The rate of people being diagnosed with coronavirus continues to spread at a steadily increasing rate across Cuyahoga County, the state of Ohio; and the country.
This is mainly due to the Delta variant, the more contagious and dangerous variant of COVID-19 that's been driving the increase in cases for months now.
Last week, the 21-day moving average for cases was just over 2,000.
The average for hospitalizations remains fewer than 100, and deaths are in the single digits - but all of those numbers continue to climb.
In an effort to combat the spread, the Centers for Disease Control earlier this month again recommended the use of masks indoors, even for people who are vaccinated.
Another substantial news item is the recent approval for 'booster' shots of the COVID-19 vaccine, to be given to individuals beginning in September, which has raised the ire of nations where shots of any type have been slow to non-existent.
The vaccine continues to be the best weapon against the coronavirus pandemic, but with so many individuals still unvaccinated - what's next regarding the spread of the Delta variant, booster shots, mask mandates, and increasing hospitalizations?
We'll devote the first half of today's program to another update on all things COVID. And we’ll pay discuss the looming school year and how children returning to the classroom creates another layer of complication.
Later in the hour, we'll look again at the redistricting process in Ohio, as public input sessions across the state begin today.
And finally we'll preview a mural project that's taking over Midtown.
- Anna Huntsman, Health Unit Reporter, Ideastream Public Media
- Daniel Rhoads, MD, Section Head of Microbiology, Cleveland Clinic
- Jen Miller, Executive Director, League of Women Voters of Ohio
- Catherine Turcer, Executive Director, Common Cause Ohio
- Joyce Huang, Vice President of Community Development, MidTown Cleveland
