Wood County Emergency Management Agency’s Emergency Operation Center’s Situation Report on COVID-19 Response for May 21
Executive Summary:
Lt. Gov. Jon Husted – As previously announced, on May 26 leagues and competitions are allowed to resume for non-contact activities. Gyms and rec centers can also open on those dates with observation of those safety protocols. Newly, bowling alleys, miniature golf, batting cages, will be allowed to open on May 26.
Ohio High School Athletic Association- skills training and conditioning can start now. Effective May 26, these training activities can resume for all sports (contact sports included) so long as safety protocols are followed. This does not mean that competition, scrimmages, games are allowed to start. School buildings and facilities will be allowed for skills training for these sports. Use of these facilities is up to the local school district.
Catering and banquet centers are allowed to reopen June 1 under similar guidelines as restaurants. Capacity of these places are limited to 300 individuals.
Dr. Amy Acton – Increase of 731 cases since yesterday, deaths have gone up since yesterday as well. Everything else remains about the same. 300,000 tests have been done on Ohio. Hospitalizations have slightly decreased, ICU visits and vent usage has remained about flat.
Gov. Mike DeWine – Discussed the minority strike force. Pointed out the health disparities associated with race and ethnicity. The African American community has been disproportionately hit by this COVID-19 pandemic. This is deeply concerning and when we notice these things we have an obligation to act. There is a new map posted to the site coronavirus.ohio.gov that is interactive and is inclusive of race and other breakdowns of demographics.
DeWine mentioned expanding testing and health access to minorities. Launching an additional educational campaign to support this mission. Ramping up testing in vulnerable areas, making access to information increased are only a part of this mission. There is now a position dedicated at ODH to this mission. “Stay in the fight” is a new communications campaign that was unveiled, this campaign message is in line with the minority strike force mission.
For testing contact the federally qualified health center closest to you to get more information on how to get tested. They are also working with partners to distribute COVID-19 protection kits to those in need (facial coverings, hand sanitizer, and information). In June minority task force will be announcing their findings and recommendations. Mental health – $1 million grant from the federal government for mental health and addiction services response.
Ohio Confirmed Cases: 28,174
Ohio Probable Cases: 1,993
Ohio Total Confirmed plus Probable: 30,167
Ohio Hospitalizations: 5,295
ICU Admissions: 1,397
Ohio Confirmed COVID Deaths: 1,653
Ohio Probable COVID Deaths: 183
Wood County Cases (total plus probable): 260
Wood County Hospitalizations: 64
Wood County Long Term Care Cases: 188
Wood County Deaths: 43
County EOC Objectives:
1. Coordinate the county’s response to limit spread of COVID-19; and maintain medical care.
2. Provide timely, clear, and consistent messaging to the public, stakeholders and media on the status of COVID-19 and actions the public can take to keep themselves safe.
3. Determine how county agencies will continue delivery of essential services to Wood County residents while following COVID-19 public health guidelines.
4. Prevent, identify, mitigate, and respond to COVID19 hotspots within the county.
EMA:
State EMA- County PPE needs were assessed after all 88 County EMAs provided forecast type and size to help focus future allotments. The week’s second allotment of PPE was delivered to each County. Additional warehouse space is being sought as in-use locations are near capacity.
PPE needs to support Ohio National Guard testing support were discussed. Ohio State Fair announced as canceled.
Please vet all information being sent to you before sharing. Disinformation and misinformation are a real issue surrounding COVID-19. When you read something ask yourself – What is the source? Does it match other outlets? Are the sources reliable? Is the author credible? Does the content push your buttons? Recognize the risk, question the source, investigate the issue, think before you link, and talk to your circle. Disinformation can stop with you. Recently, disinformation campaigns through social media have produced conspiracy theories linking the expansion of 5G cellular networks to the spread of COVID-19. The theories claim the new 5G technology weakens the immune system leading to rapid spread of the virus. The disinformation campaigns are generated by violent extremists who encourage attacks on the network infrastructure. These theories have created the desire to damage or destroy the communications infrastructure leading to physical attacks on cell towers, even if the tower was not equipped with 5G capabilities. Additionally, a text had been circulated earlier in April saying that the National Guard was going to impose a nationwide lockdown. Homeland Security was unable to locate/share the exact origin of the text but mentioned that Chinese agents assisted to circulate it on multiple platforms.
An abbreviated version of this report can be found at: http://woodcountyema.org/covid-19/ .
Also, please contact us if:
– If you have PPE to donate, if you have any PPE needs or have any questions.
– If you know citizens looking to purchase masks, please connect them with our office and we can give them the contact information of local mask sellers.
Businesses looking for large suppliers of cloth masks can contact Skyrocket/BiG Fab Labs at 419-466-0668 or kevin@skyrocketbox.com .
We are working with local dentist offices and doctors’ offices in securing access to PPE as they open back up.
Ohio Emergency PPE Maker’s Exchange is an available online resource to share and purchase personal protective equipment created through the ingenuity of Ohio manufacturers who have answered the call to help. https://repurposingproject.sharetribe.com/
Public Health:
There are 28,174 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Ohio. There are 260 cases (total confirmed plus probable) presently in Wood County, 64 of those hospitalized, 188 in long term care, 43 deaths.
Health department staff are answering calls regarding testing, essential business concerns, employee safety, the stay-at-home order and many other questions.
Case follow-up and contact tracing is being coordinated by a team of employees.
Wood County residents who feel they may have coronavirus are encouraged to complete a survey that will help local public health better track the illness. Wood County residents are asked to report coronavirus symptoms at https://tinyurl.com/WoodCountyCOVID19 .
Healthcare:
For formal resource requests, please contact us at: woodcountyema@co.wood.oh.us .
If an agency doesn’t have fit test capability and they need staff fit tested, Wood County Hospital Ready Works does fit testing for N95 masks. The cost is $25/person. They need to bring their own mask, schedule in advance 419-373-4162, complete a questionnaire, and takes about 15 minutes per person.
Mental Health/Wellness:
Beginning on Tuesday, May 26 at 6 p.m., the Survivors of Suicide Support group will be meeting in person. Group will be held at the Unison Office in Perrysburg: 1011 Sandusky Suite C. Facilitators will be sure to follow all the CDC regulations regarding COVID-19 regulations. Please DM for any questions or contact dmcguire@unisonbhg.org .
This week the CRC will be offering another Virtual Parent Chat through Zoom at 2 different times on Thursday, May 21. Use the link below to join the Virtual Parent Chat at 2 p.m. or 7 p.m: https://zoom.us/j/4499165637. The topic will be Boost your Child’s Self-Esteem and Motivation: What Parents Need to Know About Praise. This chat will offer ideas and tips for parents as well as offering a Q&A time for parents to speak to a consultant. It’s free and a great way for parents to get ideas and resources during this difficult time.
Law Enforcement/Fire/EMS:
Happy National EMS week.
Wood County Health Department is implementing testing symptomatic first responders or their immediate household family members through UTMC. Requests for testing must be sent by the Chief to FRCovid19@co.wood.oh.us
Wood County Parks District
Wood County Park District parks and preserves are open daily from 8 a.m. until 30 minutes past sunset. Observe social distancing of 6-10 feet from anyone who does not live in a household. Restrooms are open. Park-goers are asked to wear a mask inside the restroom.
Through June 22, playgrounds and facilities are closed, programs and events are canceled, and park district headquarters are closed to the public.
Wood County Fair:
Starting Friday, May 22 the Fairgrounds will have fair food available on the grounds.
BGSU:
Now publishing a situation report once/week.
The Bowling Green Flight Center has resumed flight training for Bowling Green State University students in the aviation program with new measures in place to ensure the safety of students and instructors due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Students and staff will return to flight training in phases. Based on the guidelines released by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, the flight center has developed new procedures and protocols that include increased cleaning and disinfecting of the facilities and aircraft and the use of face masks.
Schools:
Eastwood School’s “Thank You to the Community” Parade will begin on Tuesday, May 26, at 5:30 p.m. Eastwood School staff members will be parading through the Eastwood communities to say, “Thank You for all your support during this unprecedented time!” Families are encouraged to gather outside on the porch, yard, or open community space along the parade route, to see the Eastwood staff for an end of school year celebration. Everyone is reminded to maintain social distancing for the safety of all families.
Local:
The Jerry City Memorial Day Committee would like to announce this year’s Memorial Day activities have been canceled. Residents and guests are encouraged to visit the Jerry City Cemetery to reflect on the great sacrifices our military men and women have made to ensure the freedoms we enjoy today. The flags have been placed on the graves of our veterans, and will be flying proudly for all visitors.
WIC office is open daily in Bowling Green and will be continuing curbside service through the month of June. Infants and children do not need to be present. Call us from your car and we will assist you to get certified for benefits or load your current benefits onto your WIC card. You don’t need to leave your car. For more information call us at 419-354-9661.
BGSU and Food for Thought Mobile Pantry Thursday, May 28th from 2-4 p.m., 1526 E. Wooster St., Bowling Green (First United Methodist parking lot). While the pantry cannot serve food on campus and is not accepting volunteers right now, we want to continue to serve anyone in need by holding a drive-thru mobile food pantry. The Center for Public Impact, along with community partners Food for Thought of Toledo, United Way Wood County, First United Methodist, and the BGSU Student Nutrition Association have co-sponsored this mobile pantry. Despite being a drive-thru pantry, if a car is not accessible to you, you can still walk through the pantry, we will just maintain appropriate social distance from you in addition to the other safety precautions we will already be taking.
Since they had to cancel our Red Cross Blood Drives at Wood County Board of Developmental Disabilities, the Red Cross wanted me to reach out to everyone and make you aware of locations in our community that are available for donations. The dates are in the same window for donations if you were signed up for a drive here at WCBDD. To schedule an appointment at one of these sites please visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code: GOODSHEPHERD or call 1-800-Red-Cross, (733-2767). The drives are as follows:
- Tuesday, June 9, 10AM-4PM BGSU – Perry Field House (free parking) To schedule an appointment visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code BGSU or call 1-800- Red Cross.
- Saturday, June 13, 8:30 – 2PM – Church of the Good Shepherd 5589 Holcomb Road, Wayne.
Administrative Information:
Any information and contributions your agency has for this report is valuable to maintain a common operating picture and situational awareness for the county as a whole.
Please reach out to our office via phone or email (email preferred) to share information.
EOC Hours of Operation: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Requesting support: Call Wood County EMA at 419-354-9269 or email
woodcountyema@co.wood.oh.us
ODH Call line: 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634)
www.coronavirus.ohio.gov
