COLUMBUS – After battling COVID-19, a proposal from Ohio lawmakers to potentially eliminate health departments that serve smaller cities felt like a gut punch to those still on the front lines of the pandemic.
At least, that s how Beth Bickford, executive director of the Association of Ohio Health Commissioners, sees it.
Language in Ohio s two-year budget would require cities with fewer than 50,000 residents to study whether their health department should merge with the county health department. The change could consolidate as many as 18 of the state s 113 health departments. We have significant concerns about an arbitrary number like population being the deciding factor, Bickford said. These conversations and decisions need to start locally, and the communities they represent need to be at the table.
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Expert advises you to do research before traveling
Pandemic restrictions are being relaxed in some areas after more than a year, and optimistic Iowans are responding by planning summer vacations to destinations near and far.
Hamilton County Public Health director Shelby Kroona says to do your homework first and make certain visitors are being accepted before you buy plane tickets. “It’s really important to know where you’re traveling, especially if you’re going international,” Kroona says. “Some of those countries are going to start to open up to us. Europe is talking about letting Americans come and travel this summer, same with cruises and different things.”
1:02 We have made a ton of progress and if you ve been waiting to make sure that those that need the vaccine the most have had it, at this point in time they have, says Greg Kesterman, Hamilton County Health commissioner.
There are open appointments at clinics across the Tri-State, including walk-in openings with no appointment necessary. You can find location information here.
Officials acknowledge some people remain wary of getting vaccinated because they want more information about safety. You can find vaccine safety information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention here. You can also consult with your primary care physician.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine hints toward vaccine benchmark to prompt relaxing COVID rules
While some Ohioans have held back on getting vaccinated against COVID-19, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said he s holding back on lifting more pandemic-related health restrictions until more people get the shot.
and last updated 2021-05-03 23:58:11-04
While some Ohioans have held back on getting vaccinated against COVID-19, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said he s holding back on lifting more pandemic-related health restrictions.
But in the coming days, the Republican has hinted he might set a new benchmark for lifting things like indoor capacity limits on bars, restaurants, music venues and sporting events, and that benchmark will most likely revolve around getting more Ohioans vaccinated.