The final two
maps in today’s report display proportional infection rates per 100,000
population for Ohio Counties. Data for each county is represented as a series
of concentric circles starting on the first day that an infection was noted to
the last day of the report. The first map shows data through April 6 and the
second map displays data for April 20. Visual inspection of the area between
concentric circles (annulus) can be used to assess the degree to which
increases in identified cases is stable and predictable.
For most
counties, the annuli are clustered closely together suggesting a stable pattern
of growth. For Marion and Pickaway Counties there are significant gaps in
recent annuli and significant growth in a short period of time. In the past
week, COVID-19 infections spread exponentially through prison populations in
both communities. There are approximately 50,000 state prison inmates
incarcerated in 20 of Ohio’s 88 counties. There are also an estimated 20,000
Ohioans in county jails.
Yes, there are 18 other counties with state correctional facilities. It will be interesting to monitor the growth rate of the virus in these areas.
ReplyDeleteThis is an unfortunate indicator of a need for reform in our prison system on how to address infectious disease. They have increased testing in correctional facilities, but how to maintain social distancing will be more of a challenge.
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