COVID-19: An Update from Senator Nickie J. Antonio

Dear Neighbor,

It is with a heavy heart that I write to you this evening as our state mourns the loss of eight Ohioans due to the COVID-19 pandemic. My thoughts and prayers go to the families and friends of these individuals. While the pandemic has altered our daily lives, it is important to follow the guidelines set in place, so we may continue to live those very lives and not lose another neighbor to the virus.

Elected officials continue to work with public health officials and community members to ensure your safety during the COVID-19 outbreak. At this time, 564 cases of the novel coronavirus have been confirmed in Ohio.

Governor DeWine and Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton, M.D., MPH, are continuing to provide additional updates through daily press conferences which you can view here.

The latest news on COVID-19 is rapidly changing. I encourage you to follow the Ohio Department of Health's official website.

As always, my office is a resource to our community. My staff, Taylor Phillips and Nicole Schneider, are happy to help. Our phone number is 614-466-5123 or email us at antonio@ohiosenate.gov. Please leave a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Stay at Home Order

Governor DeWine introduced a Stay at Home order which went into effect last night at 11:59 p.m. and will remain in effect until 11:59 p.m. on April 6, 2020, unless the order is rescinded or modified. Ohio becomes the second state to introduce such an order to slow the spread of the virus. Local governments and police departments are looking at enforcement methods including citations. While keeping everyone at home is ideal for preventing further spread of COVID-19, there are exemptions to the restrictions for essential businesses and activities. I understand that navigating this new reality can be difficult, but with your cooperation, this is only temporary. Below is a brief list of what you can and cannot do under the Stay at Home order:

Can:
• Walk your pet
• Grocery shop
• Access public transit (for essential activities)
• Order carryout/delivery from local restaurants
• Seek medical care, if needed
• Work (if essential)
• Go outside (remain 6 feet from others)

Cannot:
• Visit adult day centers
• Access usual day care (more info below)
• Go to nonessential places and events

For more information regarding the Stay at Home order, you can read the Governor's full order here, or this helpful Stay At Home FAQ.

Local Changes

All levels of government are responding to COVID-19 to better promote public safety. Some local changes to note include:
• Cleveland Public Power, Dominion Energy, First Energy, and the Cleveland Water Department have suspended utility cut-offs
• RTA Park N Ride and Trolley services are suspended beginning today
• Cuyahoga County Coronavirus Hotline: 855-711-3035
• Lakewood: Announced the Small Business Rent Relief Fund for grants up to $3,000 to reimburse rent payment for businesses affected by COVID-19

Child Care/Day Care

Beginning Thursday, March 26th, child care/day care centers throughout the state must abide by new guidelines:

• There should be no more than six children in a class.
• Ratios must be kept at one teacher to no more than six children.
• Children whose parents are employed by the same entity should be kept together whenever possible.
• The same teachers and children in each room should be maintained whenever possible.
• There should be limited use of shared space or mixing of groups.
• If shared space is used, a rigorous cleaning schedule must be in place.
• Parent interaction should be limited at drop off and pick up.

These guidelines will be in effect through April 30th.

Assistance

• Unemployment: Online applications for unemployment benefits are available at unemployment.ohio.gov or you can call at 877-644-6562, but with the increasing number of calls, the website is the best way to submit an application. You can learn more here.
• Homelessness: The Coordinated Intake and Assessment system will continue to be utilized by phone at 216-674-6700 available from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Friday. The United Way First Call for Help line is available at 2-1-1 during all other evening and weekend hours.
• Small Business: Small businesses and nonprofits can apply for low interest, long term loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration's disaster assistance.
• Domestic Violence: If it is not safe for you to remain home during the Stay at Home order, you may call the Ohio Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-934-9840 or contact your local law enforcement.
• Cleveland Food Bank: If you need food assistance call Cleveland Food Bank Help Center 216-738-2067

How can you help?

• Donate medical masks and gloves to local hospitals, if you have them
• Donate food to the Cleveland Food Bank: www.GreaterClevelandFoodBank.org/Give
• Send cards/letters to local senior centers and nursing homes
• Support small and local businesses