FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 4, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS: Dan Tierney: 614-644-0957 Breann Almos: 614-799-6480

Ohioans Encouraged to Wear Cloth Masks in Public; Governor Signs TeleHealth Executive Order; New Wi-Fi Hotspot Locator

(COLUMBUS, Ohio)— Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, and Dr. Amy Acton, MD, MPH, today urged Ohioans to begin wearing cloth masks while in public, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

Yesterday, the CDC issued the recommendation that citizens wear face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. 

"In many cultures around the world, wearing a mask is just part of the culture - it is a socially accepted act of kindness," said Governor DeWine. "Wearing a mask should not scare people.  It is a good thing.  It is a considerate thing.  It is a courageous thing." 

Wearing a mask will not prevent someone from contracting COVID-19, but it can help prevent them from spreading it to others -- especially if they have it, but are not yet showing symptoms. 

Wearing a cloth mask in public is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended. Cloth masks are not a substitute for social distancing, but rather, it is a complement to social distancing.

Guidance on how to make a homemade mask can be found on coronavirus.ohio.gov. 

Medical supply masks, such as N95 respirators, must be reserved for healthcare workers, first responders, and those who are known to be sick. Anyone with personal protective equipment to donate to frontline workers. To donate, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov. 

TELEHEALTH EXECUTIVE ORDER

Governor DeWine today signed an executive order that will allow Ohioans to more easily access telehealth services from individual counselors, social workers, and marriage and family counselors.  

In normal circumstances, a patient must have had a face-to-face first meeting and counselors and social workers before qualifying for a telehealth appointment; the providers would also be required to take special training in providing telehealth services.  This order will enable those requirements to be removed so that patients can more easily access these needed services.

"Mental health is just as important as physical health, and in this time of social distancing and stay at home orders, we are trying to ensure that those who need services can access them without leaving their homes," said Governor DeWine. 

HOTSPOT LOCATOR: 

Lt. Governor Husted announced today that BroadbandOhio has been working with providers to find public wi-fi hotspot locations for Ohioans who may not otherwise have access to the internet from home.

A list of hotspot finders and locations by provider is available at Coronavirus.Ohio.Gov/BusinessHelp. You can find it by accessing the “Individuals and Families” tab. Those without internet access are urged to visit a known hotspot to access the complete list.

"Some of these hotspots offer parking lot availability so you can go there, download work emails, or school lesson plans, and then have it on your device when you return home," said Lt. Governor Husted.

Service providers offering public wi-fi hotspots that are not listed on the website are encouraged to get on the list by emailing Together@Governor.Ohio.gov with contact information. 

CURRENT OHIO DATA:

There are 3,739 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ohio and 102 deaths. A total of 1,006 people have been hospitalized, including 326 admissions to intensive care units. In-depth data can be accessed by visiting coronavirus.ohio.gov. 

Video of today's full update, including versions with foreign language closed captioning, can be viewed on the Ohio Channel's YouTube page. 

For more information on Ohio's response to COVID-19, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 3, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS: Dan Tierney: 614-644-0957 Breann Almos: 614-799-6480

COVID-19 Update: Testing Supplies; PPE Sanitizing; Inmate Release Recommendation; Remote Learning Guide 

(COLUMBUS, Ohio)— Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, and Dr. Amy Acton, MD, MPH, today provided an update on the status of Ohio's response to COVID-19. 

TESTING SUPPLIES:

Governor DeWine announced today that The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center is now partnering with the Ohio Department of Health to help increase the availability of testing supplies needed for testing citizens for COVID-19. 

"Because of supply chain problems, we can’t always get the swabs and tubes and transport liquid, and there is also a shortage in the chemicals or reagents necessary to run the tests," said Governor DeWine. "Through this new partnership, we are working to get these resources and provide them to those conducting the testing." 

N95 MASK SANITIZING: 

Lt. Governor Jon Husted announced today that Battelle and JobsOhio have partnered to provide free N95 mask sanitizing for hospitals for the next two weeks.

Last week, after urging from Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor Husted, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the use of new Battelle technology to sanitize these masks for reuse. 

Ohio still faces a critical shortage of PPE. Anyone with items to donate should email together@governor.ohio.gov. Manufacturers that may be able to temporarily repurpose to create PPE are asked to visit repurposingproject.com.

EARLY PRISON RELEASE: 

Governor DeWine announced today that he will recommend the early release of 38 prison inmates.

The inmates fall into two categories: 

• Pregnant inmates and those who are recently postpartum.
• Inmates who are vulnerable to COVID-19 at 60 years old or older and have 120 days or less remaining on their sentence. 

Governor DeWine will send a letter to the judges who presided over these cases and encourage them to grant early release. These cases do not involve any individuals convicted of serious violent crimes such as, but not limited to, murder, sexual assault, and domestic violence. 

The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) will work with the courts to hold these hearings remotely. If a victim was involved in the case, they will be notified and given the opportunity to provide a statement. 

NEW EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE: 

The Ohio Department of Education (ODE) today released a special guide to help schools, educators, students, parents, and caregivers as they navigate remote learning. 

The new Remote Learning Resource Guide will support the ability of each child to carry on learning during this time of social distancing.

ODE consulted with educators across Ohio as they compiled the remote learning guide and incorporated their best advice for finding remote-learning information and how to use it.

The guide includes online learning resources, as well as several less technical resources.

The guide is available on the Ohio Department of Education's website and on coronavirus.ohio.gov.

CURRENT OHIO DATA:

There are 3,312 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ohio and 91 deaths. A total of 895 people have been hospitalized, including 288 admissions to intensive care units. In-depth data can be accessed by visiting coronavirus.ohio.gov. 

Video of today's full update, including versions with foreign language closed captioning, can be viewed on the Ohio Channel's YouTube page. 

For more information on Ohio's response to COVID-19, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 2, 2020 MEDIA CONTACTS: Dan Tierney: 614-644-0957 Breann Almos: 614-799-6480 Ohio Stay at Home Order Extended Through May 1 (COLUMBUS, Ohio)—  Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced today that Ohio's Stay at Home order has been extended until 11:59 p.m. on May 1, 2020.  Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton, MD, MPH, signed the updated order this afternoon. It goes into effect at midnight on Monday. "We understand that this is tough - it is very difficult. But, I would not be making these decisions if it wasn't a mater of life and death," said Governor DeWine. "We have to keep this monster down. It's not dead - it's very much alive."  The full Stay at Home order can be found here or on coronavirus.ohio.gov.  Updates to the new order include:  The creation of a dispute resolution process for situations where two local health departments have come to a different conclusion on what is or is not an essential business.  The requirement that essential businesses determine and enforce a maximum number of customers allowed in a store at one time.  These businesses must ensure that people waiting to enter the stores maintain safe social distancing. Direction that travelers arriving to Ohio should self-quarantine for 14 days. Exceptions include persons who live and work in trans-border areas, heath care workers, public health workers, public safety workers, transportation workers and designated essential workers. Visitors are instructed not to travel to Ohio if they are displaying symptoms, excepting in certain circumstances for medical care.  The mandate that wedding receptions be limited to no more than 10 people. A clarification to close campgrounds with the exception where a camper or recreational vehicle in a campground serves as a citizen's permanent residence and they are unable to secure safe alternative housing. The requirement that public swimming pools and swimming pools at private clubs or housing complexes close to prevent transmission of COVID-19.  This does not apply to private residential pools.  The clarification that retail garden centers can remain open but should determine and enforce a reduced capacity to keep customers and employees safe. The closure of day camps for children. The prohibition of organized youth and adult sports.  The clarification that fishing is permitted if proper social distancing is practiced. ECONOMIC ADVISORY BOARD:  Governor DeWine announced the creation of his Economic Advisory Board that will help his administration work through the economic issues facing Ohio as the state looks toward the future. Members of the advisory board include:  Patrick Bowe, President and CEO, The Andersons, Inc. Mike Brooks, Chairman, Rocky Boots Brian Burgett, President, Kokosing Construction Company Toby Cosgrove, Executive Advisor, Cleveland Clinic Sam Covelli, Chief Executive Officer, Covelli Enterprises Paul Dolan, Owner, Cleveland Indians Jacqueline Gamblin, Founder and CEO, JYG Innovations Mike Hennigan, President and CEO, Marathon Petroleum Corporation Steven Johnston, President and CEO, Cincinnati Financial Corporation Cameron Mitchell, Founder and CEO, Cameron Mitchell Restaurants Kelly Moore, Owner, GKP Auto Parts Loretta Mester, President and CEO, Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland Dan Pritchard, President and CEO, A.J. Rose Manufacturing Company Dwight Smith, Chairman and CEO, Sophisticated Systems Frank Sullivan, Chairman and CEO, RPM International Mark Smucker, President and CEO, The J.M. Smucker Company David Taylor, Chairman, President and CEO, Procter and Gamble Vanessa Whiting, President, A.E.S. Management Group CORONAVIRUS.OHIO.GOV/JOBS: Lt. Governor Jon Husted announced that the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation has developed a website specifically geared toward matching essential businesses with Ohioans who are able and willing to work as an essential employee during the COVID-19 crisis. Both essential businesses and current job seekers can visit Coronavirus.Ohio.gov/JobSearch to post and search. “If you are an employer who performs a critical service, please go to Coronavirus.Ohio.gov/JobSearch to post your open positions so we can help you fill them,” said Lt. Governor Jon Husted. “If you are a person who can work, please know that there are many who need you to help keep essential services running and we encourage you to do so, even if its only part time.” The site features a highly-streamlined interface with only two main links – one for essential businesses, and one for job seekers. Applicants can search through jobs in their area, their region, and the entire state. Though many businesses and public places across Ohio and the nation have had to close during the COVID-19 crisis in order to promote social distancing and slow the spread of the virus, there are many businesses, such as grocery stores, healthcare facilities, pharmacies, delivery companies, and many other types of businesses that are essential to ensuring the health and wellbeing of Ohioans during the crisis. These companies are in high need for workers during this time. SURVEY:  Dr. Acton announced that Ohio has worked with numerous licensing boards to send a survey to identify additional personnel who have clinical or behavioral health skills to respond to potential hospital surge from COVID-19. Dr. Acton asks that anyone who is a current or retired licensee from any of the following boards take the time to complete the survey to help Ohio understand the people who are available to help. State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board Ohio Counselor, Social Worker & Marriage and Family Therapist Board Ohio State Dental Board State Medical Board of Ohio Ohio Board of Nursing Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers Board State Board of Psychology State Board of Emergency Medical, Fire, and Transportation Services Ohio Veterinary Medical Licensing Board Vision Professionals Board CURRENT OHIO DATA: There are 2,902 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ohio and 81 deaths. A total of 802 people have been hospitalized, including 260 admissions to intensive care units. In-depth data can be accessed by visiting coronavirus.ohio.gov.  Video of today's full update, including versions with foreign language closed captioning, can be viewed on the Ohio Channel's YouTube page.  For more information on Ohio's response to COVID-19, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 31, 2020 MEDIA CONTACTS: Dan Tierney: 614-644-0957 Breann Almos: 614-799-6480 Ohio Takes Inventory of Ventilators; Issues Emergency Connection Order; Extends State Telework Order (COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced today that Ohio is taking action to gather a statewide inventory of ventilators and other machines and devices that provide breathing assistance. Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton issued an order requiring weekly online reporting of these devices by any entity in the supply chain, from creation through end-use. Examples are manufacturers, producers, wholesalers, transporters, distributors, retailers, physicians, clinics, hospitals, and medical facilities. "This will allow for the identification and re-distribution of machines from healthcare providers who are no longer performing elective procedures," said Governor DeWine. "It also will help our regional hospital collaboratives by giving them information on the availability of these machines in their regions." Along with mechanical ventilators, other devices to be reported are CPAP and BiPAP machines commonly used to treat sleep apnea, as well as anesthetic machines, and various treatment masks and tubing. Exemptions include: Ventilators in the possession of individuals for personal use; and Ventilators that are in transit across Ohio but are being delivered from and to other states. Inventory is to be reported on-line at http://coronavirus.ohio.gov/VentInventory each Wednesday by 5:00 p.m. with the first report due Wednesday, April 1, 2020. Innovate Ohio assisted in creating the web-based reporting form. Hospitals must also continue to report daily ventilator data through the Ohio Hospital Association reporting tool. EPA ORDER: The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency issued an order today to maintain public water service during the COVID-19 state of emergency. This order prevents a water system from shutting off a resident's water service due to non-payment during the declared state of emergency. The order also requires water systems to reconnect water to anyone whose water was shut off dating back to January 1st to help Ohio assure that as many people as possible have safe water during the state of emergency.  Those who qualify for reconnection must call their water utility company to request the reinstatement. The reconnection will happen without any fees, but customers will be required to pay their water bill moving forward. More information is available on coronavirus.ohio.gov.   STATE EMPLOYEE WORK FROM HOME POLICY:  Governor DeWine announced that he is extending the directive that state of Ohio employees work remotely to the greatest extent possible.  The current teleworking order resulted in almost 18,000 employees working remotely. Teleworking for state employees will continue through at least Friday, May 1, 2020. Governor DeWine also asked state agencies to find additional remote work opportunities to the extent possible and to collaborate to share resources and information during this time. JOBSOHIO Governor DeWine has directed JobsOhio to begin collaborating on how to help the economy once the intensity of the COVID-19 pandemic begins to fade.  JobsOhio also announced that it has provided a $2 million growth fund loan to Appalachian Growth Capital (AGC) as part of a new strategic initiative to provide more economic development funds to areas of Ohio hardest hit by the economy. AGC provides small business financing in the 32-Appalachian counties of eastern and southern Ohio.  It works with local and regional banks, as well as secondary lenders to support businesses in the region. The JobsOhio investment is a long-term, low-interest loan that will boost AGC’s ability to provide low-interest funding to businesses in the Appalachian community. The lending support is intended to sustain small Southeast Ohio businesses during this COVID-19 outbreak and create sustainable growth for the region beyond the crisis. CURRENT OHIO DATA:  There are 2,199 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ohio and 55 deaths. A total of 585 people have been hospitalized, including 198 admissions to intensive care units. In-depth data can be accessed by visiting coronavirus.ohio.gov.  Video of today's full update, including versions with foreign language closed captioning, can be viewed on the Ohio Channel's YouTube page.  For more information on Ohio's response to COVID-19, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 26, 2020 MEDIA CONTACTS: Dan Tierney: 614-644-0957 Breann Almos: 614-799-6480 Personal Protective Equipment Needed; New COVID-19 Data Dashboard Unveiled (COLUMBUS, Ohio)— Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, and Dr. Amy Acton, MD, MPH, today continued to remind Ohioans of the oncoming shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks, goggles, gloves, gowns and face shields for healthcare workers and first responders. Taking care of a patient who is in intensive care for a 24-hour shift requires: 36 pairs of gloves 14 gowns 3 pairs of goggles 13 N-95 face masks. The state of Ohio is asking residents and businesses who can donate PPE, or any other essential service or resource, to email together@governor.ohio.gov.  Staff will receive these emails and coordinate how these resources can best be used to benefit all Ohioans. NEW DATA DASHBOARD: An expanded COVID-19 data dashboard has been designed by the InnovateOhio Platform and is now available online. The dashboard displays the most recent preliminary data reported to the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) about COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in Ohio by selected demographics and county of residence. There are 867 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ohio and 15 deaths. A total of 223 people have been hospitalized, including 91 admissions to intensive care units.  In-depth data on the new dashboard can be accessed by visiting coronavirus.ohio.gov.  Video of today's full update, including versions with foreign language closed captioning, can be viewed on the Ohio Channel's YouTube page.  For more information on Ohio's response to COVID-19, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 23, 2020 MEDIA CONTACTS: Dan Tierney: 614-644-0957 Breann Almos: 614-799-6480 Governor DeWine Orders Hiring Freeze for State Agencies, Boards, and Commissions (COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced today that Ohio will take steps to cut expenditures in state government.  "Commercial activity is slowing down across Ohio, and as a result, state revenues will also go down dramatically. It is important, as Governor, that I take action now," said Governor DeWine. "The earlier we start slowing down the spending, the more impact it will have." Governor DeWine ordered an immediate hiring freeze for all agencies, boards, and commissions under the control of the Governor. The only exceptions are for positions that provide:  a direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic safety and security direct care or institutional services Governor DeWine also ordered:  A freeze on pay increases and promotions for state of Ohio unclassified and exempt staff.   A freeze on new contract services for the state of Ohio, except for those services that are necessary for the emergency response. That state agencies work to cut unnecessary spending up to 20 percent for the remainder of this fiscal year and next fiscal year. Governor DeWine also pulled back spending requests for a variety of projects that needed legislative spending authority.  CHILD CARE/DAY CARE:  Governor DeWine announced today that any child care facility that remains open to care for children under a Temporary Pandemic Child Care license must give priority to families on the front line of the COVID-19 pandemic. Placement of children must first be offered to kids with parents who are healthcare workers, first responders, hospital and clinic staff, pharmacy staff, children service workers, adult protection workers, developmental disability aides, mental health counselors, psychiatrists psychologists, nursing home workers, elder care workers, home health care workers, and dentists.  Any remaining childcare openings will be open to other families.  Parents can enroll now. A full list of child care centers operating under the special license can be found at http://jfs.ohio.gov/cdc.  REMINDER:  Ohio's "Stay at Home" order goes into effect at 11:59 p.m. tonight. The full order is available here: Director's Stay At Home Order Answers to frequently asked questions are available here: Stay at Home FAQs. COVID-19 OHIO DATA:  There are 442 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ohio and six deaths. A total of 104 people are hospitalized. Confirmed Deaths: Cuyahoga (1), Erie (1), Franklin (2), Lucas (1), Stark (1) Confirmed cases: Ashland (1), Ashtabula (3), Belmont (2), Butler (17), Carroll (2), Clark (1), Clermont (5), Clinton (1), Columbiana (2), Coshocton (3), Cuyahoga (149), Darke (1), Defiance (2), Delaware (7), Erie (1), Franklin (44), Gallia (1), Geauga (2), Greene (1), Hamilton (26), Hancock (1), Highland (1), Huron (1), Knox (1), Lake (8), Licking (1), Logan (1), Lorain (24), Lucas (9), Madison (1), Mahoning (23), Marion (3), Medina (15), Miami (17), Montgomery (7), Portage (2), Richland (1), Sandusky (1), Stark (12), Summit (28), Trumbull (3), Tuscarawas (2), Union (1), Warren (5), Washington (1), Wood (2) UPDATES NOW AVAILABLE IN MULTIPLE LANGUAGES: Video of today's full update can be viewed on the Ohio Channel's YouTube page.  The Ohio Channel will make these briefings available in numerous languages, including Spanish, within a few hours after each update is complete. A list of all available press conferences can be found under the "Video" tab, and translations are ready when the "CC" symbol for closed captioning is visible the lower right of the player. To choose a language for subtitles, first click on the "CC" symbol in the lower right of the player, select the settings icon (the gear next to the CC button), and choose the subtitles/CC option. Click the "auto translate" option and choose your preferred language for closed captioning. For more information on Ohio's response to COVID-19, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH. –30–

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 20, 2020 MEDIA CONTACTS: Dan Tierney: 614-644-0957 Breann Almos: 614-799-6480 Ohio Records First COVID-19 Death; Senior Centers, Adult Day Cares to Close  (COLUMBUS, Ohio)— Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton, M.D., MPH, today announced that a Lucas County man has died from COVID-19.  The death of the 76-year-old man is the first death due to COVID-19 in Ohio.  There are currently 169 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in 28 Ohio counties including: Ashland (1), Ashtabula (1), Belmont (2), Butler (12), Clark (1), Coshocton (2), Cuyahoga (69), Darke (1), Delaware (2), Franklin (14), Geauga (1), Hamilton (7), Huron (1), Lake (3), Lorain (10), Lucas (2), Mahoning (7), Marion (1), Medina (6), Miami (1), Montgomery (1), Richland (1), Stark (6), Summit (10), Trumbull (3), Tuscarawas (1), Union (1), Warren (2). Of these cases, 39 individuals are hospitalized.  SENIOR CENTERS/ADULT DAY CARE Ohio Governor Mike DeWine also announced today that he is ordering all of Ohio's senior centers and adult day care services to stop providing care in congregate care settings. Congregate care settings are single locations where more than 10 people, including staff and providers, are in a confined space. The closure will be effective at the end of business on Monday, March 23, 2020.  "It is a significant risk for anyone to be in a group setting, and that certainly includes our senior citizens," said Governor DeWine. "We have been telling providers that this day was coming, so they have already been working to ensure every senior will have continued care in a different setting." This order does not prohibit providing services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in residential settings, which are not congregate in nature. Rules that require day services and vocational habitation to be provided in community or work settings are being relaxed to recommend those services be provided in a person’s residence. INSURANCE GRACE PERIOD The Ohio Department of Insurance is issuing an order for insurers in Ohio to allow employers to offer employees a grace period for insurance premiums. The grace period is for all health insurers, and it must provide the option of deferring premium payments interest free for up to 60 calendar days from the original premium due date, which means employers can defer their premium payments for health insurance for up to two months. Health insurers must allow employers to continue covering employees even if the employee would otherwise become ineligible for insurance because of a decrease in the hours worked a week.   LETTER TO PRESIDENT TRUMP Governor DeWine also signed onto a letter that will soon be sent by multiple state Governors requesting President Trump unlock existing federal funding in the disaster unemployment account, which would make funds available to contract workers (those who file a 1099) who are ineligible for unemployment benefits under current rules. WARNING TO NON-COMPLIANT BUSINESSES Governor DeWine also issued a warning today to business owners who are not complying with orders to take steps to protect employees from the spread of COVID-19.  Although many businesses are heeding the advice of the Ohio Department of Health, others continue to ignore directives to keep distance between employees and keep a clean environment.  "I continue be notified of businesses that are recklessly risking lives of employees, their families, and everyone else they come in contact with. This must stop," said Governor DeWine. "As I continue to balance my responsibility to protect the people of Ohio with our attempt to keep this economy moving, let me make it clear that I will err on the side of protecting people. The bad, reckless behavior must stop."  Video of today's full update can be viewed on the Ohio Channel's website. For more information on Ohio's response to COVID-19, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH. –30–

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 19, 2020 MEDIA CONTACTS: Dan Tierney: 614-644-0957 Breann Almos: 614-799-6480   Applications Being Accepted for Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program; Governor DeWine Signs Order Expanding Telehealth Services for Medicaid Recipients (COLUMBUS, Ohio)— Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted today announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved their request to allow small businesses and nonprofits in Ohio to apply for low-interest, long-term loans of up to $2 million through the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. “Timing is everything as we navigate this crisis,” said Governor DeWine. “We have to move quickly to not only ensure that Ohioans are safe, but also that they have the necessary support in place to weather this difficult situation. I appreciate the quick response by federal officials to provide the state’s small businesses and nonprofits with access to this resource.” The Economic Injury Disaster Loans may be used by Ohio small business owners and nonprofits to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. The interest rate is 3.75 percent for small businesses without credit available elsewhere; businesses with credit available elsewhere are not eligible. The interest rate for nonprofits is 2.75 percent. To keep payments affordable, the loans are long term, with up to 30 years for repayment. Terms are determined on a case-by-case basis, based on each borrower’s ability to repay. “Governor DeWine and I are aggressively working to ensure that the state’s economy remains strong and is well-positioned once this health crisis passes,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “I encourage business owners and nonprofits to apply for this assistance if needed, and to continue to reach out to let us know how we can help.” Loan applications can be completed online, or applicants can obtain a paper application by calling 1-800-659-2955. For more information about the loan program, visit SBA.gov/Disaster. TELEHEALTH FOR MEDICAID RECIPIENTS:  Ohio Governor Mike DeWine today announced that he has signed an executive order to expand and enhance telehealth options for Ohio Medicaid recipients and their providers amid the coronavirus outbreak. These rules relax regulations to allow recipients to safely access health care providers from their homes, thereby reducing the risk of COVID-19 infection for patients, families, and health care workers “Maintaining access to services, despite our need to socially distance ourselves, is critical to helping to stop the spread of COVID-19,” said Governor DeWine. “This action will help reduce the number of people infected and will hopefully save lives.” Telehealth is the use of electronic information and telecommunications technologies to support long-distance clinical health care, patient and professional health-related education, public health and health administration. Traditionally, health care providers and patients interact with each other via real-time, two-way technology such as smartphones, tablets, or computers. These rules allow patients to connect with their doctors using everyday communications tools including emails, faxes, and landline telephone services. Individuals do not have to be an established patient to receive telehealth services, and there are no limitations on the the types of practitioners who are permitted to provide telehealth services for Medicaid patients.  There are currently 119 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in 24 Ohio counties including: Ashland (1), Belmont (2), Butler (8), Clark (1), Coshocton (2), Cuyahoga (53), Darke (1), Delaware (2), Franklin (10), Geauga (1), Hamilton (1), Huron (1), Lake (2), Lorain (6), Lucas (1), Mahoning (5), Medina (5), Miami (1), Montgomery (1), Richland (1), Stark (5), Summit (6), Trumbull (2), Tuscarawas (1). Of these cases, 33 individuals are hospitalized.  Video of today's full update can be viewed on the Ohio Channel's website. For more information on Ohio's response to COVID-19, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 18, 2020 MEDIA CONTACTS: Dan Tierney: 614-644-0957 Breann Almos: 614-799-6480 Governor DeWine Announces Additional Temporary Business Closures (COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton, M.D., MPH, announced today that the Ohio Department of Health is ordering the temporary closure of Ohio's barbershops, hair salons, nail salons, and tattoo parlors due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Governor DeWine also ordered the temporary closure of most of Ohio's Bureau of Motor Vehicle (BMV) deputy registrar locations and BMV driver examination stations. Both orders went into effect at the close of business today.  "Everyone is in this fight, but we don't need to go into the battlefield, we simply need to stay home," said Governor DeWine. "Social distancing is so critical, and many Ohioans are starting to understand its importance, but there are still some who don't yet get it. This is a crisis that we have never seen in our lifetime, and everyone must recognize that their actions could have deadly consequences."  Of Ohio's 186 BMV locations and 57 driver exam stations, a handful will remain open to issue and renew commercial driver licenses and perform commercial knowledge exams to ensure that the transportation of necessaries necessities such as food, medical supplies, and cleaning supplies is not interrupted. Those locations are:  Central Ohio: Deputy Registrar – 4503 Kenny Road, Columbus 43220 Driver Exam Station – 4738 Cemetery Road, Columbus 43026 Northeast Ohio: Deputy Registrar – 22125 Rockside Road, Bedford 44146 Driver Exam Station - 22123 Rockside Road, Bedford 44146 Southeast Ohio Deputy Registrar/Driver Exam Station - 142 Gross Street, Suites A & B, Marietta 45750 Northwest Ohio Deputy Registrar/Driver Exam Station – 1616 E. Wooster Street, Suite 30, Bowling Green  43402 Southwest Ohio Deputy Registrar – 10938 Hamilton Avenue, Mt. Healthy  45231 Driver Exam Station - 10940 Hamilton Avenue, Cincinnati  45231 Because of these BMV closures, Governor DeWine announced that he will work with the Ohio General Assembly to extend the expiration date of driver's licenses that are up for renewal. In the meantime, the Ohio State Highway Patrol will not issue tickets to drivers whose licenses expire while BMV's services are unavailable. Governor DeWine recommended that other law enforcement agencies in Ohio do the same.  Ohioans can still renew their vehicle registrations by mail or online at www.oplates.com, and BMV is currently working to provide other online service. EMPLOYEE TEMPERATURES: Governor DeWine today encouraged business owners to begin taking the temperature of employees when they arrive at work in an effort to identify anyone who is becoming ill. If this is not feasible, Governor DeWine asked that employers require workers to take their own temperatures prior to arriving at work. Anyone with a temperature of 100.4 or higher should self-quarantine with members of their household.  OHIO NATIONAL GUARD: Because food banks and similar organizations are staffed by a large number of volunteers who are high-risk and encouraged to stay home during this pandemic, Governor DeWine signed a proclamation authorizing the Ohio National Guard to assist organizations that need help with the normal operations of distributing food and supplies. There are currently 88 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in 19 Ohio counties including: Ashland (1), Belmont (2), Butler (8), Coshocton (2), Cuyahoga (38), Darke (1), Delaware (1), Franklin (7), Geauga (1), Huron (1), Lake (2), Lorain (6), Lucas (1), Mahoning (3), Medina (4), Stark (3), Summit (4), Trumbull (2),and  Tuscarawas (1). Of these individuals, 26 are hospitalized.  Video of today's full update can be viewed on the Ohio Channel's website. For more information on Ohio's response to COVID-19, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH. –30–

  

March 16, 2020

Dear EMBCC Members,

We have entered into uncharted times, a time of unprecedented disruption,  yet we recognize we have been tested before and with great resolve and determination we have overcome. I pray this for our world today.

I writing today with some important updates on things that have been announced over the last few days:

Small Business Support

The President announced loans through the Small Business Administration on Thursday evening. The Lt. Governor also talked about those in today’s State press conference. Here is a great resource page that gives some highlights on this program.

Here in Ohio, the Development Services Agency is helping to take the lead and they have asked that any small business owners who have been affected please send your contact information to the following email address: BusinessHelp@Development.Ohio.Gov and they will follow up with you.

We are also working to be of assistance here, and if you are needing help regarding this program, please feel free to reach out to EMBCC and we will do our best to assist you, Bethany Williams, EMCBB Executive Director, director@embchamber.org please note we are all trying to get familiar with these programs, but we want to help you!)

Impacted Employee Support

Your employees may be affected by the temporary restrictions put in place. The Governor’s office also announced several initiatives to help:

• They are broadening current state policy to clarify that individuals that are quarantined by a health professional or by their employer are considered to be unemployed and will not be subject to requirements to actively seek work during the period of emergency.
• This also applies to companies that determine it is necessary to temporarily shut down operations due to the current emergency.
• Ohio currently has a 1-week waiting period before an individual can receive unemployment.  In order to expedite the payments to impacted Ohioans, they are waiving the waiting week so that workers eligible for unemployment benefits will receive them for the first week of unemployment.

These points were taken from the Governor’s Twitter page, but as soon as more detail is available, I will share it with you.

Unemployment & Businesses

The Governor also announced some relief for businesses regarding unemployment:

• Because they do not want to penalize individual employers for the impact of this outbreak by increasing future taxes, the costs of these additional benefits will be mutualized.
• ODJFS will also waive employer penalties for late reporting and payments for the next quarter to assist employers impacted by lack of staff availability.

I will also share more information on these, when available.

Bar/Restaurant Owner Support

The Lt. Governor announced a temporary buy-back of high proof liquor products purchased within the last 30 days. The goal of this is to ease cash flow for bar/restaurant owners. Here is a release by the Department of Commerce that shares more. It should be returned to the Agency where it was purchased. If you have questions you may call 1-877-812-0013 or email ohioliquorinfo@com.ohio.gov

There has also the been the closure of bars and restaurants.  We will be reaching out bars and restaurants in the area to create a social media and email campaign around for your community to be educated on who is open with what carryout and delivery services are offered.

Federal Response

Additionally, the House acted late last week to pass legislation to support businesses and families affected by the disruption. Here is a great overview by the US Chamber which breaks down what is included.

How do you respond?

The Governor has strongly urged business leaders to consider your response to this urgent situation. Can your employees work remotely? How many? They issued the strongest call yet to have businesses encourage that. I understand that many businesses cannot do that. If that is your case, what steps can you take to ensure the maximum protection of your teams and customers, and ultimately our community? It is clear that there are no easy answers here.

Coronavirus Toolkit 

Click here for the ToolKit

Additional information at the U.S. Chamber resource link

Customizable Coronavirus Flyer for your customers

How are you doing? This week we will be sending out a short survey to gauge your initial response to what is happening. I’m interested in hearing from you, how you’re being affected, and especially any ideas that you may have to help! I hope that you will take a few minutes to respond so that we can in turn share that. We can learn from each other during this time.

Please look for continued information for EMBCC. We will strive to support our EMBCC region during this time.  Please use your membership to it's fullest potential right, a way to gain information as well as disseminate information about your business.  Please call or email any updates that you have!

Bethany Williams

Eastern Maumee Bay Chamber of Commerce

Executive Director

P 419-693-5580

director@embchamber.org

4350 Navarre Ave Suite C

Oregon, OH 43616

Eggleston Meinert Pavley Funeral Home golfers take first place in the 2019 Eastern Maumee Bay Chamber Golf Classic.
A sunny sky and comfortable temps made it a perfect day for the EMBCC Golf Classic presented by Genoa Bank, Toledo Refining Company and S & D Capital that took place at Eagles Landing Golf Club. Thank you to all of our sponsors and supporters.
Presenting Sponsors: Genoa Bank, Toledo Refining Company and S & D Capital
Premier Sponsors: Paramount Health, ProMedica Bay Park Hospital and Bay Area Credit Union.  Patron Sponsor: Campbell Mechanical, MT Business Technologies and Thread Marketing.   

Beverage Sponsor: Alan Miller Jewelers

Birding venues honored by Chamber’s Prism judges

Published by sports@presspub... on Mon, 05/06/2019 - 8:52am

By: J. Patrick Eaken

Maumee Bay State Park was the perfect setting for the Toledo Metroparks to receive a Community Improvement Award at the 26th Annual Prism Awards for nearby Pearson Park and Howard Marsh. This year marks the first year anniversary of the newest Metropark and the 85th anniversary of one of the oldest Metroparks,     
About 200 community leaders and guests were in attendance at the state park as Mercy Health St. Charles received the Non-Profit of the Year Award, Pete MacDonald State Farm was the Small Business of the Year, Three Girlz Urban Living was the New Business of the Year, and HOT Graphics was given the General Excellence Award.
Even Maumee Bay Lodge and Conference Center, which hosted the event, was a winner, garnering the Eastern Maumee Bay Chamber of Commerce’s Silver Award.
In March, author Mary Breymaier gave a presentation from her book about the history of Pearson Park during the park system’s annual March lecture series event and Metroparks Toledo public relations director Scott Carpenter reiterated some of that. “The park system began in 1928, and its first parks were former state-owned canal lands near the Maumee River in Maumee and Waterville,” Carpenter said. “Pearson was the first park outside the canal area. Known as the Banklands, Toledo Blade reporter George Pearson championed the cause of preserve the land for a public park. Citizens, including the East Toledo Club, even went door-to-door collecting ‘Pennies for Pearson,’   “Ten years ago, Metroparks officially dedicated an addition known as Pearson North that essentially doubled the size of the park from 300 to 600 acres. Since then, every building in the park has been renovated. Both sides of the park have examples of wetlands, which are vital to the health of the environment and the survival of numerous plant and animal species. The original part of Pearson is one of the last remaining pieces of the Great Black Swamp, a notoriously wet area that was once nearly the size of the Florida Everglades.”    Howard Marsh has already become a popular venue for the world’s birders, who are arrived here this weekend as part of the Black Swamp Bird Observatory’s Biggest Week in American Birding festival.  “Howard Marsh, which opened the last weekend in April 2018, is the largest project in Metroparks 90-year history, and the second largest of the 16 parks in the system,” Carpenter said. “Eighteen months before Howard Marsh opened to the public, it was an agricultural field." “Today, more than 600 acres of the 1,000-acre property is functioning coastal wetland, which filters water runoff from surrounding land before it reaches Lake Erie. A channel extending from Lake Erie is the source of water for the marsh, which can be manipulated to promote the growth of beneficial marsh plants. Wildlife instantly took to Howard Marsh, and so did those who come to watch the amazing variety of birds we enjoy here in Lake Erie’s western basis.”
 Lodge continues to renovate, grow
Since opening in 1991, Maumee Bay Lodge and Conference Center has continued to grow and be a staple in the community. It is the host for the Biggest Week in American Birding Festival, which has already begun and runs through May 12.
“Within the last five years, we have updated our guest rooms and meeting spaces,” said Kendra Buchanan, director of sales at the lodge. “Within the last year, a new management company has come in with many exciting new updates. We are continuing to grow and maintain relationships with not only the community, but the friends and families that continue to visit with us year after year.”
For years Maumee Bay has been a huge supporter of local organizations such as Oregon Schools, Genoa Schools, Jerusalem Township, Clay Township and Oregon Fire and Rescue through donations for fundraisers and events.
“Maumee Bay also provides students at Clay High School with the opportunity to mentor with our employees two days a week to get experience working in a customer service environment,” Buchanan said. “We also provide a customer service training course to these students along with mock interviews prior to starting their mentor program. We also work with a group at Penta County Vocational with a resume writing and interviewing session to build their skills prior to job hunting.”
Maumee Bay also provides services to the Boy Scouts of America, local cross country teams, golf teams and Black Swamp Bird Observatory just to name a few.
The lodge also partners with local law enforcement to annually provide an active shooter/active threat training for all employees in the event that should occur while working. It also partners with the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation annually for a safety walk through regarding employee areas and concerns for safety.

Look What's Blooming

Mike Jones, mjj1llc is a local horticulturalist and educational consultant who planted over 30,000 bulbs on the corner of Navarre avenue and Wheeling and within the Navarre Avenue median.  The bulbs were donated by k. Van Bourgondien & Sons. The company was looking for a location where they could donate Spring bulbs for a strong showing in a highly visible public setting where the application and use of Spring bulbs could be demonstrated to local landscaping companies, business interests and the general public.

The goal of the donation was to teach the public that bulbs should not be treated as annuals where they are removed and discarded each year after they finish blooming. The bulb and foliage need to remain for several weeks after blooming for the bulbs to store up adequate energy to bloom successfully in the following years,

Mike noted "the process of treating Spring bulbs as annuals is over ten times more expensive in terms of cost per bloom. A quality Spring bulb floral display can be accomplished by using proper horticultural practices that include adequate soil preparation, bulb installation and care of those Spring floral displays".

K. Van Bourgondien & Sons will be publishing the Oregon Ohio project on their website. The Navarre Avenue project information will be available nationally and include teaching segments on proper horticultural procedures that will accompany their visual teaching components.