By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Three ingredients – Thanksgiving gatherings, coronavirus fatigue, and already spiking virus rates in Ohio – are forecasted to create a perfect storm in Ohio.
So Gov. Mike DeWine recently asked that all Ohio counties create their own COVID Defense Teams made up of community leaders to help prevent the spread of the virus.
Wood County’s group held its first virtual meeting last week, with just over 150 local community leaders joining the team, organized by the Wood County Health Department.
There were representatives of local schools and BGSU; people from health care including long-term care, EMS and Wood County Hospital; business leaders; the faith community; and government officials.
A common refrain from many of the community leaders was that local residents are going tired of the extended coronavirus.
“We heard about the fatigue people are experiencing from COVID and being in this so long,” said Wood County Health Commissioner Ben Robison. “Folks have gotten weary.”
So it was decided that the health department should double its efforts encouraging people to continue steps to protect themselves and others. Eight months ago, when the virus was new, many people were very conscientious about taking preventative measures, Robison said. But as the coronavirus drags on, some people are becoming complacent.
“How do we as community leaders promote endurance in the community?” Robison asked.
It was decided that the new countywide community team works on collaborating within their sectors and reaching across to other sectors.
“There’s a desire to be innovative – to keep this message fresh,” he said.
The group also talked about the need to magnify the success stories in the fight against COVID-19. So efforts will be made to set goals that can be attained, then share them with others.
“So it’s not a never ending challenge,” Robison said.
Business, education and faith leaders talked about keeping their workplaces safe from COVID. In most cases, the workplaces have measures in place, and people are following them, Robison said.
“The precautions are great there,” he said. But the problems are occurring with how people are choosing to spend their personal time.
Community leaders also discussed the concerns about upcoming holidays. Cases are already on a rise in Ohio, and if families celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas as they usually do, then even greater spikes are predicted for January.
“We have definitely seen increases after each holiday,” Robison said.
Robison suggested that families reimagine and celebrate the traditional values of holidays differently.
“This is likely to be a once in a lifetime occurrence,” he said. “So let’s do this one different.”
Now is the time for local residents to be resilient.
“This is the window in which we should take action,” Robison said.
Robison expressed his gratitude for so many community leaders wanting to help keep Wood County safe.
“We really need to do this as a whole community,” he said.
