Wood County Emergency Management Agency’s Emergency Operation Center’s Situation Report on COVID-19 Response
This March 25 report communicates Wood County Emergency Operations Center’s activity over the past 24 hours
Executive Summary:
Gov. Mike DeWine stated, “We do not have PPE … We did get our share from the Strategic National Stockpile and it’s not enough and we know that.” This is the reasoning behind asking elective surgeries to postpone. He thanked tech schools, businesses, and higher education for turning over their PPE to help offset the upcoming surge.
He touched on the disaster aid package that was passed overnight. And also thanked the members of the general assembly that were in session today. He also said, at the end of this we are all going to agree we need to year after year consistently fund public health.
Dr. Amy Acton went over the statistics. She encouraged the public to call first before going to the doctor or ER to let them know ahead of time their symptoms and allow them time to adequately prepare.
Lt. Gov. Jon Husted said he appreciates the members of congress working on getting the final bit of legislation passed. The relief in that package is much needed. USDOT is cutting some of the red tape that stands in the way of issuing and renewing commercial driver’s licenses. Please visit www.coronavirus.ohio.gov /business help for more information.
Home energy assistance program runs until the end of March, we are now running that until May 1, 2020 if you qualify.
Unemployment.ohio.gov is up and running fine today. They are trying to increase their capabilities, but there is a large influx of people visiting that website.
On the topic of essential business we ask you to read the order on the website, use your own good judgement to make your determinations. It is recommended that you create a document of justifications of why you deem yourself essential and demonstrating your safe business practices, in the event you are asked. Do not call law enforcement, health department to clarify. They are not to interpret, only enforce.
“This is going to be a time that we look back on. It’s forcing us to slow down and think about things a different way.” – Dr. Amy Acton
Ohio Cases: 704
Ohio Hospitalizations: 182
ICU admissions: 75
Healthcare Workers: 116
Ohio Deaths: 10
Wood County Cases: 3
Wood County Hospitalizations: 1
Wood County Deaths: 0
County EOC Objectives:
- Coordinate the county’s response to limit spread of COVID-19; and maintain medical care.
- 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.
- Determine how county agencies will continue delivery of essential services to Wood County residents while following COVID-19 public health guidelines.
EMA Actions Taken/Planned Actions:
An abbreviated version of this report can be found at: http://woodcountyema.org/covid-19/ .
We are currently in the process of inventorying the supplies provided from the Strategic National Stockpile, Wood County Health Department, and donations. Please be patient and try to keep us informed of your agency needs.
Also, please contact us if:
- If anyone has access to UVC lights to be used for disinfection
- If any fraternal groups, service groups, faith-based groups want to sign up to be on a call list as needs arise in the county
- If you have PPE to donate or if you have any needs or questions
Public Health:
There are 704 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Ohio. 55 Counties are impacted. 3 positive cases presently in Wood County.
Normal hours continue 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. We request that the public does business by phone as much as possible. Call 419-352-8402, or go to www.WoodCountyHealth.org for information or phone lines for specific services.
The latest local updates and guidance are available on Facebook and Twitter, @WCHDOhio.
Wood County Health Commissioner Ben Batey is providing video updates that include local COVID-19 case numbers.
Updates, checklists and much more information is available from the Ohio Department of Health at www.coronavirus.ohio.gov, and from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.coronavirus.gov .
EMS:
The EMA and health department have been working with local EMS to try to provide them with much needed PPE. Please understand that the demand far outweighs the supply at this time across the entire country. This is why current guidance from the state is focused around conservation. Sharing with your neighbors is being strongly encouraged by the state as a form of mutual aid. Many PPE requests have been submitted and addressed. If you have a need, please put in a formal request in writing to: woodcountyema@co.wood.oh.us .
Healthcare:
Wood County Hospital has a link on their page regarding food insecurity that is a useful resource: Please visit: https://www.woodcountyhospital.org/about-us/community-resources/?fbclid=IwAR0BVbrp38D8QZE4nLmiMpngnjrv3azNhxs5Lp4OC4X9793tsY_0YJzIJEQ
NAMI Wood County:
Social distancing is hard, social isolation is not good for anyone. Come join a support group or class with us on the computer or phone. For all of our programming follow: https://namiwoodcounty.org/nami-wood-countys-response-to-c…/
Federal Government:
The White House and Senate leaders of both parties announced agreement early Wednesday on an unprecedented $2 trillion emergency bill to rush sweeping aid to businesses, workers and a health care system slammed by the coronavirus pandemic. This is the largest economic rescue bill in history.
A Department of Homeland Security memo sent to law enforcement officials around the country warns that violent extremists could seek to take advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic by carrying out attacks against the U.S. At this time, DHS said it has no information indicating any active plotting is underway, but that it has observed certain extremist groups, both foreign and domestic, looking to spread misinformation about the coronavirus.
BGSU:
Mobile Pantry Information
Thursday, March 26 from 2-4 p.m.
1526 E. Wooster St., Bowling Green (First United Methodist parking lot) ID recommended, not required. Open to any student, staff, faculty or community members. No requirements except wanting free healthy food. You will drive up to the food pantry/trailer (lining up behind other cars). Then, a volunteer will check you in and explain the process of shopping the pantry. You will stay in your car and a volunteer will ask which food options you would like. When your bags are packed, a volunteer will place the bags in your car and you can exit. Can’t make it to this pantry? Call 2-1-1 or visit bit.ly/39d5KOs to get connected to additional resources.
ODNR:
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has closed campgrounds, cabins, golf courses, restrooms, shower houses, playgrounds, and state park marinas at all ODNR properties in response to the state’s stay-at-home order because of the coronavirus pandemic. Public outdoor spaces at Ohio state parks, wildlife areas, forests and nature preserves remain open, including trails, dog parks, and non-marina docks.
Local:
There is a local resident who has organized the sewing of cloth masks. There are two tubs in front of Grounds For Thought in Bowling Green, located at 174 S. Main St., where the masks can be dropped off. The tubs are outside seven days a week, from dawn to dark. Instructions on how to make the masks are on the Grounds For Thought Facebook page.
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)
