Local health agencies are taking additional steps to prepare as Ohio moves closer to establishing evidence of community spread of the new coronavirus.
Yesterday evening Jason Orcena, Union County Health Commissioner, requested a partial activation of Union County’s Emergency Operation Center from the Union County Emergency Management Agency.
One of the driving factors for this activation was the need for assistance in collecting and managing the rapid influx in information sharing and requests for working through public health guidance coming from agencies.
“Communication is flowing through the Union County Health Department (UCHD) from county agencies, organizations providing community service, schools, businesses, churches, healthcare facilities, first responders, correctional facilities, event organizers, regional partners, local governments and the Ohio Department of Health,” stated a press release from UCHD.
If and when there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 within Union County, UCHD will share information with the public as soon as possible.
In Union County, like most of Ohio, testing for COVID-19 is being performed for hospitalized patients and healthcare providers with known exposure to confirmed cases.
People who are not sick and those who are exhibiting mild illness will not be tested.
UCHD also advises that older adults and people with underlying medical conditions are more at risk for severe complications from the new coronavirus. Individuals within these two risk groups should limit travel and avoid large gatherings when possible.
As spring break approaches, UCHD encourages families to do a personal risk assessment when deciding whether to cancel scheduled travel.
Those traveling should consider what the possible financial and childcare impact would be if they become ill upon return and cannot go to work, school or find a childcare provider for up to two weeks.
“Our community is preparing in a united effort: the proactive preparedness and response efforts happening across Union County are staggering,” officials from UCHD stated.