ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Health officials in multiple counties are tracking rising COVID-19 cases while preparing schools to welcome back students.

Belmont County Deputy Health Commissioner Robert Sproul reported there have been 6,602 total cases since the pandemic’s onset, with 6,354 recoveries, 128 active cases, one hospitalization and 119 deaths.

Sproul said he does not know how many are cases of the delta variant. Last week he knew of three people with the delta variant in Belmont County.

“It sounds like most of the people are sick, but not sick enough to go to the hospital,” Sproul said.

He added the majority of active cases appear to be occurring among unvaccinated individuals.

According to coronavirus.ohio.gov, Belmont County has had 6,311 total cases, with 6,019 recoveries, and 179 deaths.

Sproul said state officials are currently concentrating on the upcoming school year.

“Schools are going to start up in a week or so, so they’ve been working with the schools, coming out with guidance on distancing, masking,” he said.

Most schools in Belmont, Harrison and Monroe counties have announced they plan to make masking optional. A few districts have yet to finalize their plans.

Garen Rhome, administrator with the Harrison County Health Department, said five additional active cases were reported during the weekend and Monday morning.

He said there have been 1,188 total cases and 1,149 recoveries, with 15 active cases. He said the age ranges among active cases include a minor, and people in their 30s, 40s, 60s and 70s, with one unvaccinated person older than 70 hospitalized. Deaths related to COVID-19 remain at 24.

According to coronavirus.ohio.gov, there have been 1,171 total cases and 1,107 recoveries with 38 deaths related to COVID-19.

Rhome said there are no reported delta variants of the virus in Harrison County.

“That doesn’t mean that our cases aren’t delta, it just means that the labs aren’t running that particular stereotyping,” he said, adding cases of the delta variant have been reported rising across the state. “It is the prevalent strain in Ohio. It is likely more than twice as contagious or transmittable. Where an infected person could potentially spread to two people, now they potentially spread to something like five or six people. … We’re seeing younger unvaccinated individuals. … You’re going to have an easier time with these symptoms if you’re vaccinated.”

Rhome added the Ohio Department of Health released suggested COVID-19 guidelines last Thursday for kindergarteners through 12th graders.

“I don’t expect the State of Ohio to issue any masking mandates. The governor’s and the Ohio Department of Health’s been very clear that they are providing guidance,” Rhome said, adding the county health department agrees universal masking should occur in schools. “It is not a mandate. It is a recommendation shared by many agencies and organizations.”

He said everyone, vaccinated and unvaccinated, is advised to me masked in any public, indoor setting.

Robin Grover, public information officer with the Monroe County Health Department, said new numbers will be updated at 11 a.m. Tuesday. She said there were no COVID-19 hospitalizations or additional deaths in Monroe County, but the delta variant was spreading.

“On our conference call that we listened to with the governor (Mike DeWine) and (Chief Medical Officer) Dr. (Bruce) Vanderhoff from ODH this past week said 86.47 percent of the cases that are currently being sequenced in the state had tested positive for the delta variant.”

She said symptoms continue to include sore throats, difficulty, breathing, shortness of breath and coughing.

Last week, Monroe County reported 1,399 total cases with 1,341 recoveries and 18 active cases. Deaths related to COVID-19 remain at 40.

According to coronavirus.ohio.gov, there have been 1,410 cases and 1,331 recoveries with 46 deaths.