents at highest risk. Limited services by appointment only may be approved on a case by case basis.
LCGHD considered many different factors when arriving at this difficult recommendation. Lake County senior centers have a long-standing tradition of providing an array of necessary services that enrich the lives of seniors living in our county. However, the fact remains that older adults and those with chronic medical conditions are at greatest risk of experiencing severe COVID-19 illness. People with lung disease or moderate to severe asthma, serious heart conditions, severe obesity, immunosuppression, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease are at significant risk. As people age, their immune systems change, making it more difficult for their body to fight off disease and infection, and because older adults are also more likely to have underlying health conditions, recovery can be more difficult. According to recent Lake County data, 63% of Lake County’s positive COVID-19 cases are among adults 60 years of age or older. Older adults also account for 63% of Lake County COVID-19 ICU admissions, and sadly, 96% of Lake County’s COVID-19 deaths.
LCGHD also considered access to COVID-19 testing for both staff and center participants, existing training needs of senior center staff, availability of personal protective equipment, local hospital census, the status of both Lake and its surrounding counties on the Ohio Public Health Advisory System, and the potential healthcare impact of the upcoming flu season.
During this time, LCGHD will work with senior center directors and staff to develop a safe re-opening plan. Plans will include protocols for staff and participant COVID-19 testing, assessment and reporting COVID-19 illness, staff training for cleaning and sanitization, and other critical infrastructure necessary to prevent COVID-19 when centers reopen.
Speaking of preventing illness, getting a flu vaccine this year is more important than ever. It’s likely that flu viruses and the virus that causes COVID-19 will both spread this fall and winter. Healthcare systems could be overwhelmed treating both patients with flu and patients with COVID-19. While getting a flu vaccine will not protect against COVID-19, flu vaccines have been shown to reduce the risk of flu illness, hospitalization, and death. Additionally, getting a flu vaccine can also save healthcare resources for the care of patients with COVID-19. We encourage any eligible to schedule a flu shot with their healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Lake County
General Health District
5966 Heisley Road
Mentor, Ohio 44060
CONTACT: RON H. GRAHAM (440) 251-9796