Health & Fitness
1st Ohio County Now Classified As 'Purple' For Coronavirus Spread
One of Ohio's most populous counties has officially been declared "purple" for its COVID-19 spread.
COLUMBUS, OH — For the first time in the state's color-coded advisory system, a county has hit the highest warning level possible, purple.
On Thursday, Franklin County became the first county to be classified as "purple." Lake, Lorain and Montgomery County could join Franklin next week as purple counties.
Purple counties have "severe" spread of COVID-19 locally, according to the Ohio Department of Health.
Find out what's happening in Across Ohiofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Gov. Mike DeWine said all of Ohio's hospital systems are straining under the influx of COVID-19 patients.
"We are now in the middle of another surge in patients who are hospitalized. As of today, we are up to 3,829 COVID-19 patients who are currently in the hospital, with 943 of those in the ICU. These are the highest patient counts we’ve had during this pandemic," Gov. Mike DeWine said Thursday.
Find out what's happening in Across Ohiofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Of Ohio's 88 counties, 72 are red or purple for their COVID-19 spread. No counties are classified as "yellow" (the lowest possible threat level).
While Franklin is the only county moving to purple this week, we see similar stories in much of the state: Our healthcare system is feeling the impact of this disease and hospitals are worried about being able to keep up w/ staffing of nurses and doctors and other support staff. pic.twitter.com/tH7ooVV6xm
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) November 19, 2020
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