Wood County Emergency Management Agency’s Emergency Operation Center’s Situation Report on COVID-19 Response for May 18
Executive Summary:
Gov. Mike DeWine – On Thursday he will be talking more about the minority task force, the recommendations, what they have done and what they plan to do. Restaurants and bars – DeWine said he has always tried to be blunt. In this reopening phase, there is risk involved. The rules and protocols were laid out very clearly by the working group. The truth is, that our economic recovery in the state of Ohio is tied directly to how successful we are in preventing the spread of the coronavirus. We cannot be successful in reopening if we get surges of illness. The basic facts have not changed, this can be only done by distancing. The more distance, the less spread.
Reports over the weekend – it was clear that more places were doing a great job. There are some outliers, some that were not doing what they should do. If we’re going to make this recovery, people need to feel safe.
He then read from the order that was based upon recommendations from the working group – social distancing requirements including: 6 feet social distancing for employees and members of the public at all time, including when customers are standing in line, no more than 10 persons per reservation, customers must be seated when consuming anything on the premises of the business.
The owner of the bar, those running the bar have an obligation to control the environment. If they cannot do this they need to close. Enforcement – they will be marshaling all the resources at our disposal. Ohio Investigative Unit called to support the effort in policing these “bad actors” with safety checks of establishments not following the order. They will issue administrative citations that can result in the revocation of liquor licenses and will work with municipal prosecutors to take criminal action against these bad actors.
DeWine had a recovered COVID patient speak to the details of her course of illness and recovery. A nurse from Ohio Department of Corrections died yesterday, three in total staff have now passed away, and also so have 61 incarcerated adults.
Annette Chambers, the director, spoke to what the system is doing at this time to mitigate and slow the spread of Coronavirus. They mentioned they are using specialists to assist with this, are not working alone, and are following all CDC and ODH guidelines. They have a new testing plan they are following at Belmont Correctional. Testing people on the way into the system, quarantining them on arrival for 14 days. This includes contact tracing/testing after positive findings. Testing pre-surgery, testing on the way out of the facilities. They are testing when it is actionable and when it helps someone. They also screen their population for symptoms. They will be moving towards antibody testing as well. Hotspot has changed from Marion to Belmont.
Lt. Gov. Jon Husted – The restaurant workgroup did a good job putting the protocols together. These rules must be followed for the benefit of all. We need to do this safely, and that’s why they were put in place. Patrons must be seated, they are required to be. Open congregate areas must remain closed. No more than 10 people to a table, tables must be separated 6 feet apart. The business owner is accountable not thecustomers. We don’t want to have to enforce this, but if you can’t or won’t comply there has to be enforcement. Local officials can go above and beyond to set stricter standards and close these facilities for operation. We don’t want a couple of places to ruin this for all.
Sports, sports leagues – We are going to begin to coordinate with Ohio High School Athletic Association on protocols and training for school sanctioned sports. Everything we do is to try to limit the spread of COVID-19, more on this in the near future.
Churches- they were never closed. Many churches have chosen to close to protect their parishioners.
Dr. Amy Acton- Tested 270,000 Ohioans. Same levels, this is a plateau. Our testing is increasing, one day they tested over 10,000 in a day. We have been focusing on congregate settings due to their risk. We are building a good system and working around the clock. Keep wearing your masks, and keep your distance to prevent log rhythmic spread. We need to move carefully. We are now at about a 1:1 ability to spread, which is down from the original numbers due to our actions.
Ohio Confirmed Cases: 26,646
Ohio Probable Cases: 1,808
Ohio Total Confirmed plus Probable: 28,454
Ohio Hospitalizations: 4,998
ICU Admissions: 1,328
Ohio Confirmed COVID Deaths: 1,504
Ohio Probable COVID Deaths: 153
Wood County Cases (total plus probable): 250
Wood County Hospitalizations: 61
Wood County Long Term Care Cases: 184
Wood County Deaths: 42
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 – There are no ongoing significant impacts to critical infrastructure. Total confirmed cases, deaths, and hospitalizations continue to increase. Statewide bed and ventilator capacity are projected to meet 30-day medical forecast needs. Current models show statewide medical capacity capable of handling COVID-19 stressors. Efforts are continued to prevent hotspots, and additional PPE is being located as needed.
The federal government has given Ohio a shipment of Remdesivir, a drug that’s being used experimentally to treat COVID-19 patients. The shipment included 20 cases of the drug — enough to treat 100 patients. The Ohio Department of Health and the Ohio Hospital Association will work together in determining how the drug will be distributed.
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.
An abbreviated version of this report can be found at: http://woodcountyema.org/covid-19/ .
Also, please contact us:
– 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 locating 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 26,646 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Ohio. There are 250 cases (total confirmed plus probable) presently in Wood County, 61 of those hospitalized, 184 in long term care, 42 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.
Law Enforcement/Fire/EMS:
Wood County Health Department is implementing a new procedure for 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.
BGSU:
Now publishing a situation report once/week.
BGSU said its plan is to open in the fall, but the administration and leadership understands the need to be flexible and consider online and remote options. In addition to social distancing and health monitoring, BGSU dining facilities will change how they serve food and accommodate seating.
Local:
The Bowling Green Board of Education will hold its regular meeting on Tuesday, May 19, at 5:30 p.m. The board members will meet remotely with the public able to watch the meeting via YouTube: https://youtu.be/lEi59D51ulw
The Cocoon- Ever wondered where to call to access services, talk to the office staff, or request more information? Here are some numbers to get you where you need to go 24/7 Crisis Line: 419-373-1730, press 2 Request for services: 419-373-1730, press 2 General information/Office: 419-373-1730, ext. 1003 Donations or events: 419-373-1730, ext. 1002. The Cocoon now has regular weekly office hours in North Baltimore and Perrysburg. If you are in need of services in these areas, please contact our office for more information.
NWWSD- District-Wide Hydrant Flushing
Effective today, through November, weekdays from 7:30 a.m. until 4 p.m., crews will be flushing hydrants in various locations throughout Wood County. Effective Thursday, May 14, through Friday, May 22, crews will be hydrant flushing in McComb and Bloomdale. Residents are advised to flush water from their taps if the water becomes discolored. For more information: http://www.nwwsd.org/what-we-do/water/water-facts/hydrant-main-line-flushing-info/
Wood County District Public Library Begins No Contact Curbside Pick-Up! Starting Monday, May 18, patrons of the Wood County District Public Library can pick up materials they have requested at both library locations. To use the service, patrons call 419-352-5050 to request items for pick-up in Bowling Green. To request items for pick-up at the Walbridge library, patrons call 419-666-9900. Hours for pick-up service in Bowling Green are 9-5 Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, and 10-6 on Thursday and Friday. Hours for pick-up service at the Walbridge library are 9-1 Monday and Wednesday, and 2-6 on Tuesday and Thursday. Patrons can also place requests using the library’s catalog at https://wcdpl.org/ .
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
