COVID-19 Update: Ohio confirms first cases

Ohio Update

As the first confirmed cases of COVID-19 were reported in Ohio on March 9, 2020, Governor DeWine declared a state of emergency for all of Ohio. Executive Order 2020-01D serves primarily to authorize state agencies to coordinate responses to the outbreak. The Executive Order also specifically authorizes the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) to “create and require the use of diagnostic and treatment guidelines” by health care providers.

ODH resources for providers
ODH continues to compile and publish resources for local health districts and health care providers, including daily updates of the number of confirmed cases and persons under investigation in Ohio. 

Hospital Preparedness Assessment Tool
ODH is requesting that every hospital in Ohio complete the COVID-19 Hospital Preparedness Assessment Tool by March 17, 2020. The ODH online form is based on a similar tool developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC notes that the tool is intended to assist hospitals in preparing for the arrival of patients with COVID-19.

Reporting requirements
ODH has classified COVID-19 as an immediately reportable disease. This classification requires hospitals and health care providers to report suspected cases by telephone to the local department of health under ORC 3701.23 and OAC 3701-3-02(A).

ODH call center for public inquiries
ODH recently announced the opening of a call center for questions that the public may have about COVID-19. The call center is open seven days per week from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.