TOLEDO, Ohio — Here is the latest on the coronavirus in Lucas County.
SUNDAY
City of Toledo and Lucas County leaders offered clarification on Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s Stay at Home order that was issued on Sunday and will take effect on Tuesday.
Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz says people need to use common sense going forward and that people should have already been following most of the recommendations in the governor’s order.
He says what were until now suggestions are now a matter of law.
Kapszukiewicz went on to say Ohio has been one of the most aggressive states in combating the spread of coronavirus.
Commissioner Pete Gerken says small businesses in particular will be hit hard by the order but there will be help available to them, which can be located on the county’s website.
Gerken says it important for people to patronize small businesses for the duration of the order.
When asked how the city and county are going to enforce the governor’s order, County Commissioner Gary Byers said law enforcement does have the option to arrest violators of the order but will most likely start with warnings, adding he believes the community will comply with the order.
Commissioner Tina Skeldon Wozniak said the best way to thank doctors and health care providers was to stay at home.
There are now 7 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the county according to the Lucas County Health Dept. website.
SATURDAY
The Lucas County Health Dept. upped the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the county to 4 on Saturday afternoon from 2 on Friday.
ProMedica announced that one of their physician's tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday. Dr. David Mallory is a doctor at ProMedica Physicians Family Practice of Toledo in Sylvania.
ProMedica says his patients have been notified as well as the patients of the other physician's in the office.
There was no press conference by county or city leaders on Saturday.
FRIDAY
FIRST CONFIRMED DEATH
On Friday, the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department confirmed the first coronavirus death in the state.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine confirmed in a press conference it was Lucas County Republican Party chairman, Mark Wagoner, Jr.'s father.
Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz addressed the county regarding Mark Sr.'s death.
"We are going to have to find a way together to work through this as a community, relying on our best instincts and our humanity as people.
The mayor said we will not be able to rely on tests, calling it a national issue.
"We are going to have to rely on ourselves. We're going to have to rely on each other," he said.
Wagoner passed away on March 18. On March 11, individuals may have been exposed to him.
According to health commissioner Eric Zgodzinski, if you had prolonged exposure with a confirmed case, quarantine for 14 days.
Treat symptoms as though you would have the flu. As symptoms worsen, seek medical attention. Should you need to go to the E.R., call ahead for directions. Should your symptoms be severe enough to call 911, please alert the 911 operator you were in direct contact with a confirmed COVID-19 patient.
As soon as the department became aware of Wagoner's positive diagnosis, the fire fighters who were in contact with him were notified. They are currently in self-isolation. They are all asymptomatic.
PROTOCOL
When the health department is notified by the state, the procedure is then contact who they need to, including family and those the patient had been in contact with. If they present symptoms, the department would take the next steps.
Processes are always changing, Zgodzinski said. The department has a new procedure they are working to put in place, to protect the community and first responders alike.
"It's important to get a good procedure down so that everyone stays safe," he said.
People have asked, if the county isn't testing, how do we know if we are flattening the curve? There are secondary things to look at Zgodzinkski said.
Those items may be how many people are reporting to the hospital with concerns or how many people with coronavirus pass away. There are ways other than a positive test that may indicate how we are doing in the fight against the virus.
MAYOR WADE KAPSZUKIEWICZ CALLS ON KINDNESS
Mayor Wade compared the pandemic to the impacts of September 11, recalling incalculable pain.
"This is going to be a difficult time for everyone," he said. "We will not go back to normal for a long time."
The mayor encouraged residents to instead of hoard, donate to resources like the United Way.
"There is goodness within us and those are the things I want us to rally around as we go through this difficult period," he said.
There are going to be inconveniences he said, but there are many things we can do to make a difference. Kapszukiewicz suggested going to the park, going for a walk with your children or play a board game with your family.
"Let's think of others and let's get through this together," he said.
SECOND POSITIVE CASE (Not a Lucas County resident)
A second case was found, however, they are not a Lucas County resident.
That person was notified and they are in quarantine.
TIPS FROM ODH
Mental health or coping skills: Stress, anxiety and fear are normal in times of crisis. Excessive exposure tends to wind people up, find informed, but find time to walk away from the information to maintain a healthy balance.
Stay physically healthy: Take a walk, eat healthy and try to get adequate sleep. Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol and drugs.
Stay connected with family and friends: Discuss concerns with others
Find hobbies: Find activities that help you feel you are in contact with something and enjoy some of the free time if you can.
Continue with treatment plans: Stay current with medications and monitor symptoms.
To call the recovery help line, call 419-255-3125 at any time.
THURSDAY
TESTING
On Thursday, Toledo-Lucas County Health Department Commissioner Eric Zgodzinski stated that all drive-thru and community testing sites have been suspended in Lucas County.
Effective immediately, the county is only testing essential personnel, including first responders and medical providers. If they know they do not have COVID-19, they can get back to work where they are needed.
For the majority of us, the health director said, a positive diagnosis would not change treatment.
"We do not have the number of tests we wish we had, and that is likely not going to change," he said.
If someone in your house is sick, or you have come into contact with someone who is sick, you are urged to act as if you are sick.
What you should be doing: There is currently no treatment for coronavirus. Get plenty of rest, stay hydrated - 8 oz. of water per hour is recommended - if you experience a fever, take Acetaminophen, also known as Tylenol.
Have enough food in the house so you can stay home for a long period of time, keep cleaning supplies on hand, make sure prescriptions are filled and keep a stock of over the counter medicines on hand.
LUCAS COUNTY REPUBLICAN CHAIRMAN MARK WAGONER
Also on Thursday, Lucas County Republican Party Chairman Mark Wagoner released a statement about the death of his father, 76-year-old Mark Wagoner Sr., whom he said was presumptively diagnosed with COVID-19. Zgodzinski acknowledged this death, but said results are still pending.
Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton confirmed on Thursday that the state is investigating its first potential death due to the coronavirus. Acton said she was aware of the report of Wagoner's death and that the investigation would be over soon. Wagoner died in Maumee on Wednesday.
"This is real," Acton said of the investigation. "It's heartbreaking."
As of Thursday, Ohio had 119 confirmed positive coronavirus cases, 33 of which have required hospitalization. The cases span 24 counties and have an age range of 2-years-old to 91-years old.
RELATED: Lucas County Republican Party chairman says father died after presumptive COVID-19 diagnosis
TARTA
TARTA is moving to a level 3, with service deliveries from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
PLAYGROUNDS AND PARKS
All playgrounds are closed as well as indoor facilities.
"Allowing children to play in large groups defeats the purpose of closing schools," Zgodzinski said.
BLOOD SHORTAGE
The Red Cross is facing a shortage. Healthy individuals are needed to maintain a healthy blood supply. For more information, head over to the Red Cross website.
WEDNESDAY
Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz declared state of emergency in the city of Toledo Wednesday as coronavirus concerns increase. The status allows the mayor to enact certain powers he would not have under normal circumstances.
So far, the mayor has only exercised the power of procuring items necessary for the safety and welfare of the residents. He purchased equipment for employees to work remotely.
Other powers include imposing a curfew, ordering a quarantine, and granting or waiving certain permits.
Earlier in the day, Kapszukiewicz participated in a news conference at 4 p.m. in which Toledo-Lucas County Health Department Commissioner Eric Zgodzinski updated the community on the latest regarding COVID-19 in the county and nearby community.
Lucas County Commissioner Tina Skeldon Wozniak was also present.
Kapzsukiewicz emphasized that within the city of Toledo, there is currently no interruption of service for city residents, though employees are working remotely.
"We are not simply providing police, fire, sewer and trash. We are doing all the services the city provides. ... You can still interact, but not in person (with some departments)," Kapzsukiewicz said.
The biggest change citizens will see, Kapzsukiewicz, is the restriction in public space. Individuals cannot go to senior centers, community centers, and interact in the same way, he said.
Toledo Municipal Court will suspend all evictions and lockouts until May 1. No new cases will be considered, Kapzsukiewicz said.
Kapzsukiewicz said the strong mayor form of government means that he doesn't need to issue a blanket state of emergency, though the city has been operating as such since Friday, when he wrote a letter to council to set emergency powers into motion. The strong-mayor charter allows Kapzsukiewicz to implement curfew, quarantine, permitting and purchasing during emergency designation.
"I will say that in general, citizens should know and feel comfortable that the operation you see here and at the emergency operation center is an impressive operation that provides coordination you'd want in a situation like this," he said.
Wozniak gave remarks regarding the county, saying the emergency operations center is a 24/7 operation that coordinates all the jursidictions in the county, and that at least daily phone calls and communication takes place among them.
"We want everyone in the community to feel they're getting the best guidance available," Wozniak said. She also said they will provide the operation lines for neighboring jurisdictions not served by the operation center, so residents can be better informed. Those numbers and other helpful information can be found at lucascountyhealth.com.
Businesses with less than 100 employees could be eligible for help, Wozniak said, and that information can be found at the county website.
Zgodzinski updated on the presence of coronavirus in the county, saying the second presumptive case has not been confirmed and as of this moment, there is no second case.
"We want to stress that cases mean nothing - if you feel sick you should be staying at home. If you have shortness of breath - contact your physician. If you have fever, cough, shortness of breath, take heed," he said.
If you have symptoms, whether tested or not, you should stay home, Zgodzinski said.
He noted that Gov. Mike DeWine closed salons, tattoo parlors and spas. He also echoed the recommendation that employers scan employees for fever and send them home if they have a fever.
He also recommends that places of worship begin to move away from in-person worship.
The protocol Dr. Adams said to follow is take a temperature of an employee when they arrive and when they leave. The number to watch for is 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. If a fever is detected, he said, an employee is to go home and isolate themselves.
Dr. Adams used the word "required" and noted that he takes his temperature every morning, urging everyone to do so.
TUESDAY
2nd presumptive case of COVID-19
The Toledo-Lucas County Health Department confirmed Tuesday night that it is investigating a suspected case of COVID-19 that could increase the number of confirmed cases in the county to two.
A spokesperson for the Toledo Lucas County Health Department said the person is believed to have been at Lucas County court building on March 11.
If you were at the Lucas County Domestic Relations Court building last Wednesday, you should watch for flu-like symptoms such as a 100.4-degree fever, cough or shortness of breath.
As a precaution, the building will be closed to the public Wednesday for extra sanitation.
Drive-through testing started Tuesday, Toledo-Lucas County Health Department Commissioner Eric Zgodzinski said, and the commissioner said the first day went well and some procedures were ironed out. The number of persons tested was not disclosed because of privacy issues, Zgodzinski said.
Several officials updated the public on the local response to the coronavirus pandemic during a news conference at the Lucas County Emergency Services Training Center Tuesday.
Drive-through COVID-19 testing is available for eligible Lucas County residents. Zgodzinski stressed that only registered individuals can go to that drive-through location. At this time, only Lucas County residents are being tested at this location.
You need to call either of the nurse hotlines to be screened or else you will not be allowed to be tested. 419-251-4000 and 419-291-5355 are the numbers to call 24/7. You'll then receive a call receiving further guidance. Testing will ONLY be done on those who have been screened and scheduled.
Toledo Botanical Garden is the site of the testing. Use the Bancroft Street entrance, ONLY if you have been screened and scheduled.
Due to the number of calls received, the hotlines did experience some difficulty, Zgodzinski said.
"Just because you want to get tested doesn't mean you will be tested. You must be screened," Zgodzinski said.
The goal of the drive-through is to keep people from going to the hospital to be tested, he said.
The procedure will be specified for people who are determined to qualify for the testing, Zgodzinski said.
Addressing rumors
Shannon Lands, director of health promotion addressed rumors in the community.
"Regarding a national or statewide quarantine, nothing has been issued at this time and in the foreseeable future we are not going in that direction. We will let you know if that changes," she said.
Regarding closing of grocery stores, Lands said grocery stores will not close.
We encourage people to not contribute to rumors. If you are not sure, do not make assumptions. Visit the website or call ahead.
Kellie Lenhardt, Toledo Police Public Information Officer, said that no officers are preparing to go home and prepare for riots, contrary to rumors.
"Toledo police have long prepared for civil unrest. We are not anticipating any civil unrest. The public has responded phenomenally to the governor's orders. Officers were told they need to bring Toledo Police uniforms to work. To clarify not everyone wears a police uniform like mine to work. Simply put those officers were told to bring in their official uniform in case there were a certain number of call offs and they had to be reassigned.
Zgodzinski also spoke out against rumors.
"Check first. Please call. Make sure you're not adding to the situation we're already in," he said.
FULL PRESS CONFERENCE:
Factory workers
"If you have 50 or more workers in a room, you need to be aware of social distancing. We are in contact with large businesses and doing what they can to limit COVID spread," Zgodzinski said.
Changes in public health access
STD and TB clinics will remain open by appointment only at the health department.
In-person visits to vital stats will not be allowed. Birth and death records can only be obtained online.
WIC will remain open, but will shift operations. You will drive up to the location and you will be directed from there. Most of the services will be handled in a drive-up capacity.
After Wednesday, the needle exchange program at Talbot Center will be suspended.
If you have questions about services, call 419-213-2013.
Toledo, county, Sylvania building closures
Early on Tuesday, the city released a press release stating that the public-facing offices would be closed, according to City of Toledo Chief of Staff Katy Crosby.
Late fees are being waived for public utilities in case people cannot pay online. Call Engage Toledo 419-936-2020 with any concerns.
Lucas County Commissioners had a hearing on Tuesday to take steps on COVID-19, according to Lucas County Administrator Megan Vahey Casiere.
Commissioners declared a state of emergency to express awareness of the threat and they and put a temporary operation plan in place.
The commissioners said this is not an expression of panic, but is instead used to help speed aid to the county if and when needed and to ease the process of purchasing needed items.
If you need more information on the county response, visit the commissioners website. Job and family services, child support and Ohio Means Jobs' public lobbies are closed, though the website is open for job and family services at lucasjfs.org and workforce concerns can be addressed at www.ohiomeansjobs.com
Lucas County Canine Care and Control's public lobby is closed, but stray dogs will still be taken in and people can come look for their lost dogs. Adoptions are by appointment only, and the shelter is not taking in owner-surrender dogs.
In Sylvania, all city buildings will be closed to public access at 8 a.m. Employees will continue to report to work, said city of Sylvania Safety Service Director Kevin Aller . Dropboxes are available on the outside of the city building for payments, zoning, taxes, etc. Utility payments can be made online.
RELATED: Area nursing home, assisted living adapts to keep residents communicating safely with loved ones
RELATED: COVID-19: Changing our Lives | 'If I have to be quarantined for months, I might lose my mind'
Facts not fear: Putting COVID-19 into context
WTOL 11’s coverage of the coronavirus is rooted in Facts, not Fear. Visit wtol.com/coronavirus for comprehensive coverage, find out what you need to know about northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan specifically, learn more about the symptoms, and keep tabs on the cases around the world here. Have a question? Text it to us at 419-248-1100.
Protect yourself from coronavirus
- Cover: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Dispose: Throw used tissues in a lined can.
- Wash hands: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
- Hand sanitizer: If soap and water are not readily available, use and alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, covering all surfaces of your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry.
- Avoid touching: Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
