(Columbus)--Governor DeWine and State Health Director Dr. Amy Acton have signed a "Stay at Home" order in which Ohioans are being told to shelter in place, and forego non-essential travel, starting Monday at 11:59pm. Under the plan, you will be allowed to go outside, as long as you comply with social distance guidelines. You will be allowed to pick up food and groceries, as well as report to essential jobs and medical appointments. 

Stay at Home Order FAQ's

(Screen Capture Courtesy Ohio Channel)

(College Corner)--Water rescue teams from West Chester and Monroe were in College Corner helping with swift water rescues in Preble County after overnight severe storms. A Rumpke driver was trapped in high water in Hueston Woods State Park, and was rescued by Monroe firefighters. A mobile home park near Camden had to be evacuated because of flooding from a nearby creek. A car was trapped in rising water at State Route 732 and County Road 227.  The National Weather Service says overnight storms dumped anywhere from 2 to 4 inches of rain on the region. The Miami Conservancy District reported 3.7 inches of rain in West Alexandria.

Storms that rolled through the area shortly after Midnight caused damage in Hamilton County.
Several trees were reported down on Wales Drive in Symmes Township. A car dealership sign was also damaged. Winds partially blew over a semi on I-71 near the 19 mile marker.

Earlier in night, a Tornado Warning was issued by the National Weather Service for Boone County, Kentucky, and Hamilton County, covering Cleves, Dent, and Cheviot. The storm died down before it crossed the Ohio River, and no major damage was reported.

(Photo Courtesy of Monroe Firefighters Local 3824)

 

(Hamilton)--Local governments are trying to limit visits from the public during the Coronavirus scare. The cities of Hamilton and Fairfield have decided to close their municipal buildings to the public. Those doing business with the cities will need to use the telephone or go online on their websites. West Chester Township
is asking the public to call before visiting their offices. 

Hamilton City Website

Fairfield City Website

West Chester Township Website

(Columbus)--Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose says they're going to make sure every vote counts. Tuesday's primary was postponed by Ohio Health Director Amy Acton, who shut down all polling places statewide because of Corona Virus. The Ohio Legislature will have to officially set the next primary date, which will likely be June 2nd. Use this link if you wish to request an absentee ballot by mail.

 Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Zion’s Church Council has chosen to follow the State, County and City Health Department Recommendations for group activities and high-risk populations.  Currently all activities at church will be suspended or moved off site to smaller groups.  Council will meet on March 29 to evaluate the situation further.  God’s peace be with you as we care for our neighbors by assisting the efforts to slow the virus and protect our high-risk members.

The first confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Butler County and Southwest Ohio have been reported at UC Health's West Chester Hospital. Four patients have tested positive for Coronavirus, according to a release by UC Health. The statement says all four patients were treated and released, and no other details will be provided because of patient privacy.

Here is the statement....
 

CINCINNATI (March 13, 2020) — UC Health confirms that four patients have tested positive for COVID-19. The patients, initially seen at UC Health’s West Chester Hospital, have been treated and released. In order to protect patient privacy, no other details will be provided.

Our physicians, nurses, caregivers, and staff are continuing to take appropriate precautions to protect all patients and staff in accordance with U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) guidelines.

UC Health is Greater Cincinnati’s leader in emergency preparedness and has been preparing for COVID-19 for several weeks. We have been working with the CDC, the Cincinnati Health Department, EMS, police and fire to closely monitor developments related to COVID-19 and will continue to do so. An internal task force meets daily to discuss patient care, supplies, logistics, emergency management procedures and other necessary measures to ensure the health and safety of our patients, visitors and employees, and our community.

If someone is experiencing symptoms, such as fever, cough and shortness of breath and have experienced some exposure risk factor such as travel or close contact with another sick person, we ask that that person call their physician’s office, or the Ohio Department of Health at 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634) before visiting an emergency room or a doctor’s office. This line is monitored 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST. As always, if someone requires a true emergency response, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department and upon arrival immediately advise that you believe you are experiencing symptoms before entering a crowded waiting area.

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