Latest COVID-19 cases, deaths in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana

Booster shots, omicron variant: Tracking COVID-19 in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana

Updated: 10:03 PM EST Jan 19, 2022

Cases of COVID-19 are again climbing across Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana, fueled by the delta and omicron variants. Below are the latest statistics, updated daily, via each state’s health department. OHIO (Data as of Wednesday, Jan. 19)NEW CASES: 20,483TOTAL CASES: 2,439,205NEW CONFIRMED DEATHS IN STATE: 0 new deaths, 31,245 total* The state now updates deaths only after death certificates have been processed, typically twice weekly.KENTUCKY (Data as of Wednesday, Jan. 19)NEW CASES: 12,583TOTAL CASES: 1,027,069CONFIRMED DEATHS: 25 new deaths, 12,639 total30.77% positivity rate* The state reports COVID-19 data Monday – Friday at 4:45 p.m.INDIANA (Data as of Wednesday, Jan. 19)NEW CASES: 16,502TOTAL CASES: 1,490,496NEW CONFIRMED DEATHS: 118 new deaths, 19,761 total* The state reports COVID-19 data Monday – Friday at 5 p.m. What do we know about the omicron variant?The CDC says that as of December 20, 2021, Omicron has been detected in every state, and is rapidly increasing the proportion of COVID-19 cases it is causing.The Omicron variant likely will spread more easily than the original SARS-CoV-2 virus. CDC expects that anyone with Omicron infection can spread the virus to others, even if they are vaccinated or don’t have symptoms.What’s the deal with booster shots?U.S. regulators on Friday. Nov. 19 opened up COVID-19 booster shots to all adults, but there still needs to be approval from the CDC.Currently, the CDC has approved the booster for these groups: 65 years and olderAge 18+ who live in long-term care settingsAge 18+ who have underlying medical conditionsAge 18+ who work in high-risk settingsAge 18+ who live in high-risk settingsAnyone in those groups must have completed their initial 2-shot series at least 6 months ago. For Johnson & Johnson, it’s at least two months ago. What about vaccines for kids?The Pfizer vaccine is now approved for kids 5-11.The FDA cleared kid-sized doses — just a third of the amount given to teens and adults — for emergency use, and up to 28 million more American children could be eligible for vaccinations as early as next week.While children are at lower risk of severe illness or death from COVID-19 than older people, 5- to 11-year-olds still have been seriously affected — including over 8,300 hospitalizations, about a third requiring intensive care, and nearly 100 deaths since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, according to the FDA.COVID-19 Vaccine Data: + Where Can I Register for a COVID-19 Vaccine?+ Get the Facts on the Vax: Your Vaccine Questions AnsweredFrequently Asked Questions:Where can I find state COVID-19 information?Ohio’s website | Kentucky’s website | Indiana’s websiteAre facial coverings or masks required in Ohio, Kentucky or Indiana?In most settings, masks are no longer required in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. But don’t throw away your mask just yet. Businesses are permitted to impose their own requirements. In Kentucky, masks are still required on public transportation, schools, long-term care facilities and other locations that serve the “most vulnerable,” Gov. Andy Beshear said.What does it mean to be “fully vaccinated?”According to the CDC, people are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine. If you do not meet those requirements, regardless of age, you are not fully vaccinated.These plastic holders will keep your COVID-19 vaccination card safe | Keep your COVID-19 vaccine card safe in a stylish sleeveI’m not vaccinated. What activities should I and should I not partake in?Outdoor Activities:Safest: Walk, run, wheelchair roll, or bike outdoors with members of your household. Attend a small, outdoor gathering with fully vaccinated family and friends. While masked, attend a small, outdoor gathering with fully vaccinated and unvaccinated people, particularly in areas of substantial to high transmission.Less Safe: While masked, dine at an outdoor restaurant with friends from multiple households.Least Safe: While masked, attend a crowded, outdoor event, like a live performance, parade, or sports event.Indoor Activities:Less Safe: While masked, visit a barber or hair salon, go to an uncrowded, indoor shopping center or museum, attend a small, indoor gathering of fully vaccinated and unvaccinated people from multiple households.Least Safe: While masked, go to an indoor movie theater, attend a full-capacity worship service, sing in an indoor choir, eat at an indoor restaurant or bar, participate in an indoor, high-intensity exercise class.