Wood County EMA: Testing updates offered by state

Wood County Emergency Management Agency’s Emergency Operation Center’s Situation Report on COVID-19 Response for May 28

Executive Summary:

Gov. Mike DeWine – Testing: Asked Ohio Board of Pharmacy to clarify what pharmacists roles can be in regard to testing. Yesterday, they released updated guidance to allow pharmacists to order and administer testing. They are adding a map on the coronavirus.ohio.gov website to indicate locations for testing. The webpage will also have links to community health centers. They are working with Medicaid to ensure access to this testing to those individuals, this is a work in progress. Expanding the criteria allowable for testing facilities. We have previously had three categories and we are adding a fourth.

“Individuals in the community who have symptoms” is the newly added expansion to the allowable testing criteria. Nursing home visitations: we are going to try to change this in stages. National Guard will start aggressively testing on Monday morning.

On June 8 intermediate care facilities for people with developmental disabilities and assisted living facilities, that have properly prepared, can begin to allow outdoor visitation. We are not to nursing homes yet. We are trying to do this so we don’t increase the spread inside of the facilities. Our decision to move forward is based on emotional needs of patients and families, and a multitude of other factors. There are specific protocols that have been developed to guide these visitations including screening and other items. 

BWC: deferring Ohio employers June, July, August premiums. 

State Fair as mentioned previously has been canceled. A task force was assembled and looked at holding Junior Fairs over the summer. They have developed guidelines to be looked at between the local health departments and the local fair boards. Asked them to come together to provide a safe outlet for the kids who participate in these events. Guidelines are being released on this today on the coronavirus.ohio.gov website. County and independent fair decisions need to be made locally. This is because each one faces a variety of unique circumstances. Asking all fair boards to comply with all of the current guidelines as they stand (food service, etc.). 

Addressed along with the Lt. Gov. Jon Husted the security of Ohio voting by mail. We have a tremendous system built for these times. We have to invest in public health. Two big take aways after this event – “We have to make some of this stuff ourselves. We cannot be reliant on China for these things in the supply chain.”

Husted – May is reopening month. Along with this comes uncertainty, but it is also a time for hope. Visit Techcred.ohio.gov for more information. Employers no longer need to identify specific individuals in an application. Instead, employers will list the number of current or future employees who will earn each credential. Employees can also now earn multiple credentials each application period.

Ohio Confirmed Cases: 31,625

Ohio Probable Cases: 2,290

Ohio Total Confirmed plus Probable: 33,915

Ohio Hospitalizations: 5,811

ICU Admissions: 1,516

Ohio Confirmed COVID Deaths: 1,888

Ohio Probable COVID Deaths: 210

*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): 282

Wood County Hospitalizations: 65

Wood County Long Term Care Cases: 198

Wood County Deaths: 46

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- No new Hot Spots were identified during the day’s Clinical Zone calls. The State EOC continues to provide mission support to five previously identified areas of concern. The second half of this week’s PPE push is scheduled for today, May 28. State PPE stores continue to be transferred to a secondary location per the current storage strategy.

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 .

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 31,625 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Ohio. There are 282 cases (total confirmed plus probable) presently in Wood County, 65 of those are or have been hospitalized, 198 in long term care, 46 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:

Wood County Hospital: They are still accepting donations for handmade face masks created following the CDC guidelines. If you are able to donate, the masks need to be made from cotton fabric with ties or elastic ear loops and must cover the nose and mouth completely. Our donation line to schedule drop off is (419) 354-8992 (M-F between 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.). Details on the CDC guidelines can be found here:  https://bit.ly/2R9av5m

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:

In response to the worldwide outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is caused by the SARS CoV-2 virus, the National Volunteer Fire Council has established this webpage to provide links to information and resources from various federal agencies and other sources that are relevant to emergency responders. We will update this page periodically as we become aware of new resources and information related to EMS or other emergency responders. https://www.nvfc.org/coronavirus-19-information-and-resources-for-ems/?fbclid=IwAR2ZzPJ0jzpEX_6RfYccTP7zzyk4QWdwIKry3UIxTCeTRhkc81UMJvLUscc

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 same household. Restrooms are open. Park-goers are asked to wear a mask inside the restroom. Through Aug. 1, playgrounds and facilities are closed, programs and events are canceled, and park district headquarters are closed to the public.

Due to public safety concerns regarding large gatherings in public spaces, the Bowling Green Parks and Recreation Department is canceling all remaining scheduled volunteer sessions for Simpson Garden Park. However, Simpson Garden Park is still looking for individuals or small groups of volunteers (three or less) who would be able to work in areas of the park with little to no supervision through the summer and fall.  Garden volunteers who are interested can email Mike Przysiecki, Simpson Garden Park On-Site Manager, at  mprzysi@bgohio.org  for more information on scheduling a time to volunteer. 

Wood County Fair:

The Fairgrounds will have fair food available on the grounds. The hours will be 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

BGSU:

Now publishing a situation report once/week.

Dr. Jenjira Yahirun, assistant professor of sociology at Bowling Green State University, wants policymakers to think about how COVID-19 affects the health of families across demographics. Yahirun co-authored an opinion column that was published in “The Hill,” an online publication focused on politics, policy, business and international relations https://www.bgsu.edu/coronavirus/?deliveryName=DM7108

The College of Education and Human Development and the Office of Pre-College Programs are teaming up to offer  two-week online academic enrichment camps in reading, science and math for students in grades 3 through 8.

Schools:

Northwood: Reverse parade Thursday May 28, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. This is a drive through parade, parents and students will be in cars and teachers will be spaced out on the sidewalks. This is to provide a socially distanced way to close the school year. Free breakfast and lunch for kids 18 and under, Monday and Wednesday June 1-July 31, 2020. Drive thru pick up only service. Northwood High School 600 Lemoyne Road, Northwood, Brentwood Shelter House, 300 Brentwood Drive, Northwood. No need to RSVP.

Eastwood: The End of the Year Parade has been set for Monday, June 1, at 5:30 p.m. The parade route is on the district webpage www.eastwoodschools.org. The staff looks forward to making their way through the district on Monday to close the end of the 2019-2020 school year and wishing all the kids well over the summer.

The Cocoon:

If you are in need of services, we suggest: *Call 9-1-1 if you feel you are in imminent danger *Call The Cocoon’s 24/7 crisis line at 419-373-1730, option #2 to be immediately connected to an advocate For more information, call our office Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at 419-373-1730 or visit www.thecocoon.org to learn more about ways we support survivors.

Local:

All Wood County Committee on Aging senior center locations — Perrysburg, Rossford, Walbridge, Grand Rapids, Pemberville, Wayne, North Baltimore and the Wood County Senior Center in Bowling Green — will remain closed to the general public through June 30.

Bowling Green residents wishing to dispose of items too large for refuse containers may begin calling on Tuesday to schedule a pickup. The program, which allows for a collection year-round by appointment as opposed to having to wait for specific times of the year, had been temporarily suspended as the city responded to coronavirus. As part of the program, residents may schedule up to two large item collections (up to five items per collection) at no additional charge per year (some restrictions apply). An example of the five-item limitation would be a typical kitchen table with four chairs – this would be considered one item. Thereafter the following fees apply: $25 for the first item, $15 per item thereafter. Residents simply need to call Public Works at 419-354-6227 to schedule a date (typically a Monday or Friday) to have the item(s) curbside no later than 7 a.m.

Because of additional fees and restrictions at the Wood County Landfill, mattresses will still require additional payment (maximum of three mattresses). Those needing to pay for mattresses or items beyond the allowance must submit payment (by mail or drop box) before being added to the collection calendar. Refrigerators, freezers, dehumidifiers, air conditioners, tires, chemicals, solvents, fuels and liquid paint will not be picked up by city refuse crews. The city’s Recycle Coach app provides proper disposal options for these items. Also, the city is not authorized to pick up building materials, construction or demolition refuse, sod, or rocks. These items may be taken to the Wood County Landfill for a fee.

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 you WIC card. You don’t need to leave your car. For more information call us at 419-354-9661.

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).  The drives are as follows:

  • Tuesday, June 9, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 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 a.m. to 2 p.m., 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