Please visit the Delaware General Health Department for the latest updates. DelawareHealth.org/covid-19.
STAY AT HOME ORDER ISSUED Gov. DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, and ODH Director Dr. Amy Acton announced Sunday that Ohio will be under a "Stay at Home" order. The order will go into effect beginning Monday, March 23, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. and will remain in effect until 11:59 p.m. on April 6, 2020, unless the order is rescinded or modified. Read the full order here: Director’s Stay At Home Order
If you work for an essential business, you should continue to practice social distancing and should stay at home outside of work hours. If you believe your business is nonessential but are still being asked to show up to work, you may discuss with your employer.
For more information:
COVID-19 Information on Stay-Home Order
Stay At Home FAQ
ESSENTIAL, NON-ESSENTIAL? Health Commissioner Shelia Hiddleson and the economic development professionals in the City of Delaware and Delaware County have been in communication concerning the designation of essential and non-essential businesses. All are dedicated to carrying out the directive of ODH and Gov. DeWine. If anyone has questions regarding the designation of your business, please refer to Section 12 of the stay at home order. If you still have questions after reviewing the order, please contact your local economic development professional to receive direction on if your company is an essential or non-essential company:
Sean Hughes, City of Delaware Economic Development Director | shughes@delawareohio.net | 740-203-1016
Courtney Hendershot, Economic Development Coordinator | chendershot@delawareohio.net | 740-203-1018
Bob Lamb, Delaware County Economic Development Director | BLamb@co.delaware.oh.us | 614-306-1020
Kelsey Scott, Delaware County Economic Development Coordinator | KLScott@co.delaware.oh.us | 740-361-7894
Commissioner Hiddleson has also reached out to the City of Powell to support and aid in any questions regarding their local businesses.
The Health District will continue to provide the following services:
- Immunizations and TB testing (by appointment only)
- WIC services
Our Sunbury location is temporarily closed for the time being.
DGHD 24/7 EMERGENCY LINE (740) 815-6518 Our center will be open from 7am-7:30 pm Monday-Friday. You can reach that center at 740-368-1700 and dial 1 to connect. In addition, ODH call center is open all week from 9am-8pm to answer questions regarding COVID-19. The call center can be reached at 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634).
IF YOU ARE SICK If you are sick with COVID-19 or suspect you are infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, follow these steps to help prevent the disease from spreading to people in your home and community.
PROTECTED HEALTH INFO We have received several questions as to why we are not disclosing the location of our confirmed cases and what places they frequented, such as stores. As a Health District, we are required to follow laws related to the privacy of our residents’ health information. The Health District will not be releasing any demographic information related to any cases to protect the privacy of the individual during this time of illness. Our Disease Control and Response team will investigate each case through "contact tracing" and contact anyone in close contact with a case in order for them to take action, including the need for isolation or quarantine.
The CDC defines a close contact as being within 6 feet of a confirmed case for a prolonged period of time. A prolonged period of time can be circumstances in which you care for, live with, visit, or share a healthcare waiting room with the confirmed case.
"The best thing we can all do at this point is to assume that we have community spread and do everything in our power to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our community by staying home as much as possible, staying home when you’re sick, practicing social distancing and washing your hands frequently. " - Shelia Hiddleson, Health Commissioner
PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH. Social distancing is the practice of reducing close contact between people to slow the spread of infections or diseases. Examples include maintaining six feet from other people, canceling large gatherings and telecommuting to work. For offices and workplaces, it’s also important to practice preventative measures, especially when approaching counters, touching public surfaces and not coming in if feeling sick. Offices are invited to use this poster to remind everyone to protect public health!
TO TEST OR NOT TO TEST Local health departments and primary care doctors are not testing in office. Those who meet the testing criteria will have a specimen taken (mouth or nasal swab) as directed by a doctor. The specimen will then be tested at the ODH lab or by a privately contracted lab. It is important that if you are starting to feel sick that you stay home and contact your doctor before physically going to their office or to the emergency room or urgent care.
HELP A NEIGHBOR OUT! During this time, remember to be kind. Thank those in the service industry, appreciate our healthcare workers, and be patient with your Health District working on the front lines of this outbreak. Also, help an elderly neighbor out -- drop off food at their door, offer to help with yard work or run errands, and call them to make sure they are doing okay!
Delaware Health District-COVID-19
DISINFECT SURFACES Practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces (tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks) with household cleaners and EPA-registered disinfectants that are appropriate for the surface. Make sure to follow label instructions. Check out Products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens that are expected to be effective against COVID-19 based on data for harder to kill viruses.
STOP THE SPREAD It is more important than ever that everyone practices these protective steps to stop the spread of illness:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes.
- Don’t go to work or school when you feel ill. Stay at home and rest.
- Avoid exposure to others who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Get adequate sleep and eat well-balanced meals to ensure a healthy immune system.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.