CINCINNATI —

Hamilton County is the only county in Ohio to reach "purple" COVID-19 status on the statewide system on Thursday.

Officials said they believe hospitalizations are part of the reason why.

The data could also inform board members in the county's largest school district as they meet later this week to reconsider blended learning.

Saturday morning, the Cincinnati Public School Board will review the latest health data.

County officials said seeing purple means everyone should be on high alert and vigilant.

"COVID-19 is spreading in this community and we've got to tamp it down," Hamilton County Commissioner Denise Driehaus said.

Hamilton County looks to be the lone ranger in the coronavirus wild west.

Driehaus said it's disappointing our county is purple on the statewide COVID-19 system.

It's the only county in the state.

"We have been saying to people, you know, while we have plateaued a little bit, we're still at really elevated levels for cases, positive cases in Hamilton County and also hospitalizations and our death rate, you know, is remaining pretty constant," Driehaus said.

The purple pronouncement comes days before CPS board members will review data to help reconsider some kind of a return to the classroom.

"There's more to the data than just purple status," Board Member Melanie Bates said.

Bates is also chair of the board's Health and Safety Committee.

"We know that the kids aren't learning remotely the way they would learn in-person, so, definitely, that's the goal," she said.

Bates said staff will return Tuesday.

She added that during Saturday's meeting, the board will consider city and county data, and they're also relying on Cincinnati Children's Hospital to review the Ohio Department of Health study regarding quarantines for close contacts.

Driehaus knows excitement about vaccines is building, even as doses are slowly trickling in, but she said don't give up now.

"We know that people still need to wear the mask, keep a distance, wash their hands," she said.

Bates said she hopes they can give some guidance to the superintendent.

She said they could also vote, but she also added that it is important they get a good look at all of the data to make safe decisions.

CINCINNATI — Hamilton County has suspended petit jury trials until at least March 8 after the county went "purple" on Ohio's coronavirus advisory map last week.

According to a notice from the courts Wednesday, officials are monitoring "this fluid situation" and will resume petit jury trials when conditions improve. Grand jury proceedings will continue.

"In light of these developments in local conditions, and in consultation with criminal justice stakeholders, the Courts will suspend jury trials (petit jury service) until at least March 8, 2021 to facilitate the recommended public health emergency guidelines," read the notice from the courts.

Instructions for petit jurors can be found here or by calling the juror hotline at (513) 946-5879.

Hamilton County was the Ohio only county to receive a "purple" designation on the state's Public Health Advisory System last Thursday, indicating "severe exposure and spread" of coronavirus. Residents are advised to isolate at home except to get essential supplies and services.

Read the full notice below:

Juries on Hold by WCPO Web Team on Scribd

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