Ohio COVID cases are on the rise: Here's what to do if you're exposed before Thanksgiving

Coronavirus cases are rising again across Ohio but trending down in Summit County just in time for Thanksgiving.

Statewide cases rose by about 1,100 in the three weeks following Oct. 20, reaching 7,511 by Nov. 9, according to the Ohio Department of Health. In that time period, hospitalizations shifted each week from 218 to 233, then down to 198. About 38 deaths were reported in that time.

Richard Marountas of Summit County Public Health said these numbers may not reflect every positive case.

"When the public health emergency was lifted in May, so were the mandated reporting requirements, so reported cases now only include those who are of a mind to report," said Marountas, the chief epidemiologist for the county health department. "In addition, home testing makes up the vast majority of testing now, almost all of which goes unreported"

Although cases are down in Summit County, he said this could be temporary as the holiday season arrives and the school year continues.

The total Ohio case count since 2020 is 3.6 million, with roughly 144,000 hospitalizations and about 42,800 deaths, according to ODH data.

"Hospitalizations and deaths are still relatively solid figures, as they are much more likely to be complete," Marountas said. "Both hospitalizations and deaths are up from their summer lows."

What type of COVID is going around?

There are 34 variants in midwestern states, Marountas said. Severity has not changed much, and all appear to be affected by current vaccines.

What to do if you're exposed to COVID?

In short, the Centers for Disease Control and Protection urges those exposed to COVID-19 to wear a mask. If symptoms develop, they should self-quarantine.

Anyone can develop COVID-19 up to 10 days after exposure, so if exposed, masks are recommended inside homes and in indoor public spaces to keep others safe.

The CDC recommends individuals test when they have COVID-like symptoms, at which point they should quarantine. If someone tests positive, they should remain home and isolated from others for at least five days or until symptoms go away.

If symptoms remain after five days, isolation can end after the first fever-free 24 hours. That is without taking fever-reducing medication.

Those who had symptoms and experienced shortness of breath or difficulty breathing should isolate for 10 days. Anyone hospitalized or with a weakened immune system should quarantine for 10 days at a minimum and consult with a doctor before exiting isolation.

The most at-risk individuals are adults over the age of 50, anyone with a weakened immune system and those with underlying health conditions, including pulmonary disorders.

Free COVID tests are back

The federal government is yet again delivering four free COVID-19 rapid tests to every household, according to COVID.gov.

To order a test, visit the COVID website and fill out an order form for the free tests. This program restarted on Sept. 25.

Is it OK to use expired COVID tests?

Some at-home tests may list an expiration date that is in the past, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration website explains that many test manufacturers have extended expiration dates.

These tests are safe to use and will produce the proper result, according to the FDA.

"An extended expiration date means the manufacturer provided data showing that the shelf-life is longer than was known when the test was first authorized," the website explains.

To see if a specific expired test will accurately record results, visit the FDA website at https://bit.ly/3ulbR3E.

What are the symptoms of COVID?

Symptoms include:

• Fever or chills.

• Cough.

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.

• Fatigue.

• Muscle or body aches.

• Headaches.

• New loss of taste or smell.

• Sore throat.

• Congestion or runny nose.

• Nausea or vomiting.

• Diarrhea.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Ohio COVID cases on the rise: What it means for Thanksgiving holiday