Meigs Health Department Responding to COVID-19, Further Updates on Closures & Recommendations

Meigs Health Department Responding to COVID-19, Further Updates on Closures & Recommendations

POMEROY, Ohio – The Meigs County Health Department is continuing to respond to the COVID-19 Pandemic here in Meigs County. 

Currently, Meigs County has 0 confirmed cases. 

Ohio has 88 confirmed cases from ages 2 to 91 with a median age of 48.5, 26 hospitalizations, in 19 counties. Those counties are: Ashland, 1; Belmont, 2; Butler, 8; Coshocton, 2; Cuyahoga, 38; Darke, 1; Delaware, 1; Franklin, 7; Geauga, 1; Huron, 1; Lake, 2; Lorain, 6; Lucas, 1; Mahoning, 3; Medina, 4; Stark, 3; Summit, 4; Trumbull, 2; Tuscarawas, 1.

Tests are still limited, so it is being advised by the Ohio Department of Health to limit testing to individuals who truly need it. This includes people at high risk and who are hospitalized. If you are only having mild symptoms it is being asked that you self-quarantine to help stop the spread of the virus and “flatten the curve”.  

What the Meigs County Health Department has been doing

According to a statement from Brody Davis, Meigs County Health Department Emergency Response Coordinator, stated, the health department is continuing conference calls with the Ohio Department of Health. 

Additionally, on March 17, 2020 the MCHD met (social distancing was practiced) and held a conference call with county office holders to relay information about the COVID-19 virus to assist them in making decisionson how to operate their offices and information to relay to the public. 

Also on March 17 the MCHD held a conference call with local officials including local mayors, American Red Cross, ADAMHS Board, long-term care facilities, pharmacies, law enforcement, Meigs County Fire Association, Chamber of Commerce and more. 

New Orders Issued by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine:

• All BMV’s in the state were ordered to close. Five Central offices will remain open to issue Commercial Drivers License. The BMV is also closing all 52 driver’s exam stations at the end of the business day on March 18^th, 2020.  

• All hair salons, barber shops, spa’s, nail salons, and tattoo shops are ordered to close at the end of the business day March 18, 2020.  

• The national guard will be used to only help set-up tents at healthcare facilities, and possibly at food banks. 

• It was recommended that employers begin to monitor their staff’s by taking daily temperatures, pushing handwashing, social distancing, and sending sick individuals’ home.