COVID-19 Threat In Lorain County Downgraded

AVON, OH — Lorain County's COVID-19 threat was significantly downgraded by Ohio health officials on Thursday.

Lorain County dropped from red to yellow this week. A red classification indicates a "very high" rate of "exposure and spread" of COVID-19 locally. Yellow, the lowest possible classification according to the state's color-coded COVID-19 warning system, means simply that there is "active" spread locally.

Gov. Mike DeWine said officials were wondering how conditions improved so rapidly in Lorain County. Health officials said residents have resumed following masking orders and practicing social distancing.

"They're also using caution when planning gatherings," the governor said Thursday. He applauded Lorain County's efforts in stamping out the virus.

According to Ohio Department of Health data, Lorain County ranks 55th among Ohio's 88 counties for highest occurrence of COVID-19. Health officials report there are 42 cases per 100,000 Lorain County residents.

As of Sept. 1, there were 130 COVID-19 cases in Lorain County, the Ohio Department of Health reported.