Columbus Public Health Update - October 18, 2020
Here are the latest updates on COVID-19 and Columbus Public Health’s response.
Situation Update
As of October 18, there are 115,553 cases of COVID-19 and 1,225 deaths in Columbus Public Health’s jurisdiction. Columbus Public Health has administered 202,371 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
View the summary report at columbus.gov/coronavirus for up-to-date case and vaccinations numbers.
COVID Vaccines & Flu Shots Offered at Walk-in and Drive-Thru Vaccine Clinics
Columbus Public Health is offering free COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the following clinics:
Linden Community Center, 1350 Briarwood Ave. – (Vax Cash available for first dose only while supplies last.) Mondays – 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Columbus Fire Station 10 (Drive Thru), 1096 W. Broad St. Tuesdays – 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Barack Community Center, 580 E. Woodrow Ave. – (Vax Cash available for first dose only while supplies last.) Wednesdays – 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Columbus Fire Station 18 (Drive Thru), 1630 Cleveland Ave. Thursdays – 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Westgate Community Center, 455 S. Westgate Ave. – (Vax Cash available for first dose only while supplies last.) Fridays – 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Columbus Public Health, 240 Parsons Ave. - (Vax Cash available for first dose only while supplies last.) Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays - 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays – 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Get a Flu Shot
It is more important than ever to get a flu shot this year in addition to a COVID-19 vaccine. Getting a flu shot will help prevent our hospitals from being overrun with flu cases so they can focus on those who are sick and fighting COVID-19. Flu shots are available from health care providers, pharmacies, retail outlets and all Columbus Public Health vaccine clinics.
COVID-19 Booster Shots
Columbus Public Health offers COVID-19 Pfizer booster doses to eligible residents. A single booster dose for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine can be given to the following people at least six months or more after completion of the two dose series:
65 years and older or residents in long-term care settings SHOULD receive a booster shot.
Ages 50 to 64 with certain underlying medical conditions SHOULD receive a booster shot.
Ages 18 to 49 with certain underlying medical conditions MAY receive a booster shot based on their individual benefits and risks.
Age 18 and older who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of their job or living in an institutional setting MAY receive a booster shot based on their individual benefits and risks. The CDC has indicated that this is a determination to be made by the vaccine recipient.
At this time, booster doses are authorized only for the Pfizer vaccine for people with underlying medical conditions. (See conditions here.) Columbus Public Health will follow FDA, CDC and ODH recommendations and guidelines for Moderna and Johnson & Johnson booster vaccines if and when they become available. Please continue to check the website and social media for updates on booster doses.
Indoor Mask Requirement
The mask requirement remains in effect in Columbus and Worthington. Everyone 3 years of age and older is required to wear a mask in indoor areas accessible to the public. People can report Columbus and Worthington organizations/businesses allowing unmasked people in by emailing 311@columbus.gov or calling 614-645-3111.
COVID-19 Testing
Free COVID-19 testing is available at healthcare providers and pharmacies throughout central Ohio. If you are sick or have been exposed to COVID-19, get tested to protect yourself, your loved ones and the community. Call 614-645-1519 or find a testing location in your area here.
ODH has FREE BinaxNow Home Test Kits. To see if your organization is eligible to serve as a community distribution site, please reference the “Category” dropdown box on this page. Eligible organizations should email TestingRequests@odh.ohio.gov to place the order directly through ODH.
Organizations that are not eligible to order kits directly through ODH, should email COVID-19@columbus.gov to request test kits.
Help Prevent COVID-19!
Please do your part to prevent the spread of COVID-19:
Get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you can!
Wear a face covering.
Practice social distancing by staying 6 feet apart from others.
Wash your hands often and use hand sanitizer.
Stay home if you are sick and get tested. Call 614-645-1519 for an appointment. Avoid large gatherings.
Learn More about COVID-19
Please use only credible and reliable sources for information and updates on COVID-19. See the latest here:
