Keep up with regular news updates regarding Columbus and Ohio’s response to COVID-19 here.
On Thursday, March 19, the Ohio Department of Health announced that Ohio has 119 confirmed cases — up from 88 confirmed cases yesterday — with 10 in Franklin County. Five of those 10 are in Columbus.
Other updates come from the Central Ohio Transit Authority, Mount Carmel and Ohio State University Wexner Medical Centers, senior aid and more.
COTA
COTA announced on Thursday it would be suspending fares and loading riders through the rear doors, in an effort to protect drivers while still servicing the community.
COTA also announced it will be temporarily suspending Night Owl and AirConnect services. In addition, all Rush Hour lines have been modified.
Hospitals
Both The Ohio State University Medical Center and Mount Carmel Hospitals and Medical Centers have announced that they will no longer allow visitors per Center for Disease Control recommendations, effective Friday, March 20.
Mount Carmel will only allow exceptions for maternity units, patients receiving end-of-life care and minor patients. For those exceptions, only one, healthy adult visitor that is a family member, power of attorney, guardian or patient representative will be allowed.
OSU will only allow exceptions for maternity units, patients receiving end-of-life care, minor patients, inpatients receiving surgery on the day of or day after and all outpatients. For those exceptions, only one healthy visitor will be allowed.
Senior Services
As a result of Columbus City Council expediting relief funding to local service organizations, starting today, Thursday, March 19 services and aid will be available to older adults in Columbus.
Seniors in need of food and supplies can receive delivery or pick-up from Clintonville-Beechwold Community Resources Center up to twice a week, by calling 614-268-3539. In the “necessity boxes” seniors can receive a rotation of paper towels, soap, toilet paper, disposable thermometers, gloves, shelf-stable food and snacks.
Also included will be information on the senior Friendly Phone Line, for older adults looking for friendly conversation and social connection to combat loneliness. Seniors can call 614-993-3614 for more.
Going Virtual
Various galleries and events have decided to go virtual, offering patrons and guests an opportunity to support artists, creatives and vendors by shopping their work online. This includes:
- The Arnold Festival Expo and Trade Show
- Craftin’ Outlaws
- CCAD Virtual Art Fair and Virtual MFA Exhibition
- 934 Gallery (934 is also giving artists an extra 10% commission on work sold through the shop)
- Online Yoga Classes through various studios
Find more events and places for virtual experiences in this week’s Mega Weekend.
For more information on COVID-19 in Ohio, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH.