New COVID-19 cases in county's largest zip code rank second in Ohio

MEDINA — The 44256 ZIP code, far and away Medina County's most populated area, ranks second in Ohio for new COVID-19 cases over the past two weeks, according to latest state data. Numbers updated Tuesday by the Ohio Department of Health show the 44256 ZIP code recording 126 cases in the period, just two less than state leader 43123, which is in Franklin County and stretches across municipalities including Columbus and Grove City. The infection uptick in Medina County's largest ZIP code effectively began 30 days ago, as 44256 ranks seventh in the state for new cases documented over that time. "I find that pretty shocking and all I can say is wow," Medina County Commissioner Steve Hambley said Tuesday upon hearing the numbers. "I've noticed more people wearing masks but, as I understand, with how contagious this is, the numbers are going to climb in the short-term. I guess we'll see what the recommendations are from the health department based on that. We're still kind of waiting." The 44212 ZIP code, which covers Brunswick and north-central Medina County, is listed by ODH as the county's next highest ranked in terms of new cases. However, recorded case incidence pales in comparison with 44256 as 44212 is currently 36th in Ohio over the past two weeks and 32nd for the past month. There have been a total of 316 new COVID-19 cases recorded in Medina County in this two-week period, according to ODH. While 44256 and 44212 made up roughly two thirds of that, there have been 47 cases in the 44281 ZIP code, which covers Wadsworth, more than doubled any other county ZIP code. Cumulative cases in 44256 total 5,838, which is 11th in Ohio. Medina County Health Department data updated Friday shows 258 cases in active isolation, which is a fivefold increase from what was being seen just one month ago. Medina City Council President John Coyne urged his fellow residents to become vaccinated. "If you can get vaccinated please do it," he said. "Of course, we'll listen to the experts and the health department. Do what you can to protect yourself and others. It's all we can do in fighting this. We all need to come together and help each other." Coyne said he hopes to see more people view the pandemic and safety measures through a scientific lens rather than a political one. "I think everything's become political," he said. "That's disappointing because this should only be a science issue. This isn't the first time we've had viruses or the first time there's been issues with schools closing, even in Medina County. There's a lot of misinformation coming out of social media. I don't know how to get the correct information out there, the information based on fact, where it's louder than the misinformation." "We need to get the factual information out there to get past this," Coyne added. "There's no other way. There's diverse opinions and mistrust of government out there. It's a difficult battle. It's always uphill. The goal of everyone should be to keep everyone safe." Just over 55 percent of Medina County residents have now received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose, a rate that remains one of the best in Ohio. ODH numbers updated Tuesday showed the area documenting 180 new vaccinations in the preceding 24 hours. "I'm advocating very strongly that people become vaccinated," Hambley said. "We have the lowest numbers for under 30 and under 18. All the other groups have really decent rates but under 30, that whole segment of the population, seems very resistant. I continue to encourage people to do it and the efficacy is there." "Even if you get the (delta) variant, people are doing better if they have the vaccine, a lot better," he added. "It's safe and it's been demonstrated to help reduce the spread and the severity. I think we need to keep encouraging everyone to get vaccinated." Among age demographics, Medina County's vaccination rate falls in line with national trends and drops off among younger people. Those aged 30-39 have been vaccinated at a 53-percent clip but that falls to 49 percent for 20-29 and 19 percent for anyone younger. The Pfizer vaccine has been granted emergency use authorization for children 12 and over and recent comments at local board of education meetings have indicated that use could soon be expanded to younger patients. Pfizer has stated over the past two weeks that it's ramping up efforts to gain full vaccine approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Statewide, 50.17 percent of residents have began vaccination. Since onset of the coronavirus pandemic, Medina County has recorded 16,261 cases resulting in 278 deaths and 770 hospitalizations. According to ODH, Medina County's most recent death occurred on July 18. Contact reporter Jonathan Delozier at 330-721-4050 or jdelozier@medina-gazette.com.