March 25, 2020

Centralized PPE Collection Point Established

NORWALK, Ohio— Due to the limited supply of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) available within Huron County, there are multiple facilities searching for donated supplies from local businesses, schools and others who have been willing to donate. Huron County Public Health (HCPH), Huron County Emergency Management Agency (EMA), and the Huron County Commissioners have established the Huron County EMA as the central collection and distribution point for ANY AND ALL PPE donations. This means all donations of PPE and requests for PPE should be coordinated through the Huron County EMA during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We are strongly encouraging that individual health care facilities and first responders not reach out separately for donations, please contact Huron County EMA with requests. This is an organized way of collecting materials within the community that allow the most efficient distribution and lessen confusion for donors. Huron County EMA is working under the direction of Incident Commander and HCPH Health Commissioner, Tim Hollinger.

The hours of operation for the collection point at Huron County EMA will be Monday – Friday from 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., call 419-663-5772 with questions. After business hours, please contact Tacy Bond at 419-541-0359 regarding donations. The collection point is currently accepting donations including:
• N95 Masks,
• Hand sanitizer,
• Gowns,
• Face shields,
• Disinfecting wipes,
• Surgical masks,
• Thermometers,
• Eye protection, and
• Nitrile gloves
As supplies are collected, they will be distributed to local healthcare facilities and first responders based on each individual facility’s critical needs.

Attachment: Press Release_PPE Collection Point Established_3.25.2020

March 25, 2020

COVID-19 Guidance for Older Adults

NORWALK, Ohio— As we continue to learn new information about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), it is apparent that the disease is heavily impacting adults 65 years and older. HCPH would like to re-emphasize the importance for this population to continue to follow the guidance provided through the Ohio Department of Health including social distancing recommendations and let our residents know that help is available.

As of March 21, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reporting that 8 out of 10 deaths reported in the U.S. have been in adults 65 years old and older and are estimating that 31-59% of adults 65-84 years old are requiring hospitalization for COVID-19. Of those requiring hospitalization, it is estimated that 11-31% are requiring admission to intensive care units and 4-11% die due to COVID-19. As these statistics are alarming, there are steps that residents can take to keep safe. HCPH is recommending residents in this age group to:

•Stay home as much as possible
•Wash your hands often
•Avoid touching your face
•Avoid crowds and close contact (6 feet, which is about two arm lengths) with people who are sick
•Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
•Avoid all non-essential travel including plane trips, and especially avoid embarking on cruises
•Utilize available hours for senior shopping at local retail stores (see below for details)
•Consider ways of getting food brought to your house through family or commercial networks
•Have extra supplies such as groceries and medications on hand

As COVID-19 is spreading in Huron County, it is important that individuals contact their healthcare provider to ask about obtaining extra necessary medications to have on hand for a prolonged period of time. If you cannot get extra medications, consider using mail-order for medications. Be sure you have over-the-counter medicines and medical supplies (tissues, etc.) to treat fever and other symptoms.

Huron County is aware that residents in this age group may need extra assistance during this time. Local resources are available. The Huron County Chamber of Commerce has created a website including local food services currently operating, local businesses that are participating in senior shopping hours, and businesses
that are delivering medications. Residents can access the Huron County Chamber of Commerce’s website at
https://huroncountycovid.com or call them at 419-668-4155. If you or a loved one is experiencing stress or anxiety regarding COVID-19, contact the Huron County Board of Mental Health and Addiction Services (MHAS) support line at 567-743-7155. The support line is available 7 days a week from 8:00 am – 10:00 pm daily.

HCPH is encouraging residents with a loved one in this age group to know what medications your loved one is taking and see if you can help them have extra on hand, monitor food and other medical supplies (oxygen, incontinence, dialysis, wound care) needed and create a back-up plan, and stock up on non-perishable food to have on hand in your home to minimize trips to stores. If you care for a loved one living in a care facility, monitor the situation, ask about the health of the other residents frequently and know the protocol if there is an outbreak.

# # #

Contact: Melanie Myers, Public Information Officer Huron County Public Health

28 Executive Drive Norwalk, Ohio 44857

Phone: 419-668-1652, ext: 234

mmyers@huroncohealth.com

Attachments: Press Release_COVID-19 Guidance for Older Adults_

March 22, 2020

COLUMBUS, Ohio)— Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, and Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton, M.D. MPH, today announced that Ohio will be under a “Stay at Home” order.

The order will go into effect beginning Monday, March 23, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. and will remain in effect until 11:59 p.m. on April 6, 2020, unless the order is rescinded or modified.

Read the full order here: Director’s Stay At Home Order

“We haven’t faced an enemy like we are facing today in 102 years – we are at war. In the time of war, we must make sacrifices, and I thank all of our Ohio citizens for what they are doing and what they aren’t doing. You are making a huge difference, and this difference will save lives,” said Governor DeWine. “Right now, we are in a crucial time in this battle. What we do now will slow this invader so that our healthcare system will have time to treat those who have contracted COVID-19 and also have time to treat those who have other medical problems. Time is of the essence.”

More information: Stay At Home FAQ

CHILD CARE/DAY CARE:

Beginning on Thursday, March 26, 2020, all operating child care centers in Ohio must do so under a Temporary Pandemic Child Care license and follow these guidelines:

• There should be no more than six children in a class.
• Ratios must be kept at one teacher to no more than six children.
• Children whose parents are employed by the same entity should be kept together whenever possible.
• The same teachers and children in each room should be maintained whenever possible.
• There should be limited use of shared space or mixing of groups.
• If shared space is used, a rigorous cleaning schedule must be in place.
• Parent interaction should be limited at drop off and pick up.

The program will operate until April 30, with the potential to extend and adjust as needed.

NEW WEBSITE FOR BUSINESSES: 

Businesses and workers can now access all of these resources related to COVID-19 in one place at coronavirus.ohio.gov/BusinessHelp.

The portal includes information on unemployment benefits, the Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program, the Liquor Buyback Program, modified rules for trucking to help ship critical supplies into the state, the delay of BWC Premiums, etc.

CHLOROQUINE AND HYDROXYCHLORQUINE:

Ohio State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy passed a rule related to prescribing chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine for purposes of COVID-19.

Unless otherwise approved by the Board’s executive director, no prescription for chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine may be dispensed by a pharmacist or sold at retail by a licensed terminal distributor of dangerous drugs unless:

1. The prescription bears a written diagnosis code from the prescriber;
2. If written for a COVID-19 diagnosis, the diagnosis has been confirmed by a positive test result, which is documented on the prescription and both of the following apply:
   1. The prescription is limited to no more than a fourteen-day supply, and
   2. No refills may be permitted unless a new prescription is furnished.

Prescriptions for either presumptive positive patients or prophylactic use of chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine related to COVID-19 is strictly prohibited unless otherwise approved by the Board’s Executive Director in consultation with the Board President, at which time a resolution shall issue.

COVID-19 OHIO DATA: 

There are 351 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ohio and three deaths. A total of 83 people are hospitalized.

Confirmed Deaths: Cuyahoga (1), Erie (1), Lucas (1).

Confirmed cases: Ashland (1), Ashtabula (2), Belmont (2), Butler (17), Carroll (1), Clark (1), Clermont (5), Clinton (1), Columbiana (2), Coshocton (2), Cuyahoga (125), Darke (1), Defiance (2), Delaware (6), Erie (1), Franklin (34), Gallia (1), Geauga (2), Greene (1), Hamilton (19), Hancock (1), Huron (1), Lake (6), Licking (1), Lorain (19), Lucas (5), Mahoning (18), Marion (1), Medina (10), Miami (13), Montgomery (5), Portage (1), Richland (1), Stark (10), Summit (23), Trumbull (3), Tuscarawas (2), Union (1), Warren (3), Wood (1)

Video of today’s full update can be viewed on the Ohio Channel’s website.

For more information on Ohio’s response to COVID-19, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH.

Source: https://governor.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/governor/media/news-and-media/ohio-issues-stay-at-home-order-and-new-restrictions-placed-on-day-cares-for-children

March 21, 2020

(COLUMBUS, Ohio)— Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, and Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton, M.D. MPH, provided the following updates regarding COVID-19 in Ohio.

DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY DAY SUPPORT:

Governor DeWine is ordering all adult day support and vocational habilitation services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to temporarily stop providing services in settings of more than 10 people.

“This order is necessary because individuals with developmental disabilities traditionally receive these services in large groups, and right now, this just isn’t safe,” said Governor DeWine. “We’ve been working with service providers to ensure that these individuals will still receive the services they need despite these temporary closures.”

The order will become effective on Tuesday, March 24, 2020, at 9:00 p.m.

OHIO BUREAU OF WORKERS COMPENSATION DEFERRAL: 

Ohio’s Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) system is the exclusive provider of workers’ compensation insurance in Ohio and serves 249,000 public and private employers.

To help businesses facing difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ohio BWC is announcing that insurance premium installment payments due for March, April, and May for the current policy year may be deferred until June 1, 2020. At that time the matter will be reconsidered.

“BWC will not cancel coverage or assess penalties for amounts not paid because of the coronavirus pandemic,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “Installment payments due for the three-month period are totaled at approximately $200 million, and that money will now stay in the economy.”

For more information, visit bwc.ohio.gov.

OHIO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION WAIVER: 

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is modifying the process for haulers carrying heavy loads of essential goods.

Generally, Ohio requires haulers with loads classified as “oversized” to seek advanced permission from ODOT before they are legally allowed to travel in the state.

To assist in the state’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak, ODOT will modify the process for haulers carrying heavy or oversized loads of food, non-alcoholic beverages, medical supplies, cleaning products, and other household goods.

Haulers carrying these essential goods can download and print the permit at transportation.ohio.gov.

COVID-19 OHIO DATA: 

There are 247 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ohio and three deaths. A total of 58 people are hospitalized. Dr. Acton warned that this data is not reflective of the true extent of COVID-19 in Ohio.

“This data is a snapshot of the past because everything points to the fact that we had a seeding of COVID-19 in Ohio early on, yet we were one of the last states to get the reagents we needed to do testing,” said Dr. Acton. “This data is not telling the full story of what is happening here. Even the data you see in the future is minimal because we are conserving all our available testing for the most high-risk and hospitalized front line workers. We are withholding most of our testing because we are running out of reagent to conduct these tests.”

Deaths: Cuyahoga (1), Erie (1), Lucas (1).

Confirmed cases: Ashland (1), Ashtabula (1), Belmont (2), Butler (16), Clark (1), Clermont (2), Coshocton (2), Cuyahoga (92), Darke (1), Defiance (2), Delaware (4), Erie (1), Franklin (21), Gallia (1), Geauga (1), Hamilton (8), Huron (1), Lake (4), Licking (1), Lorain (14), Lucas (4), Mahoning (14), Marion (1), Medina (9), Miami (11), Montgomery (1), Richland (1), Stark (8), Summit (15), Trumbull (3), Tuscarawas (1), Union (1), Warren (2).

Video of today’s full update can be viewed on the Ohio Channel’s website.

For more information on Ohio’s response to COVID-19, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH.

Source: https://governor.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/governor/media/news-and-media/day-support-for-devleopmentally-disabled-to-close-bwc-payments-defered-trucking-waiver-issued

March 20, 2020

(COLUMBUS, Ohio)— Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton, M.D., MPH, today announced that a Lucas County man has died from COVID-19.

The death of the 76-year-old man is the first death due to COVID-19 in Ohio.

There are currently 169 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in 28 Ohio counties including: Ashland (1), Ashtabula (1), Belmont (2), Butler (12), Clark (1), Coshocton (2), Cuyahoga (69), Darke (1), Delaware (2), Franklin (14), Geauga (1), Hamilton (7), Huron (1), Lake (3), Lorain (10), Lucas (2), Mahoning (7), Marion (1), Medina (6), Miami (1), Montgomery (1), Richland (1), Stark (6), Summit (10), Trumbull (3), Tuscarawas (1), Union (1), Warren (2).

Of these cases, 39 individuals are hospitalized.

SENIOR CENTERS/ADULT DAY CARE

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine also announced today that he is ordering all of Ohio’s senior centers and adult day care services to stop providing care in congregate care settings.

The closure will be effective at the end of business on Monday, March 23, 2020.

“It is a significant risk for anyone to be in a group setting, and that certainly includes our senior citizens,” said Governor DeWine. “We have been telling providers that this day was coming, so they have already been working to ensure every senior will have continued care in a different setting.”

INSURANCE GRACE PERIOD

The Ohio Department of Insurance is issuing an order for insurers in Ohio to allow employers to offer employees a grace period for insurance premiums.

The grace period is for all health insurers, and it must provide the option of deferring premium payments interest free for up to 60 calendar days from the original premium due date, which means employers can defer their premium payments for health insurance for up to two months.

Health insurers must allow employers to continue covering employees even if the employee would otherwise become ineligible for insurance because of a decrease in the hours worked a week.

LETTER TO PRESIDENT TRUMP

Governor DeWine also signed onto a letter that will soon be sent by multiple state Governors requesting President Trump unlock existing federal funding in the disaster unemployment account, which would make funds available to contract workers (those who file a 1099) who are ineligible for unemployment benefits under current rules.

WARNING TO NON-COMPLIANT BUSINESSES

Governor DeWine also issued a warning today to business owners who are not complying with orders to take steps to protect employees from the spread of COVID-19.

Although many businesses are heeding the advice of the Ohio Department of Health, others continue to ignore directives to keep distance between employees and keep a clean environment.

“I continue be notified of businesses that are recklessly risking lives of employees, their families, and everyone else they come in contact with. This must stop,” said Governor DeWine. “As I continue to balance my responsibility to protect the people of Ohio with our attempt to keep this economy moving, let me make it clear that I will err on the side of protecting people. The bad, reckless behavior must stop.”

Video of today’s full update can be viewed on the Ohio Channel’s website.

For more information on Ohio’s response to COVID-19, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH.

Source: https://governor.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/governor/media/news-and-media/ohio-records-first-covid19-death-senior-centers-adult-day-cares-to-close

March 19, 2020

(COLUMBUS, Ohio)— Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted today announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved their request to allow small businesses and nonprofits in Ohio to apply for low-interest, long-term loans of up to $2 million through the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.

“Timing is everything as we navigate this crisis,” said Governor DeWine. “We have to move quickly to not only ensure that Ohioans are safe, but also that they have the necessary support in place to weather this difficult situation. I appreciate the quick response by federal officials to provide the state’s small businesses and nonprofits with access to this resource.”

The Economic Injury Disaster Loans may be used by Ohio small business owners and nonprofits to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. The interest rate is 3.75 percent for small businesses without credit available elsewhere; businesses with credit available elsewhere are not eligible. The interest rate for nonprofits is 2.75 percent.

To keep payments affordable, the loans are long term, with up to 30 years for repayment. Terms are determined on a case-by-case basis, based on each borrower’s ability to repay.

“Governor DeWine and I are aggressively working to ensure that the state’s economy remains strong and is well-positioned once this health crisis passes,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “I encourage business owners and nonprofits to apply for this assistance if needed, and to continue to reach out to let us know how we can help.”

Loan applications can be completed online, or applicants can obtain a paper application by calling 1-800-659-2955. For more information about the loan program, visit SBA.gov/Disaster.

TELEHEALTH FOR MEDICAID RECIPIENTS: 

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine today announced that he has signed an executive order to expand and enhance telehealth options for Ohio Medicaid recipients and their providers amid the coronavirus outbreak. These rules relax regulations to allow recipients to safely access health care providers from their homes, thereby reducing the risk of COVID-19 infection for patients, families, and health care workers.

“Maintaining access to services, despite our need to socially distance ourselves, is critical to helping to stop the spread of COVID-19,” said Governor DeWine. “This action will help reduce the number of people infected and will hopefully save lives.”

Telehealth is the use of electronic information and telecommunications technologies to support long-distance clinical health care, patient and professional health-related education, public health and health administration. Traditionally, health care providers and patients interact with each other via real-time, two-way technology such as smartphones, tablets, or computers. These rules allow patients to connect with their doctors using everyday communications tools including emails, faxes, and landline telephone services.

Individuals do not have to be an established patient to receive telehealth services, and there are no limitations on the the types of practitioners who are permitted to provide telehealth services for Medicaid patients.

There are currently 119 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in 24 Ohio counties including: Ashland (1), Belmont (2), Butler (8), Clark (1), Coshocton (2), Cuyahoga (53), Darke (1), Delaware (2), Franklin (10), Geauga (1), Hamilton (1), Huron (1), Lake (2), Lorain (6), Lucas (1), Mahoning (5), Medina (5), Miami (1), Montgomery (1), Richland (1), Stark (5), Summit (6), Trumbull (2), Tuscarawas (1). Of these cases, 33 individuals are hospitalized.

Video of today’s full update can be viewed on the Ohio Channel’s website.

For more information on Ohio’s response to COVID-19, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH.

Source: https://governor.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/governor/media/news-and-media/applications-accepted-for-economic-injury-disaster-loan-order-to-expand-telehealth-services-for-medicaid-recipients

March 18, 2020

(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton, M.D., MPH, announced today that the Ohio Department of Health is ordering the temporary closure of Ohio’s barbershops, hair salons, nail salons, and tattoo parlors due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Governor DeWine also ordered the temporary closure of most of Ohio’s Bureau of Motor Vehicle (BMV) deputy registrar locations and BMV driver examination stations.

Both orders went into effect at the close of business today.

“Everyone is in this fight, but we don’t need to go into the battlefield, we simply need to stay home,” said Governor DeWine. “Social distancing is so critical, and many Ohioans are starting to understand its importance, but there are still some who don’t yet get it. This is a crisis that we have never seen in our lifetime, and everyone must recognize that their actions could have deadly consequences.”

Of Ohio’s 186 BMV locations and 57 driver exam stations, a handful will remain open to issue and renew commercial driver licenses and perform commercial knowledge exams to ensure that the transportation of necessaries necessities such as food, medical supplies, and cleaning supplies is not interrupted. Those locations are:

Central Ohio:
Deputy Registrar – 4503 Kenny Road, Columbus 43220
Driver Exam Station – 4738 Cemetery Road, Columbus 43026

Northeast Ohio:
Deputy Registrar – 22125 Rockside Road, Bedford 44146
Driver Exam Station – 22123 Rockside Road, Bedford 44146

Southeast Ohio:
Deputy Registrar/Driver Exam Station – 142 Gross Street, Suites A & B, Marietta 45750

Northwest Ohio:
Deputy Registrar/Driver Exam Station – 1616 E. Wooster Street, Suite 30, Bowling Green  43402

Southwest Ohio:
Deputy Registrar – 10938 Hamilton Avenue, Mt. Healthy  45231
Driver Exam Station – 10940 Hamilton Avenue, Cincinnati  45231

Because of these BMV closures, Governor DeWine announced that he will work with the Ohio General Assembly to extend the expiration date of driver’s licenses that are up for renewal. In the meantime, the Ohio State Highway Patrol will not issue tickets to drivers whose licenses expire while BMV’s services are unavailable. Governor DeWine recommended that other law enforcement agencies in Ohio do the same.

Ohioans can still renew their vehicle registrations by mail or online at www.oplates.com, and BMV is currently working to provide other online service.

EMPLOYEE TEMPERATURES:

Governor DeWine today encouraged business owners to begin taking the temperature of employees when they arrive at work in an effort to identify anyone who is becoming ill. If this is not feasible, Governor DeWine asked that employers require workers to take their own temperatures prior to arriving at work. Anyone with a temperature of 100.4 or higher should self-quarantine with members of their household.

OHIO NATIONAL GUARD:

Because food banks and similar organizations are staffed by a large number of volunteers who are high-risk and encouraged to stay home during this pandemic, Governor DeWine signed a proclamation authorizing the Ohio National Guard to assist organizations that need help with the normal operations of distributing food and supplies.

There are currently 88 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in 19 Ohio counties including: Ashland (1), Belmont (2), Butler (8), Coshocton (2), Cuyahoga (38), Darke (1), Delaware (1), Franklin (7), Geauga (1), Huron (1), Lake (2), Lorain (6), Lucas (1), Mahoning (3), Medina (4), Stark (3), Summit (4), Trumbull (2),and  Tuscarawas (1). Of these individuals, 26 are hospitalized.

Video of today’s full update can be viewed on the Ohio Channel’s website.

For more information on Ohio’s response to COVID-19, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH.

Source: https://governor.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/governor/media/news-and-media/announced-additional-temporary-business-closures