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Allen County Health Department focus is on covid-19 contact tracing

All other general services reduced for time being

Allen County is experiencing its highest surge of coronavirus cases since the beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The following announcement was made today by the Allen County Health Department:

Prior to this recent surge of cases that began in October, the most cases Allen County had reported in one month was 522 in August. In just the past 5 days Allen County has reported 603 new cases.

The most recent comparison of per capita rates of Ohio’s 88 counties ranked Allen County as having the 4th highest rate of new cases per 100,000 people in the past 14 days.

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Bluffton puts a spin on Blaze of Lights traditions

Caravan tour of lights, free drive-in movie, just for starters

The 34th annual Blaze of Lights will put a new spin on Bluffton traditions.

The Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce and village Cultural Affairs Committee have updated celebrations to include a video Town Crier presentation, caravan tour of holiday lights, and a free drive-in movie.

"You can't stop Christmas from coming" is the 2020 Blaze of Lights theme, notes Paula Scott, the chamber CEO: "We are very excited about our modified events, which are designed to help keep families and friends safe."

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Governor's health order limits mass gatherings

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced that Ohio Department of Health Interim Director Lance Himes signed a revised health order to limit mass gatherings in Ohio. This order takes effect at midnight tonight (Monday, Nov. 16).

“Despite the health order that limited mass gatherings to 10 people that was signed in April remaining in effect, we have seen rampant spread of the virus as a result of banquets, wedding receptions, and social gatherings following funerals,” said Governor DeWine. 

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Closures to impact intersections

At Cool Road and Mayberry Road at U.S. 30

The Allen County Commissioners approved a petition on Nov. 12 by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) to close access from Cool Road on both the north and south sides of U.S. 30, and Mayberry Road on the south side only at U.S. 30.

The closures are just one part of a safety project, which includes the construction of a restricted crossing U-turn (RCUT) at U.S. 30 and Thayer Road.

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On Bluffton council's calendar

Here are meetings on the Bluffton council calendar:
• Bluffton in Bloom – Tuesday, 11/17 at 7 p.m.
• Parks & Recreation Committee – Wednesday, 11/18 at noon, via Zoom.
• Streets, Alleys, Lights & Sidewalk Committee – Wednesday, 11/18 at 7 p.m.
• Ordinance Committee – Thursday, 11/19 at noon, via Zoom.
• Utilities Committee – Thursday, 11/19 at 7 p.m.
• Council Meeting – Monday, 11/23 at 7 p.m.

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Allen County covid-19 cases jump

According to the Ohio Department of Health the number of new COVID-19 cases per capita for Allen County is 679. This number represents the number of new cases per 100,000 people in Allen County over the past 14 days.

Local public health officials are noting a drastic increase in the number of new daily reported cases:

•  There have been 871 newly reported cases to date in November, and 25 hospitalizations

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