03/09/2020

First Cases of COVID-19 Announced in Ohio, Long-term Care Polling Locations Moving

First Cases of COVID-19 Announced in Ohio, Long-term Care Polling Locations Moving

Today Governor Mike DeWine announced that three cases of COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, have been reported in Ohio. These are the first cases of the disease reported in Ohio. The cases all occurred in Cuyahoga County in individuals aged 50 or older - two are married and had just returned from a cruise in Egypt, and one had just returned from a Washington, D.C. conference. The cases were tested by the Ohio kits that just became available. 

To date, there have been no reported cases in long-term care settings in Ohio or within LeadingAge Ohio's membership. 

COVID-19 Member Call - Wednesday 3/11

Wednesday’s In The Know call on falls has been postponed and will be replaced with a call focused on member questions related to COVID-19.

In the Know Webinar - COVID-19
Date: Wednesday, March 11, 2020
Time: 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm EST

LeadingAge Ohio staff will discuss the most current information related to COVID-19 and offer members practical information and strategies for a variety of member organizations.  Information on this call will be broadly applicable to a variety of settings that serve older adults, including but not limited to: affordable senior housing; independent living; assisted living; skilled nursing; and hospice. Members are encouraged to share best practices as it relates to COVID-19 and infection control practices. 

Polling Locations in Long-term Care Settings to Move

Per Governor DeWine, all polling locations in Ohio long-term care facilities will be moved for the upcoming March 17, 2020 primary election scheduled for next week. Secretary of State Frank LaRose's office will hold a press conference Tuesday morning to address Election Day preparedness in the face of COVID-19. Voters are encouraged to request absentee ballots, which are still available on the Ohio Secretary of State's website. 

Visitation Policies

A LeadingAge Ohio member in Northwest Ohio reported this afternoon they had been contacted by their county health department and asked to cancel events that were open to the general public. The member is cancelling such gatherings and is also considering limiting all visitors except family members and responsible parties. There has been no official guidance by the state on visitation in long-term care facilities, but some members are taking action to limit visitation. 

PPE

The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) continues to communicate that providers should implement conservation management of personal protective supplies (PPE). ODH is requesting all providers complete the individualized survey sent to all providers regarding weekly PPE needs. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have provided recommendations related to PPE. LeadingAge Ohio will share additional resources on PPE shortly. 

COVID-19 Resources

LeadingAge Ohio recently shared a collection of information with members on coronavirus control and prevention, located on the COVID-19 hub on our homepage. LeadingAge Ohio also shared speaking points for members with nursing facilities and home health and hospice members.

LeadingAge Ohio continues to monitor the situation, and will provide the latest updates directly to members as we receive them. Members who are concerned about the impact of COVID-19 to their operations are encouraged to reach out to Patrick Schwartz, Director of Strategic Communications at pschwartz@leadingageohio.org for direction to appropriate staff and resources.