Staying Safe and Informed During the Coronavirus Pandemic

A Guest Column by State Senator Theresa Gavarone

March 19, 2020

We are facing unprecedented times in Ohio due to the coronavirus pandemic, but I have no doubt that through working together we will get past this and come out on the other side even stronger. As a small business owner in the restaurant industry, I personally understand the hardships we are now facing together as a result of this health crisis. Although the orders may seem extreme at times, my understanding is they are being implemented to help save lives. Accordingly, I wanted to give an update and provide you with resources that you may find useful during this time.

Both my staff and I will be available to all people of the 2nd Senate District who are in need of help communicating with state agencies or accessing state resources, and listen to constituents’ concerns and questions. We can be reached by phone at 614-466-8060 or by emailing Gavarone@OhioSenate.gov.

These resources are summarized below:

For the latest updates on COVID-19 from the DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, as well as prevention information and resources, visit www.Coronavirus.Ohio.gov or call the Department of Health’s hotline at 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634). Follow on social media @OHdeptofhealth and @GovMikeDeWine.

For UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS for affected workers, visit http://jfs.ohio.gov/ohio/Coronavirus.

Ohioans can apply for unemployment online 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at unemployment.ohio.gov. It’s also possible to file by phone at (1-877-644-6562) or TTY at (888) 642-8203, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Employers with questions should email UCTech@jfs.ohio.gov. More details available here: http://jfs.ohio.gov/RELEASES/pdf/031620-ODJFS-Provides-COVID-Number.stm

For SMALL BUSINESSES seeking relief, any small businesses and non-profits impacted by the ongoing public health crisis are encouraged to contact Ohio’s Development Services Agency at BusinessHelp@development.ohio.gov.

Governor DeWine’s administration filed a request with the U.S. Small Business Administration to qualify Ohio for the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program, which has been a pproved, providing low-interest loans to affected businesses. For more information visit, https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance.
The Small Business Administration Disaster Relief has a three-step process for funding/loan assistance, learn more here. For additional help call (800) 659-2955 or email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.
For information on one-time liquor buy backs for restaurants and bars, visit https://www.ohlq.com or call (877) 812-0013.

For Ohioans struggling with MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION concerns, the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services is providing regular updates and resources at https://mha.ohio.gov/Health-Professionals/About-Mental-Health-and-Addiction-Treatment/Emergency-Preparedness/Coronavirus.

For K-12 SCHOOLS, educators, students and families, the Ohio Department of Education is providing regular updates at http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Student-Supports/Coronavirus.

For new information on EMERGENCY CHILDCARE resources, yesterday’s press release from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services can be found here http://jfs.ohio.gov/RELEASES/pdf/031720-ODJFS-Implements-Emergency-Child-Care-Measures-during-COVID-19-Pandemic.stm with additional resources at http://emanuals.jfs.ohio.gov/ChildCare/ChildCareManual/CCMPL/CCMPL-137.stm.

For the latest information about the postponement of Ohio’s PRIMARY ELECTION, visit https://www.ohiosos.gov/coronafacts/.

The Ohio Senate is working collaboratively with the Governor and the Secretary of State in the coming days on any legislation necessary to deal with this unique and challenging set of circumstances.

DAILY UPDATES from the Governor: I encourage my constituents to follow Governor DeWine’s and Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton’s daily 2 p.m. press conferences for the latest COVID-19 updates and resources. Those press conferences are available live on Ohio’s public radio and television stations, as well as on OhioChannel.org.

Many of Ohio’s newspapers are also offering paywall-free COVID-19 coverage on their websites.

Please continue to reach out to me or my office, stay updated via my social media pages @TheresaGavarone, and above all else, please stay safe and be smart. We will get through this.