Wood County Emergency Management Agency’s Emergency Operation Center’s Situation Report on COVID-19 Response for June 11.
Executive Summary:
Gov. Mike DeWine – At the beginning of the pandemic we prioritized testing, we progressed then, expanding who could be tested as more testing became available. Today we are announcing that we are expanding testing to include anyone in the state of Ohio who wants a test. We originally had a scarcity mindset but are now making progress. Starting today if you would like a test, you will be able to get one. To do this talk to your health care provider or contact a local testing center.
We recently added an interactive map to the coronavirus.ohio.gov website that show testing locations across the state. Also the map includes community health centers where tests are being performed- not all of these sites are performing tests but you can contact them to find out more information on where to go. We are also announcing two new features to the map- a form to fill out for providers to let the state know they are performing tests, and also adding pop-up testing centers.
Pop-up or temporary sites will be available across the state. We will continue to add more locations and sites. We appreciate the assistance of the National Guard in these efforts. Churches, synagogues, religious centers have never been required to close although many of them did voluntarily shut down to prevent the spread of COVID. The state has put together a list of suggested best practices (having families sit together, encourage face covers, eliminate touching common surfaces, etc.) This guidance is shared on the coronavirus.ohio.gov website.
The governor then spoke about Dr. Amy Acton and her outstanding leadership and the events leading up to her hiring last year. “I will always believe and know that many lives have been saved because of her advice.” DeWine announced that she (Dr. Acton) felt it is time for her step down as the Ohio Director of Health. She is staying on after some persuasion as the Chief Health Advisor to the Governor. She will continue to serve the people of the state of Ohio in this new role. It is difficult for me to put into words how grateful I am for her service. She has always put Ohioans first. She has an extraordinary ability to communicate and her bedside manner has been superb. The new role is a comprehensive and holistic approach to the health of Ohioans. This is an opportunity to look at the bigger picture.
“Not all heroes wear capes, some of them wear a white coat. The particular hero’s white coat is embossed with the name Amy Acton.”
The governor then addressed potential spikes and the R0. The R0 shows how contagious the disease is without intervention. That is how many people that infected person could infect. In Ohio, the number was as high as 1.9. That was in March. It is less than 1 on average as of the first of June. This data is always 10 days behind. There has been a slight increase in several regions across the state in the R0 numbers. This is not yet alarming.
Dr. Amy Acton- Talked about the hard work of her team. She also gave special recognition to the OSHP, and the executive protection team, “thanks for being with me through some long and hard days.” She then gave thanks to many others she has been working with throughout the pandemic. She thanked Governor DeWine and Fran, her family, and Ohioans.
“Ohioans you have saved lives, you have done this. A pandemic disrupts us, but it has opened us to see things in new lights, and is creating new opportunities. I am here, and more determined than ever. This is a grateful journey I am on. The need to protect Ohioans has always been my focus.” She stressed that the pressures that elected officials deal with is great, and that those pressures were new to her.
Lt. Gov. Jon Husted- The economy has safely and gradually reopened. Many Ohioans are returning to work. For the sixth straight week, renewals of unemployment claims have declined. Good news, Jobs Ohio announcing in 13 minority owned businesses in Stark County will be participating in the London Stock Exchange Global Elite Program. ODJFS receiving 8.5 million grant dollars for employment recovery. The details of this will soon be announced on ODJFS website. These are all reasons to be optimistic for the future.
Ohio Confirmed Cases: 37,120
Ohio Probable Cases: 2,884
Ohio Total Confirmed plus Probable: 40,004
Ohio Hospitalizations: 6,753
ICU Admissions: 1,732
Ohio Confirmed COVID Deaths: 2,263
Ohio Probable COVID Deaths: 227
*For daily state hospitalization data please visit: https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-
19/dashboards/key-metrics/hospitalizations/key-metrics-on-hospitalizations scroll to the bottom, find the date you are looking for and hover your mouse over that bar.
Wood County Cases (total plus probable): 317
Wood County Hospitalizations: 66
Wood County Long Term Care Cases: 198
Wood County Deaths: 49
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- Over the past 24 hours, ODH reported 413 (39,575) total new cases and 6 (1,714) ICU Admissions were below 21-day averages. 73 (6,693) hospitalizations and 36 (2,457) deaths were above their respective 21-day averages. ODH reports one additional hotspot identified, which is associated with the general populations in Montgomery and Clark counties. The State EOC continues to support one previously identified hotspot through an ongoing mission. ODH continues to monitor eight hotspots. A statewide push of PPE was completed on June 10.
The Wood County EMA has cloth masks available for local government entities. Please contact us if you have a need. These will be given on a first come first served basis.
Please contact us if you have PPE to donate, if you have any PPE needs or have any questions, and 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.
Public Health:
There are 37,120 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Ohio. There 317 are cases (total confirmed plus probable) presently in Wood County, 66 of those are or have been hospitalized, 198 in long term care, 49 deaths.
Case follow-up and contact tracing – Confirmed and probable cases are reported to the health department. Several health department staff are involved in contacting cases and their close contacts to ensure isolation and quarantine guidelines are followed. In addition, a UT professor has enlisted a pool of trained nursing and other students to help the health department with interviews of cases and their close contacts.
Testing – testing locations and other local information, as well as links to ODH and CDC resources, can be found at Coronavirus.WoodCountyHealth.org
Healthcare:
Wood County Hospital: To limit potential hospital personnel and staff’s exposure to COVID-19, individuals with suspected COVID-19 will be escorted through the hospital on a separate route than those without.
Long Term Care: Wood County has PPE (i.e., gowns, N95 masks, K95 masks, surgical masks, face shields, Tyvek suits, and gloves) we can provide to health care facilities so your agency can stock up for the Fall season. PPE pickup is located at the Wood County Health Department. Please email wbryant-bey@co.wood.oh.us with the supplies you want for your agency and the pickup date/time.
- Thursday, June 18, from 9 – 10:30 a.m. and 1 – 4 p.m.
- Thursday, June 25, from 9 – 10:30 a.m. and 1 – 4 p.m.
- Thursday, July 9, from 9 – 10:30 a.m. and 1 – 4 p.m.
For other agency 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.
Wood County Parks:
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. Playgrounds and facilities are closed, programs and events are canceled, and park district headquarters are closed to the public.
BGSU:
Now publishing a situation report once/week.
They are waiving the application fee for undergraduate, graduate, and BGSU e Campus students. The next eCampus session starts June 22. In addition, the University Freshman Academic Scholarship deadline has been extended, and the GRE and GMAT requirements have also been waived. Learn more and apply: https://bit.ly/30htmRj
Wood County Historical Museum:
The Wood County Museum will re-open for self-guided tours on Monday, July 6, and will resume regular hours of weekdays 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., and weekends from 1-4 p.m. (closed on public holidays). New cleaning procedures have been put in place, and patrons are required to wear a mask or facial covering, and practice proper social distancing while inside the building to help curb any spread of potential COVID-19. A complete list of the museum’s new exhibits and amenities can be found at woodcountyhistory.org
Wood County JFS
K-12 Fitted for Success Program: The agency is now accepting applications for the K-12 Fitted for Success program. 700 children who live in Wood County will be provided with backpacks filled with grade appropriate school supplies, new shoes and socks and winter clothing items which may include coats, hats and gloves. Assistance is provided on a first come/first serve basis. Proof of household income, Birth Certificates or other proof of citizenship and Social Security cards for all family members as well as verification of school enrollment for children must be provided. Families must have an income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level to qualify. For a family of 4, this about $4,300 or less in gross income per month. The income amount varies based on family size. Applications should be received by Aug. 7 but will be accepted until 700 children are approved. Assistance will be distributed to approved families in August. Please complete the contact form to request an application. Applications will be sent to you by mail. You may also call 419-376-3488.
Local:
The Bowling Green Parks & Recreation Department has announced that registration for Summer Youth Programs is now open. You can view our summer offerings by clicking on the following link: https://www.bgohio.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Summer-2020-Youth-Programs-Flyer.pdf?x33100 Programs include Variety Day Camps, Obstacle Course programming, as well as Youth Sports Skills Training. Limited spaces are available due to social distancing requirements so secure your spot by registering early.
WIC: We are here for you every step of the way. Please call us at 419-354-9661 if you need anything-from breastfeeding support to assistance with formula for your baby.
The Wood County District Public Library is on track to open in July. Library users, please note that any materials checked out before WCDPL closed on March 15 in response to Coronavirus safety guidelines now have a due date of Friday, June 12. You may return any borrowed items you’ve been holding on to by using the book drop built into the north wall of the Bowling Green building (or, for the Walbridge library, built into the south wall, just right of the Watershed filling station). Items borrowed prior to March 15 which have not been returned or renewed by June 12 will start receiving overdue notices.
The Red Cross wanted 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).
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
