Cincinnati.com: COVID on the rise: Cincinnati doctors weigh in on masks, vaccines as winter approaches

"I doubt masking mandates will be seen in most places, but people will likely be making their own risk assessments based on where they will be and with whom," Forrester said. "Some hospitals have already instituted masking again, and others are considering it. I will be masking to protect my patients, myself and my family, too."

All the experts interviewed for the story said they planned on getting the new COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it is available.

"My whole family and I plan to get the vaccine as soon as it is available," said Robert Frenck, MD, director of Cincinnati Children's Vaccine Research Center. "I am going to try to get it along with my yearly flu vaccine."

The expert panel was also asked what people should know as we encounter this increase in COVID-19 cases.

"Washing hands, staying home when sick and getting vaccinated are all tools to protect yourself, your family and friends and our community from many different illnesses that are more common this time of year," said Forrester.