• The League has created a resource on our website for our members to utilize during the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. We are collecting policies from municipalities related to declarations of emergency, HR policies and other relevant topics in addition to state and federal directives and policy guidelines. We will be continually updating this page so our members can use it as a source for the most recent developments in this ongoing crisis. You can access all this information at http://www.omlohio.org/167/Coronavirus-Disease-Resource-Page.

• Governor DeWine activated approximately 300 Ohio National Guard and Military Reserve members to mobilize Monday, March 23 to support the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) and the Ohio Association of Foodbanks in the transportation, packaging and distribution of food to homes and community organizations in vulnerable and rural areas.

• Under the President's National Emergency Declaration, local governments are eligible to apply for public assistance and potential reimbursement for expenditures related to COVID-19 response through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). You can find more about eligibility and how to apply HERE.

• Ohio now has 169 confirmed cases of coronavirus as of Friday afternoon. Cases are now found in 28 counties and have resulted in 39 hospitalizations, as well as one death in Lucas County.

• The League wants to make our members aware that we have cancelled the annual Mayors Association of Ohio conference in June. We will let our members know when we are able to reschedule once that information is available.

• We also want to make our members aware that the COVID-19 Employment webinar hosted by the League and the Ohio Municipal Attorneys Association is available for download HERE.

• The Ohio Attorney General has issued an opinion regarding the suspension of jury trials during the pandemic. You can access this opinion HERE.

• Before the Tuesday primary election, Dr. Acton ordered all polling locations to be closed. A copy of the order is attached. Additionally, Secretary of State Frank LaRose issued a directive to county boards of elections that primary election day will be on June 2nd. From now until May 26th, voters may request absentee ballots on VoteOhio.gov and submit absentee ballots by June 1st.

• The majority of Bureau of Motor Vehicle offices to have been ordered to close. Five centers will remain open and some online services will continue to operate. To comply with this order, law enforcement officers have been instructed not to issue tickets for expired drivers licenses.

• Chief Justice Maureen O'Connor announced the Supreme Court will issue $4 million dollars to courts for technology improvements. The Supreme Court is staying open and local courts have been urged to do the same. Courts should also prioritize work, suspend non-essential jury trials, refrain from foreclosure hearings and use discretion to release non-violent offenders who are highly at-risk.

• Gov. DeWine signed an executive order authorizing the Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) to issue temporary pandemic child care licenses to help ensure childcare is available for children of parents employed in fields providing health, safety, and other essential services.

• Fitness centers, gyms, bowling alleys, movie theaters, water parks, trampoline centers were ordered to close.

• All spas, tattoo parlors, barber shops, beauty salons and internet cafes have been ordered to close.

• Effective on close of business on Monday, March 23, Gov. DeWine signed an executive order closing senior citizen centers as well as senior daycare centers.

• The National League of Cities (NLC) has submitted a $100 billion ask for direct funding in block grants to cities. You can read the letter that was sent to all Senate and House offices HERE. Members are encouraged to contact their Congressperson to voice their support of this ask.

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its recommendation to limit gatherings to 50 people, while the White House recommends limiting gatherings to 10 people. 

• The President signed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, H.R. 6201, a bill that will bring relief to workers and families. You can read a fact sheet about the bill HERE.

• Separately, the White House has a current proposal to stabilize the economy that includes sending $250 billion in checks directly to Americans in two waves. An additional $300 billion would be made available for small business loans, and another $200 billion for unspecified stabilization funds. The proposal would also defer tax payments. In all, the proposal could cost over $1 trillion.

• Senate Democrats are working on a separate proposal, which is reported to be a package of $750 billion that includes additional emergency aid for hospitals, expanded unemployment insurance, additional small business funds, childcare support, and food assistance for seniors.

• The U.S. Treasury has announced taxpayers will get a three-month extension from filing their taxes, while the Pentagon is preparing Navy Hospital Ships Mercy and Comfort for Coronavirus Response and has also announced it will give 5 million respirators and 2,000 ventilators to Health and Human Services.

• Gov. DeWine recently issued an executive order granting ODJFS the ability to approve requests to suspend the normal one-week waiting period for unemployment compensation. You can access an FAQ regarding COVID-19 Unemployment Insurance Benefits HERE.

• Ohioans can apply for unemployment online 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at unemployment.ohio.gov or by phone at (1-877-644-6562) or via text at (888) 642-8203, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Employers with questions should email UCTech@jfs.ohio.gov.

• The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved the request to allow small businesses and nonprofits in Ohio to apply for low-interest, long-term loans of up to $2 million through the SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. Loan applications can be completed online at disasterloan.sba.gov or applicants can obtain a paper application by calling 1-800-659-2955.

• Additional information about the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan program is available at SBA.gov/Disaster. Businesses impacted by COVID-19 are encouraged to contact BusinessHelp@Development.Ohio.Gov for assistance.

• Employers are strongly encouraged to screen employees and check temperatures daily to help protect against the spread of COVID-19.

• Gov. DeWine recommends that businesses take an aggressive approach to clean and sanitize all surfaces. He also recommends that employees' temperatures be taken on a daily basis and that if an employee has a high temperature, they should be sent home.

• Ohio Department of Health Director (ODH) Dr. Amy Acton announced an order limiting elective surgeries. This applies to animals and exempts procedures for preservation of life, organ, or limb; procedures to stop the progression of severe symptoms and procedures to stop the metastasis of cancer.

• Gov. DeWine has issued an executive order that will expand access to medical and behavioral health services using telehealth. Patients will not need to have an existing relationship with a healthcare professional to utilize these services.

• PUCO extends utility reconnect order HERE.
• Utility companies directed to review disconnection and social contact policies HERE:
• Utility customers are encouraged to contact the PUCO online with any questions or concerns HERE. 

• SB 293 - OPEN MEETINGS. Sponsored by Sen. Manning (R - N. Ridgeville) and Sen. Blessing (R - Cincinnati) To create a procedure within the Court of Claims to hear complaints alleging a violation of the Open Meetings Law.