CDC: Hamilton County Seeing Substantial Spread
COVID-19 Guidelines Change in Substantial Spread Areas
All of Hamilton County, including the City of Cincinnati have been identified as an area of "substantial spread" of COVID-19 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Substantial spread occurs when an area sees more than 50 cases per 100,000 population in the past seven days. Hamilton County is at 54.07 cases per 100,000.
| Indicator - If the two indicators suggest different transmission levels, the higher level is selected. |
Low Transmission
Blue |
Moderate Transmission
Yellow |
Substantial Transmission
Orange |
High Transmission
Red |
| Total new cases per 100,000 persons in the past 7 days |
0-9.99 |
10-49.99 |
50-99.99 |
100+ |
| Percentage of NAATs that are positive during the past 7 days |
0-4.99% |
5-7.99% |
8-9.99% |
10%+ |
In updated guidance for substantial spread areas, which now includes Hamilton County, the CDC recommends:
- Everyone, including those fully-vaccinated, wear a mask in public indoor settings.
- Fully-vaccinated people might choose to wear a mask regardless of the level of transmission, particularly if they are immunocompromised or at increased risk for severe disease from COVID-19, or if they have someone in their household who is immunocompromised, at increased risk of severe disease or not fully vaccinated.
- Fully-vaccinated people who have a known exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 should be tested 3-5 days after exposure, and wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days or until they receive a negative test result.
- Universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to schools, regardless of vaccination status.
"The Delta variant has altered the gameplan for COVID-19," says Hamilton County Health Commissioner Greg Kesterman. "We know masking works and is yet another layer, in addition to vaccination, to protect all of us from another surge of the virus."
Vaccination remains the best way to avoid COVID-19 infection. "The vaccines are safe, effective and readily available," according to Kesterman. "This is now a pandemic of the unvaccinated. If you have questions or concerns about the vaccine, please talk to a trusted health professional for the best information."
In accordance with this federal guidance and guidance from Hamilton County Public Health, starting Monday, August 2, 2021, Hamilton County Commissioners are now strongly recommending that all visitors and employees, regardless of vaccination status, wear masks inside County-owned buildings.