Complete Story
03/19/2020
Today's COVID-19 Report: Congress Passes 'Families First Coronavirus Response Act'
Today's COVID-19 Report: Congress Passes 'Families First Coronavirus Response Act'
Here are the latest need-to-know updates for Thursday, March 19 regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.
All Member Call - Friday, March 20
LeadingAge Ohio is holding an all-member COVID-19 update call tomorrow, Friday, March 20 at 10:30 a.m. Call in registration is as follows:
Register here.
For best call quality, we encourage using your computer audio.
Dial in information:
iPhone one-tap: US: +13126266799,,149026734#
Telephone Dial-in: US: +1 312-626-6799
Webinar ID: 149026734
COVID-19 Update
Yesterday's COVID-19 statistics provided by Dr. Acton are as follows:
- 88 confirmed cases.
- Age range - 2 years to 91 years old. Median age 48.
- 33 females, 55 males.
- 26 hospitalizations, some requiring stays in ICUs.
- Zero deaths.
- Cases in 19 counties, some of which represent cases in outlying counties.
Governor DeWine’s daily address struck a grave tone, likening the work to slow the spread of COVID-19 to a war, where our enemy needs to use us to win.
Responding to rumors about the National Guard, DeWine stated “If the National Guard is going to do something, you will know about it." DeWine elaborated that the National Guard is typically used to assist the public in cases of natural disasters and other emergencies; they are currently helping hospitals erect tents to isolate and evaluate patients or to create overflow spaces. They will also be assisting food banks in food transportation.
Husted encouraged businesses to prevent community spread in the workplace. In addressing recently unemployed individuals, he noted that while some parts of our economy are shutting down, other parts are ramping up like transportation and healthcare.
The trio praised the workers in Ohio's supply chain, stating "If you are a person who is driving that truck of food for us, you’re a hero.”
Testing, PPE Shortages
On Wednesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released new strategies for optimizing the supply of PPE.
In his daily address, DeWine noted that Ohio still has a vast shortage of tests, but that most individuals will not need a test and can self-isolate. Tests will be saved for priority cases and vulnerable citizens. Ohio is late in its ability to test, but is seventh most populated state in the country.
Dr. Acton noted Ohio's limited resources and PPE, and stated we have to assume that COVID-19 is all around us.
Case Emerges in Long-term Care Setting in Miami County
It was confirmed yesterday in multiple news outlets that 19 people from the Koester Pavilion Assisted Living Facility in Troy are under investigation for the coronavirus -- and that two residents have tested positive and are being treated at the Dayton VA Medical Center. These are the first reported cases of COVID-19 in Ohio long-term care settings.
Congress Passes 'Families First Coronavirus Response Act'
In response to the coronavirus pandemic, Congress has passed – and the President has signed – a bill that requires certain employers to provide paid leave to employees impacted by the coronavirus. The new law provides a refundable tax credit to employers to offset the cost of the required leave. The bill provides two types of paid leave:
- Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act
- Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act
- Tax credits for employers related to both
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) contains provisions requiring certain employers to provide employees with paid leave when they miss work for coronavirus-related reasons (including a lack of childcare resulting from school closures). The statute also provides certain tax credits relating to the provision of such paid leave.
Alston & Bird have provided a complete write up of the new law. Members are encouraged to consult with their organization's legal counsel to determine implications and any potential next steps.
Recap – CDC COCA Webinar for Long-term Care, March 17
On March 17, the CDC held a clinician outreach and communication activity (COCA) webinar for long-term care facilities including SNF, LTC, and AL related to infection prevention and control guidance, steps facilities should be taking, management and treatment of COVID-19 and available resources. The recording of the call and the webinar slides are available here.
LeadingAge provided a recap including a link to the most current CDC guidelines for PPE use.
BMV, Salons and Spas to Close
Governor DeWine, Lt. Governor Husted, and Health Director Dr. Amy Acton announced more closures during yesterday's press conference. The closures include:
- BMV. 181 BMV Deputy Registrar offices around the state.
- 5 will remain open, as they are deemed essential, to help support the transportation industry in issuing commercial drivers’ licenses (CDLs). 52 driver examination stations will be closed.
- The Administration will ask the General Assembly to pass legislation to grant a grace period for those unable to renew license. Law enforcement will not issue tickets for expired license due to closures.
- Salons and spas. All barber shops, nail and hair salons, tattoo parlors, and spas are now closed.
- Senior living communities that operate barbershops, salons, or spas should follow state guidance to close those services during the duration of the pandemic.
Libraries are not yet ordered closed—these are to be determined by individual counties.
Beginning immediately, DeWine announced that businesses remaining open are being asked to:
- Take the temperature of every employee upon arriving at work.
- Clean and sanitize spaces.
- Send sick individuals home.
Quick Links
Benesch COVID-19 Resource Center
Coronavirus: Ohio nursing homes need child care, video chat tech, protective gear (DDN)
LeadingAge Recap - HUD Holds National COVID-19 Call
Questions
LeadingAge Ohio has updated its Q&A document to include the latest information on survey relief, home health and hospice questions, and childcare. Please send all questions to COVID19@leadingageohio.org.