MONDAY MARCH 30, 2020
It is with great sadness that the Health District announced today its first death as a result of COVID-19. On Sunday, a 60-year-old Delaware County woman passed away in the intensive care unit at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. The staff of the Delaware General Health District extend our deepest sympathy to the family during their time of great loss.
There are currently 37 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Health District. Confirmed cases will be updated daily at 1:30pm on DelawareHealth.org/covid-19. There are currently 1,933 confirmed cases in Ohio, along with 475 hospitalizations and 39 deaths.
**Portions of Delaware County are annexed to Columbus Public Health and Franklin County Public Health based on tax jurisdiction, including Dublin, Washington Township, Columbus and Westerville. If a resident would test positive for COVID-19 in one of those jurisdictions, then the public health department in Columbus or Franklin County would handle that case, even if they reside in Delaware County.
WE ARE PREPARED
GOLF COURSE UPDATE We have received and continue to receive many questions regarding the closure of golf courses after our March 27 letter to operationswas sent under ODH legal guidance. However, ODH changed their determination over the weekend and now states that golf course operations remain non-essential, but the sport of golf, however, is as an outdoor activity and is going to be allowed with proper social distancing along with other protective measures outlined in the Stay At Home order. For clarification, see our updated March 30 letter to operations.
OUTDOOR CONTACT SPORTS We would like to ask all of our cities, townships, villages and schools in Delaware County to help us address a growing concern – congregating and contact sports at parks.
If you have not done so already, we're asking you to post signs at playgrounds & basketball courts within your jurisdiction stating the playground areas are closed per Ohio Department of Health Order? Attached is a sign you could use if you do not have your own. Other suggestions include removing backboards, cover basketball hoops or remove nets to help remind them that they are not to be gathering for contact sports, like basketball.
HOMEMADE MASKS In settings where facemasks are not available, healthcare personnel might use homemade masks (e.g., bandana, scarf) for care of patients with COVID-19 as a last resort. However, homemade masks are not considered PPE, since their capability to protect healthcare personnel is unknown. Caution should be exercised when considering this option. Homemade masks should ideally be used in combination with a face shield that covers the entire front (that extends to the chin or below) and sides of the face. There are currently no donation centers for cloth masks in Delaware County, but we hope to have more information on this in the future.
PUBLIC ACCESS INFO Our Sunbury location is temporarily closed for the time being. Our Delaware location is limiting public access to our building. We have installed a dropbox for Environmental Health documents. We are also asking and encouraging clients to use our online payment system: For Environmental Health payments, click here for online payments. For Birth/Death Certificates, click here for online payments. For drop-off or pick-up of Environmental permits or other documentation, call (740) 368-1720. For assistance with birth or death certificates, call (740) 203-2021.
DGHD 24/7 EMERGENCY LINE (740) 815-6518 Our center will be open from 7am-7:30 pm Monday-Friday. You can reach that center at 740-368-1700 and dial 1 to connect. In addition, ODH call center is open all week from 9am-8pm to answer questions regarding COVID-19. The call center can be reached at 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634).
ESSENTIAL, NON-ESSENTIAL We are experiencing a high volume of questions and concerns regarding the Stay At Home Order. We realize that the manner in which the order was written allows for open interpretations of what may be considered an “essential” business. Please understand that the intent of this order is to encourage citizens to stay home in order to protect our most vulnerable populations in addition to not overwhelming our healthcare systems.
Self-check for COVID-19 by holding breath - FALSE
We have seen a multitude of social media posts claiming that holding your breath for 10 seconds is a way to self-check for COVID-19. This is false and not supported by research.
Drinking isopropyl alcohol kills coronavirus - FALSE This is one of the more dangerous myths that we have come across recently, and one that has deadly consequences. Coronavirus is killed by anything that contains at least 60 percent ethyl alcohol or 70 percent isopropyl alcohol. These are used as ingredients for hand washes and hand sanitizes. Drinking them will not get rid of the virus and could be harmful if consumed in excessive quantities. Drinking other types of industrial-strength alcohol could be fatal.
Drinking hot liquids, gargling saltwater and sun or heat exposure are also some popular myths that are not effective methods of preventing COVID-19.
Please remember that the best, most accurate source of information remains the Delaware General Health District, the Ohio Department of Health and the CDC:
UW COMMUNITY RESPONSE FUND Residents can give to the United Way of Delaware CountyCommunity Response Fundor by texting COVID to 614-427-0873. This fund is providing immediate support to local nonprofits that are providing critical food, shelter and healthcare support as a result of the pandemic. To date, $65,000 has already been awarded to Delaware County agencies to meet the surge in need. List of grants already awarded.
United Way is also encouraging the public to nominate a Community Hero that is going above and beyond to help during this emergency. Nominations may becompleted online and will be selected randomly to be featured on the United Way of Delaware County Facebook page.
COMMUNITY CRISIS FUND The Delaware County Foundation created the Community Crisis Fund to support Delaware County nonprofits as they assist in responding to the pandemic. The Foundation recognizes both the need for emergency response funding now as well as ensuring that funds are available for longer-term recovery and resilience in our communities. During the pandemic, The Foundation will be partnering with community-based efforts to ensure that food, housing, and childcare are available to those who have lost the resources on which they depend. Social distancing doesn't have to mean isolation. We can all play a role in supporting each other.Click here to learn more about the Community Crisis Fund.
HELPLINE A new online resource in response to COVID-19. Resources include local food pantries, mental health and crisis resources, medical assistance and volunteer opportunities. Learn more here:https://helplinedelmor.org/covid19
24/7 LIVE Crisis Hotline: (740) 369-3316 or (419) 947-2520 or 1-800-684-2324 or Text "helpline" to 898211
PPE DONATIONS Delaware County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is collecting Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) only. Requested donation categories include:
• Masks (N95, surgical, and procedure)
• Face shields
• Goggles and eye shields
• Isolation or surgical gowns
• Tyvek suits
• Nitrile gloves
• Shoe covers
• Thermometers (forehead scanner or one with disposable probe covers)
• Disinfecting wipes such as Clorox or Sani-cloth wipes
• Hand sanitizer
Please email the Delaware County EMA directly to arrange for drop off at DelCoEMA@co.delaware.oh.us. FOOD PANTRY DONATIONS The followingpantries are receiving donations:
People in Need, Inc. in Delaware City
The Salvation Army
Pacer Pantry in Delaware City
Buckeye Valley Food Pantry in Ashley
Big Walnut Friends Who Share in Sunbury
Contact the pantry directly to see what their needs are. Any palletized donations (goods on a pallet) can only be received at People In Need, Inc.
PROTECT YOURSELF!
DISINFECT SURFACES Practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces (tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks) with household cleaners and EPA-registered disinfectants that are appropriate for the surface. Make sure to follow label instructions. Check out EPA-approved disinfectantsthat are expected to be effective against COVID-19 based on data for harder to kill viruses. STOP THE SPREAD It is more important than ever that everyone practices these protective steps to stop the spread of illness:
Practice social distancing
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Cover your coughs and sneezes.
Don't go to work or school when you feel ill. Stay at home and rest.
Avoid exposure to others who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Get adequate sleep and eat well-balanced meals to ensure a healthy immune system.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Click on images below to download prevention flyers for office use For more Communication Resources, visit DelawareHealth.org/covid-19
Delaware General Health District
Preventative Health Division
Disease Control and Response Team
740-203-2040
