CINCINNATI — A local nonprofit organization that deals with retired individuals is requiring that all employees get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Episcopal Retirement Services operates nearly 30 retirement communities across the Tri-State, and managers said they want to protect the people they serve – some of whom are considered among the most vulnerable to the virus.

“We decided based on the variant and the fact that we have new data that says that the variant is more contagious and more deadly for the most vulnerable in our society,” Episcopal Retirement Services president & CEO Laura Lamb said. “We felt it was in our residents’ best interests to make the vaccine mandated.”

Data shows the number of cases in the area is on the rise.

“Over the last three weeks, we have seen a significant number of cases here in Hamilton County as well as nearly a triple increase in the number of hospitalizations in our 14-county region,” Hamilton County Health Commissioner Greg Kestermann said.

ERS employs close to 850 people throughout the region – and while some might be opposed to getting vaccinated, Lamb said it’s what’s needed to prevent anyone from getting sick.

“It may not be for every aging service provider, but for ERS, we want to make sure that, at the end of our day, that we’re doing everything in our power to protect the individuals that have been entrusted to our care,” she said.

Private companies and government agencies can mandate the vaccine, but there are exceptions which are stated on the company’s website – citing medical or religious reasons.

All continuing care retirement community (CCRC) and ERS support staff must have their first dose by September 25. Medical or religious exemptions must be submitted by that date as well.

All of the nonprofits’ affordable living staff must have received their first dose by December 31.

An employee who refuses to get vaccinated can be terminated.

CINCINNATI — Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended wearing masks indoors in areas experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases -- including for those who are fully vaccinated.

In Hamilton County, COVID-19 cases are rising. As of Tuesday, the Hamilton County Public Health Department said nearly 120 people were hospitalized due to the virus. Two weeks ago that number was closer to 40 on any given day.

Hamilton County Health Commissioner Greg Kesterman said to follow guidance from the Ohio Department of Health instead of federal leaders.

Mercy Health’s chief clinical officer, Dr Stephen Feagins, said the more contagious delta variant was able to become stronger as it spread among the unvaccinated.

“It is the dominant circulating strain. That was predicted,” Dr. Feagins said.

The CDC said studies show even vaccinated people may be able to spread it. That is why the team recommended Tuesday that people begin masking indoors even though they are fully vaccinated.

“While a break-though case of COVID on a vaccinated individual is still a reportable event, it's rare,” Dr. Feagins said.

Hamilton County Public Health is working to get more people vaccinated.

“We're seeing, in our hospital systems, a lot more 40- and 50-year-olds ending up in the hospital,” Health Commissioner Greg Kesterman said. “So, we want to make sure that we're getting the right messaging and the right information to those folks so they can make an informed decision.”

Local health departments had not changed mask recommendations as of Tuesday evening.