T-L Photo/ROBERT A. DEFRANK Blame My Roots Fest Marketing Manager Brandi Waligura takes a moment to use one of the hand sanitizers on site. Attendees are cautioned to be responsible, but chances of infection are reduced in an outdoor format.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — COVID-19 cases are increasing by small increments in Eastern Ohio, and the public is reminded to take care when attending festivals that had to be canceled in 2020.

Belmont County Deputy Health Commissioner Robert Sproul said there have been no cases of the more contagious Delta variant identified in Belmont County.

“We are watching it. We’re seeing it across the country. They’re saying it’s more contagious. We’re waiting to see, but again it’s affecting the unvaccinated and it also seems to be affecting the young people a little more. We’re still watching and seeing what data comes out and where we go next,” Sproul said.

He commented on the ongoing Blame My Roots country music festival near Morristown, which continues through Saturday, July 17, at the Valley View Campgrounds.

“We’ve got a lot of people coming in. We just hope they stay safe out there. Between the COVID and all the heat, they need to be careful,” he said. “A lot of people that don’t drink enough water can get themselves in issues with that too.”

Sproul added that since the event is held outdoors, there is less chance of infection.

At the Blame My Roots site, Marketing Manager Brandi Waligura said organizers are taking precautions.

“We are following all of the state guidelines as mandated by Gov. (Mike) DeWine, who said as of June 2 most of the COVID restrictions have been lifted in our state,” she said. “We do have several hand sanitizer stations spread around throughout the concert venue, and the nice thing is we have a big, wide-open field out here so if folks are coming in and they’re feeling still a little bit unsure, there’s still plenty of room to spread out and stay with your party that you know and you’re comfortable being around.”

She said the organizers are asking attendees to be responsible.

“We welcome people to come in and have a good time. We recommend you party at your discretion and you consume alcohol at a safe level,” she said, adding the festival is both smaller than Jamboree In The Hills and is open to all ages.

Attendees included Paul Wukovich of Pittsburgh, who said many were hit hard by the pandemic both physically and financially.

“It was terrible for the economy last year,” he said.

“Me and my wife had COVID and then we got vaccinated. We’re good now,” Chuck Porter, from Florida, said.

“It’s outside. We’re going to have a lot of fun. We’re not going to worry about COVID,” Kelley Simonelli of Virginia said. “Some (of her friends) might still be scared about things that are inside, but we’re outside. We’re having a great time.”

On July 9, Harrison County’s health department reported 1,165 total cases, with 1,149 recoveries, two active cases and 24 deaths. According to an update one week later on Friday, the county has picked up three new cases, one person in their 40s and two in their 60s.

According to the state website coronavirus.ohio.gov, there have been 1,148 total cases in Harrison County, 1,102 recoveries and 38 deaths.

The health department reminds people to be mindful of any symptoms and to isolate themselves and contact a doctor if they feel they might be sick.

The department is offering walk-in vaccination clinics from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays at the health department at 538 N. Main St., Cadiz.

According to coronavirus.ohio.gov, Belmont County has had a total of 6,188 cases, 5,994 recoveries and the number of deaths has increased from 174 to 178.

Sproul’s office reported different figures: 6,470 total cases and 28 people isolated with active cases of the virus, one of whom is hospitalized. Sproul said there have been 6,324 recoveries, and deaths are unchanged at 118.

Sproul has previously noted this discrepancy between state and county data, saying his office keeps count of deaths using death certificates and records while the state may use broader methods.

The state site lists Monroe County with 1,373 total cases, 1,322 recoveries and 45 deaths.