Our local public health agencies continue to work in partnership with the Ohio Department of Health to monitor the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, and are prepared to protect health and prevent the spread of infectious disease. As of March 2, 2020, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ohio.

According to the CDC, for the general American public, who are unlikely to be exposed to this virus at this time, the immediate health risk from COVID-19 is considered low.

However, businesses are recommended to develop or review a Continuity of Operations (COOP) Plan. This includes:

• Considering the essential resources needed to keep your organization operating.
• Considering the effects on your organization’s operations if absenteeism were 25-40%.
• Identifying and cross-training employees to perform essential roles in the case of severe staffing shortages.
• Considering which employees would most likely be absent if schools close and identifying alternate staff to fill essential positions.
• Planning how to communicate and coordinate with employees, customers/clients and suppliers during emergencies.
• Considering trigger points to reduce operations to core activities with a diminished workforce and temporarily reducing services or shortening hours of operation
• Considering on-site housing arrangements for employees performing critical roles, if this were to become necessary.

In addition, the CDC does not recommend any added precautions for the general public at this time beyond the usual steps that help to prevent the spread of illness and the flu, including:

• Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Covering coughs and sneezes with your arm or a tissue (then throwing the tissue away and washing your hands).
• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
• Staying home when you are sick

For more information, please refer to the CDC or Ohio Department of Health. And as always, check your sources!

Above information provided by Franklin County Public Health.