Jefferson County health leader pleased with COVID response

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ohio — Jefferson County Health Commissioner Nicole Balakos said she's proud of the people of her county because the numbers show they're taking COVID-19 seriously.

The goal most of the country has been focused on is flattening the curve, something Balakos said they've managed to do in Jefferson County with a relatively low number of cases at 68.

She said, along with following guidelines like wearing PPE and testing, contact tracing has been key in the county's success.

"If we get a positive test result at 2 p.m. on a Sunday, by 2:30, we're talking to that patient and we're asking them who they’ve been around, what they’ve been doing, and they don’t have to provide that information, its voluntary, but people want to," Balakos said.

Balakos hopes that numbers continue to decrease as the state re-opens, so the county can continue towards getting back to normal.

One concern she has at the moment - the virus spreading at protests.

"If you’re going to go out and exercise you’re freedom to protest, we just ask again that you wear face coverings, that you social distance, those types of things."

Balakos said she doesn't want anyone to feel scared to get out of the house, but she encourages everyone to be aware and cautious.