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Ohio Department Of Health Retires Color-Coded COVID-19 Map

By Jo Ingles

Published May 28, 2021 at 2:24 PM EDT

The color-coded maps of COVID-19 cases Ohioans have been watching on the state’s coronavirus website to see how their area was faring compared with others is going away.

Ohio Department of Health Director Stephanie McCloud said Thursday the coronavirus public health advisory system maps showing spread and exposure, from yellow to orange to red to purple, in all 88 counties was helpful when the pandemic was at its highest point. But now, she said state leaders are considering other indicators to measure the status of virus spread.

“We’re looking at vaccination numbers, total average numbers, we are watching the cases," McCloud said.

With lower numbers of positive cases, the maps are not as helpful, McCloud said.

The risk assessment system for the maps was based on: new cases per capita; sustained increase in new cases; proportion of cases not in congregate settings, like nursing homes; COVID-19-related emergency room visits; COVID-19 outpatient visits, including telehealth; COVID-19 hospital admissions and intensive care unit occupancy.

Most of Ohio’s coronavirus health orders will be lifted June 2, but she said the state is looking for ways to continue some protocols in nursing homes and skilled health facilities.