OTTAWA COUNTY HAS FIRST POSITIVE TEST FOR CORONAVIRUS

A resident of Ottawa County tested positive for Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Saturday, the first positive to a test in the county. Their personal information is protected by HIPAA, but The Ottawa County Health Department will be working to identify any potential exposure to others.

For an update on the coronavirus pandemic in Ottawa County, visit magruderhospital.com, the Ottawa County Health Department or the Ohio Department of Health.

On Monday, the Ohio Department of Health reported 1,137 confirmed cases in 61 counties. There have been 276 hospitalizations, and 19 deaths. This number is updated each day at 2 p.m. and the most current numbers can be found at https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/

MAGRUDER HOSPITAL URGENTLY NEEDS FACE MASKS

Gaye Winterfield, the OCIC Business & Workforce Development Manager, has spotlighted an urgent need from Magruder Hospital personnel, who are urgently asking if any local businesses would be able to manufacture face-shields. The dimensions are 12 inches wide by 8 inches long.

Please contact Winterfield (419-707-4009, gwinterfield@ocic.biz) if you or any business you know is able to help.  Please forward this information to anyone that may be able to provide assistance.

CARES ACT WEBINAR IS TUESDAY, APRIL 7

In conjunction with the 4CG Initiative, Sandusky, Ottawa, Seneca and Huron counties welcome SBA Lender Relations Specialist Ray Graves to discuss the new grant and loan programs through the CARES Act. The webinar will be held on Tuesday, April 4, at 2 p.m. Register online: register.gotowebinar.com/register/4683089808952392460

Graves previously presented an overview of these new programs, talked about how to apply for them, and answered questions from webinar participants. See recap presentation at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vje4sP5x8gc

SOCIAL DISTANCING GUIDELINE EXTENDED TO APRIL 30

President Donald Trump announced on Sunday, March 29 an extension of the national social distancing guidelines to April 30, from an initial 15-day timeline when they were implemented on March 16. The President had previously stated he wanted the country to reopen for business by Easter, however public health experts have warned that loosening restrictions by Easter, on April 12, would result in unnecessary death and economic damage.

FAMILIES FIRST CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE ACT UPDATED

The Department of Labor has expanded the Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Questions & Answers page.  Follow this link to the view the now over 50 questions related to the FFCRA: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-questions

OTTAWA COUNTY EMA IN DIRE NEED OF PPE

The Ottawa County Emergency Management Agency is in dire need of Personal Protective Equipment due to the COVIDD-19 pandemic. Magruder Hospital, local EMS and many others have identified critical shortages of essential PPE including N95 masks, surgical masks, protective gowns, face shields and gloves. If you can assist, please contact the Ottawa County EMA at 419-734-6900 or email ema@co.ottawa.oh.us.

ODNR UPDATES CLOSINGS AT STATE PARKS, CAMPGROUNDS

In response to the developing public health situation with COVID-19 and the Ohio Department of Health’s (ODH) Stay at Home Order, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) will be closing campgrounds, cabins, golf courses, restrooms, shower houses,  playgrounds, and state park marinas at all ODNR properties to protect the health of visitors and staff.

Public outdoor spaces at Ohio state parks, wildlife areas, forests and nature preserves remain open, including trails, dog parks, and non-marina docks. To modify or cancel day use facility, state park campground or state park cabin reservations, visit www.reserveohio.com or call 866-644-6727.

USDA EXTENDS DEADLINE FOR RURAL BROADBAND

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand today announced that USDA has extended the deadline for ReConnect Pilot Program applications to April 15.

“In light of the COVID-19 National Emergency, USDA is extending the application deadline for round two of ReConnect Pilot Program funding to give rural businesses, cooperatives, and communities extra time to apply for this critical assistance that will help bring high-speed broadband connectivity to rural communities,” Brand said.

SENIOR RESOURCES HAS GRAB N’ GO MEALS THIS WEEK

Ottawa County Senior Resources is offering Grab n’ Go meals to county seniors during the coronavirus pandemic. The meals will follow the Senior Resources regular menu for April.

To make a reservation for meals for seniors 60 years old and older, call the senior center of choice by 10 a.m. one day prior to the day you want to pick up the meal. The suggested donation is $3.

The five senior centers offering the Grab n’ Go meals are: Port Clinton Senior Center, Port Clinton; Danbury Senior Center, Marblehead; Oak Harbor Senior Center, Oak Harbor; Elmore Golden Oldies, Elmore, and the Genoa Senior Center, Genoa.

PORT CLINTON CHAMBER POSTPONES AWARDS

The Port Clinton Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Port Clinton have postponed its annual awards dinner in April, but has released the nominees for the awards.

The awards and the nominees are: Fairfield Inn, Polter Real Estate and RJ’s Ice Cream & Deserts for Outstanding New Business; Holiday Inn Express, The Jet Express and Safe Harbor Lakefront Marina for Business Member of the Year; Magruder Hospital, Randy J. Smith Construction and Riverview Healthcare Campus for the Beautification Award; Erie Environmental, The Listening Room and Ottawa County Family Advocacy Center for the Lighthouse Award; Chief Robert Hickman for Outstanding Citizen; and Great Port Clinton Area Arts Council for Community Service.

Main Street Port Clinton award winners are Casey Madison for Volunteer of the Year and Fisherman’s Wharf for Business of the Year.

WORKERS COMP PAYMENTS PUSHED BACK TO JUNE 1

Ohio’s Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, which proves workers’ composition insurance around the state, has announced the insurance premium installment payments for March, April and May have been deferred until June 1. BWC will not cancel coverage or assess penalties for amounts not paid because of the coronavirus.