The Highland County Emergency Operations Center provided the following update on some changes taking place around the County in regard to local health and safety on Monday, March 16th.
As we get deeper into the response to COVID-19, the State of Ohio is currently reporting 50 confirmed cases statewide. We currently have no confirmed cases in Highland County but as drive thru testing centers begin to open in the coming weeks, that will change and confirmations will start locally.
With the local drive thru testing there will be a process as the main goal of flattening the curve is to not overwhelm our local resources and maintain availability of healthcare to those individuals who are experiencing medical emergencies such as heart attacks and other ailments but to also have resources available to those who find themselves infected with the Corona virus.
As the response to COVID-19 progresses, certain safeties have to be enacted to protect resources and the first responders who will be the front line of the response to this epidemic.
The Highland County Sheriff’s office has closed their records request window to walk up traffic. Should, you need a background check for employment purposes, you can call 937-393-1421 to speak with a representative to schedule your background check. All background checks pertaining to concealed carry licenses have been suspended indefinitely. We understand the hardships placed by recent closing’s and want to assist how we can with employment opportunities. The Sheriff’s office has also suspended all jail visitation for the foreseeable future. The Hillsboro Police Department has closed their lobby but access to the front window is accessible till further notice.
Paint Creek Joint EMS and Fire has decided it’s in the best interest of maintaining resources in a ready state to restrict access to their stations to only essential personnel. What this means, if you have an emergency call 911. If you need information or need to speak with an on duty person. Please call 937-981-3394, during the announcement message, press 1 for the Greenfield Station, 2 for the Rainsboro Station and 3 for the Hillsboro station. Also, Paint Creek has cancelled all outreach education events to the public. If you had a special event scheduled for your business, a representative from Paint Creek will be in touch to reschedule your event.
All Highland County Health Department clinics and events are cancelled to include the Care-A-Van. We are currently not accepting walk ins for services on either side of the Health Department. If you require a birth or death certificate, we ask that you call ahead at 937-393-1941, so we can have that request ready and advise you on how to pick your item up.
The last directors order from the Ohio Department of Health was limiting the sale of food and beverages, liquor, beer and wine to carry out and delivery only. What does this mean for the public? It means, if your favorite establishment had a drive thru or offered carry out options, they are still offering those options. The other restaurants are diversifying and offering carryout and delivery options. If you have any question as to what they offer, by all means, reach out to them. We need to shop local and support the members of the community that are trying to find a new way of doing business. There’s been a Facebook group setup by the Highland County Chamber of Commerce to assist in finding local eats, the group name is Highland County Carry Out & Delivery Options. Search for it in your favorite smart phone app.
It’s important to remember, we’re all in this together. We can face this as a community and win out the other side as long as we’re willing to show everyone some grace and understanding.
Remember, it’s important to remember to cover your cough, wash your hands, maintain your personal space with social distancing, and look out for each other.
If you think you may have developed symptoms of the Corona virus, don’t immediately proceed to the ER or call 911 unless you can’t manage your symptoms on your own. Help us flatten the curve! You can call 1-833- 4 ASK ODH to be connected with individuals who will help you understand your symptoms and help you choose a path forward that minimizes exposure to other people.
We’re all in this together, be nice!