Coronavirus: More Changes at Kent State University
Written by Jeanne DestroKent State University reducing on-campus operations until further notice. Only a limited number of employees will be asked to report in person to work, in areas such as health sevices, public safety, information technology, and residence services.
More details here, from the notice they sent to students, faculty, and staff:
Kent State University:
Due to the rapid spread of COVID-19 and in accordance with Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s recommendations, Kent State is reducing on-campus operations at 5 p.m. today until further notice.
Only a limited number of employees will be asked to report to their campus. Areas requiring at least a minimal physical presence on campus include health services, public safety, information technology, residence services, dining services, mail services, facilities and a few research laboratories. Units designated for on-campus service will operate with limited staff in rotation. Employees needing to take home technology or other items to work remotely should clear this with their supervisors. Tomorrow, most buildings will be locked. Voting will go on as planned tomorrow in the Warren Student Recreation and Wellness Center.
Employees should discuss their work requirements with their supervisors, as sustained availability in a virtual sense is vital for serving the needs of our students as they continue their studies.
Faculty and staff will find additional information, including information about technology for working remotely, at Keep On Working or Kent State’s coronavirus information page. For questions regarding COVID-19, call 1-833-4ASKODH or Kent City Health Department at 330-678-8109.
We urge all Kent State community members to sign up for Flash ALERTS to receive crisis communications through the emergency text system.
We must all do our part to slow the spread of the virus and decrease the surge on our health system. Please heed the recommendations of our governor and state health officials by remaining at home, going out only when necessary and adhering to social distancing practices.
Anyone who believes they have been in close contact (within approximately 6 feet for a prolonged period of time) with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 should self-isolate. If you have had close contact with a person with COVID-19 and develop symptoms such as fever (temperature greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit), cough or difficulty with breathing, seek medical advice by calling your local health provider or local health department. Also, if you feel you need emergency care, call ahead to the emergency room to notify them of your recent exposure to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
Continue to Take Preventative Measures
It is imperative that we take steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19:
Avoid large gatherings and follow social distancing recommendations of 3-6 feet.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes.
Cover coughs and sneezes with your arm or a tissue.
Avoid exposure to others who are sick.
Stay home while you are ill (except to visit a healthcare professional) and avoid close contact with others.
Get adequate sleep and eat well-balanced meals to ensure a healthy immune system.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Additional information can be found here:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Ohio Department of Health
The health and safety of our Kent State community is of the highest importance. During this challenging time, let’s all remember to show kindness and respect in all we do because Flashes take care of Flashes.
Coronavirus: Summit County-Public Access Changes
Written by Jeanne DestroSummit County is making Coronavirus-related changes to they do business, including temporary suspension of public access to many of their agencies including Building Standards, Clerk of Courts, County Prosecutor, and Sheriff's Office. See below for full list, and more details.
March 16 Updates to Summit County Continuity of Services
SUMMIT COUNTY, OHIO—The following offices and agencies have offered updated guidance as to how the public should expect to interact in the coming days and weeks. Guidance is subject to change. Some county offices have temporarily suspended public access. Information for cities, villages and townships offices has also been included.
Building Standards: Beginning Monday, March 16, 2020 at 12 p.m., Summit County Department of Building Standards will temporarily suspend public access at the 1030 E. Tallmadge Ave. location. The office will continue to accept permit requests, inspection requests, and plan submittals through www.BSAonline.com, mail or email. If you currently have access to BSAonline.com as a registered contractor, continue using this option for applying for permits and scheduling inspections. If you are applying for a permit, scheduling inspections or submitting plans, with no access to BS&A, please complete the proper forms located on our Building Standards website, www.buildingstandards.summitoh.net. You may mail the completed forms into our office, or email documents to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Payments can be made through the Official Payments website, https://www.officialpayments.com/, as we will only be taking Credit Card payments at this time.
Board of Elections: Polls will be open on March 17 from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Some polling locations have changed. Information about the 10 polling locations that moved can be found at https://www.summitcountyboe.gov/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/3.10.2020-press-release-polling-locations-moved.pdf.
Job and Family Services: Beginning March 16 at 12 p.m., Summit County Department of Job and Family Services (JFS) will temporarily suspend public access at the 1180 S. Main St. and 1040 E. Tallmadge Ave. locations. Documents and correspondence can be uploaded at www.summitdjfs.org, faxed to 866-351-8292, dropped in the exterior drop box at the S. Main location, or mailed to 1180 S Main St, Suite 102, Akron OH 44301-1256.
To apply for, renew or update cash, food, medical or child care assistance, call 1-844-640-6446 or apply online at www.Benefits.Ohio.gov. To report abuse, neglect or exploitation of seniors, please call 330-643-7217.
Community Development: As of March 16, Home Weatherization Program, Lead Remediation Program, HSTS (septic replacement program), and Minor Home Repair Program work has been rescheduled.
Sanitary Sewer Services: Beginning March 16 at 12 p.m., Sanitary Sewer Services will temporarily suspend public access. Residents can pay their sewer bill online at https://summitoh.firstbilling.com/ or use the drop box location at 1180 S. Main St in Akron. Only checks may be deposited in the drop box. In case of an emergency, staff can be reached 24 hours a day at 800-828-2087.
Animal Control: Beginning March 16 at 12 p.m., Animal Control will temporarily suspend public access. Volunteer services are suspended until further notice. Until public access has been restored, only law enforcement will be able to make drops off at Animal Control. Members of the public who wish to be reunited with their animal should call 330-643-2845 to schedule an appointment.
Clerk of Courts: Services will restricted starting Monday March 16 at noon in the interest of public health. E-Filing and online public record requests will continue as normal. The Clerk’s Courthouse lobby will close; the only exception to this closure is for the filing of protection orders. Processing of background checks is suspended until further notice. Pro se litigants are encouraged to utilize our electronic filing system or mail in their filings to our office at 205 S. High St., Akron, OH 44308. Title offices in Akron, Green, Fairlawn, and Northfield will close until further notice. Dealer title work can be submitted electronically or the title work can be dropped off at the Main Title office and picked up the following day. For the public, customers who have title processing needs, please call the Main Title office at 330-630-7200 to facilitate processing title by mail. Call 330-643-2212 for more information.
Engineer: Person-to-person interactions will be limited at the main administration building located at 538 East South Street in Akron and the public services administration office located at 601 East Crosier Street in Akron, and the Boston Mills Station located at 1928 Boston Mills Road in Boston Township. All non-essential meetings are cancelled. Citizens, contractors, and developers are asked to conduct their business with the County Engineer’s Office through phone (330-643-2860), fax (330-762-7829), and email (general information email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) where possible. A drop off area will be established in the lobby of the main administration building at 538 East South Street for any consultants, contractors or developers needing to hand deliver plans and permits to the office. Road maintenance crews and construction and bridge inspectors will continue to operate as normal, keeping County roads and bridges safe for motorists. More information is available at http://www.summitengineer.net/.
Fiscal: Beginning March 16 at 12 p.m., public access is suspended at the main branch at 175 S. Main St. in downtown Akron, and two satellite locations at 1030 E. Tallmadge Ave., Akron and 1180 S. Main St., Suite 250, Akron. The public may access Fiscal Office services by phone at 330-643-2632 or 330-643-2759, email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or online at http://FiscalOffice.summitoh.net.
Sheriff: If the public has questions for the Sheriff’s Office, they should call the non-emergency dispatch number at 330-643-2181. A number of services at the jail have been suspended or altered, including contact visits. Please call for more information.
Prosecutor: Residents with urgent and specific questions about their case and any subsequent hearings should email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and include the following details: Name, Case #, Judge, Date of Next Hearing, Contact Information. More information is available at http://co.summitoh.net/prosecutor/.
Child Support Enforcement Agency: Payments can be made online, by phone, mail or mobile app. Parents and caretakers can access their case information, including payment status and payment history, through the state of Ohio’s Child Support Customer Service Portal. More information is available at http://co.summitoh.net/prosecutor/index.php/divisions/child-support-enforcement, and you can email them, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Common Pleas Court: All trials are suspended through March 27, with the exception of Stanley Ford. Inmates will not be transported from the Summit County Jail to the courthouse for fourteen days. All civil matters will be handled through telephone or video calls, and all mediation sessions will be suspended. People on probation who are scheduled to report should do so via telephone, and should expect to be contacted by the Summit County Adult Probation Department. More information is available at https://www.summitcpcourt.net/summit-county-common-pleas-court-general-division-outlines-plan-for-addressing-covid-19/.
Domestic Relations Court: Remember the Children on March 21 and Working Together Program on March 26 have been cancelled. The Court will conduct certain business such as Initial Pretrial Conferences, Settlement Conferences, Motions for Temporary Orders by telephone only. Special arrangements can be made for Uncontested Divorce and Dissolution. More information is available at https://drcourt.org/wp/covid19/.
Juvenile Court: Court hours are modified to 8:00 am-4:30 pm. The preferred method of filing pleadings with the Court is via mail to 650 Dan Street, Akron 44310 or via fax to 330-643-2987. The Public is encouraged to contact their Court Worker with questions. If a person is unsure of who to call, they can call the Juvenile Court main number at 330-643-2900. More information is available at https://juvenilecourt.summitoh.net/images/Press/web.pdf.
Probate Court: Consider utilizing the eFiling option which can be used for any filing. Many court appearances can be changed to telephone statuses. If you are set for a status, please contact the Court to change it to a phone status. More information is available at https://summitohioprobate.com/coronavirus-covid-19/.
Ninth District Court of Appeals: The Court will consider all cases on the briefs instead of hearing oral arguments. The Court will file orders in cases that are scheduled for oral argument alerting the parties that the cases will be considered by the Court on the briefs. If a party objects to the submission on briefs, the Court will either schedule telephonic oral argument or continue the case for oral argument at a later date. More information is available at http://www.ninth.courts.state.oh.us/Forms/Covid%20notice.pdf.
Developmental Disabilities Board: Staff are encouraged to coordinate phone meetings and video conferencing in place of in-person meetings and visits. Staff will continue to monitor services, offer technical support, conduct compliance reviews as needed and investigate any Major Unusual Incidents. More information is available at https://www.summitdd.org/news/summit-dd-coronavirus-safety-precautions-and-health-measures/.
Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board: Residents feeling overwhelmed or troubled by the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak or any situation requiring emotional support should call 330-434-9144.
Children Services Board: The Child Abuse Prevention Month events and activities previously scheduled during the month of April are cancelled. Training events sponsored by the Northeast Ohio Regional Training Center are canceled through April 18th. Volunteer programs and ability to accept donations in our lobby have been suspended for a minimum of 30 days, including the Easter Basket Program. More information is available at https://www.summitkids.org/.
Veterans Service Commission: A series of new processes and procedures to help ensure the wellbeing of the community and staff are in place. Any scheduled public meetings in Freedom Hall have been cancelled until further notice. More information is available at https://www.vscsummitoh.us/covid-19-statement/.
Direction Home Akron Canton: There have been no significant changes to processes and procedures. All programs continue to provide services, and telephonic systems are being developed by the Ohio Departments of Aging and Medicaid to reduce face to face contacts.
United Way 2-1-1: Residents in need of food, shelter, utility assistance or other necessities should call 2-1-1 or visit http://www.211summit.org/. Support the community through the Akron Summit County COVID-19 Emergency Support Fund. Donate at http://bit.ly/2Qdze8s; 100% of donations will go toward crisis relief.
Coventry Township:(Trustees/Fiscal): 330-644-0785, ext. 690 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Zoning: 330-644-0785, ext. 695 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Road: 330-644-0785, ext. 680 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Fire: 330-644-3228 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Dial 9-1-1 emergencies.
All Summit County offices are working closely with the Public Health Department in monitoring the ongoing COVID-19 situation. The continuity of services is subject to directives from the Governor and Summit County Public Health. For the most up-to-date information on the current status of the outbreak, please visit https://www.scph.org/covid-19 or https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/.
###
The University of Akron has announced extra percautions in wake of the COVID-19 outbreak.
After extending spring break to the end of March, the University has decided to go strictly online with classes beyond that point.
The school will also close all residence halls (with limited exceptions) after the recommendations of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. All students must be moved out of these halls by Wednesday, March 18th at 11 p.m.
Most University employees will begin working remotely, as the school will move to essential services only in campus operations.
The following was posted to Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro's Facebook page Monday morning:
All dine-in bar and restaurants ordered shut down as of 9PM Sunday. Carry out and delivery is still permitted. Governor Mike DeWine calling it a matter of life and death. The State is also going to offer some new Unemployment assistance to help mitigate the effect it will have on business throughout the state. DeWine says he know there will be suffering caused by this order, but they are trying to save lives.
Dr. Amy Acton, who heads the Ohio Department of Health says that so far they have tracked 36 positive cases, 350 cases are under investigation, and many, many others are already infected. 11 people are hospitalized so far. Testing is lagging, so she calls what they know so far is just the tip of the iceberg. "Timing is everything, and everything matters."
Follow this link to the Ohio Channel to watch the Governor's press conference. Ohio Channel-Governor's Press Conference
Summit County: Public Health Emergency & First COVID-19 Patient
Written by Jeanne DestroThe first patient to test positive for COVID-19 Coronavirus in Summit County, is a woman in her 50s now being treated in a local hospital. Summit County Public Health officials not releasing any more details as to the identity of the patient, though they do say that it appears she contracted the illness in the community, and not as the result of travel, or from someone who had travelled to a Coronavirus hotspot.
In addition, Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro declared a Public Health Emergency in Summit County, ordering all government agencies to coordinate Coronavirus response in accordance with the county's Emergency Operations plan.
More detailed information, and official press releases below.
Summit County Public Health on first confirmed COVID-19 patient, who is now hospitalized:
March 13, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Akron, Ohio – Summit County was informed today of the first patient confirmed with COVID-19. The patient is a female in her 50s and is currently hospitalized. The patient had no known travel associated risk or known exposure to someone infected with the virus. Therefore, this is most likely the result of spread of the virus in our community.
Health Commissioner Donna Skoda wants to emphasize SCPH will not be releasing any additional demographic information relating to our case. We want to protect the privacy of the individual, and will we be working on contact tracing and will be in touch with anyone who needs to take action.
Please remember these simple steps you can take to reduce the spread of viruses:
Wash your hands often with soap & water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol based hand
sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available.
Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands)
Avoid touching your mouth, nose, and eyes.
Clean high touch surfaces frequently – phones, doorknobs, light switches, cell phones, etc.
If you have any signs of sickness, stay home!
As this disease spreads, SCPH supports the directive and recommendations of Governor Mike Dewine and Dr. Amy Action, ODH Director to ban mass gatherings and to limit unnecessary exposures. While challenging, limiting the community’s exposure to this disease will make a lasting impact on reducing deaths associate with the virus.
SCPH has been actively involved in planning/coordination efforts with our partners throughout the county to meet the needs of our most vulnerable residents. With the guidance of the Ohio Department of Health and the CDC we will continue to update Summit County residents with new information as it becomes available.
General public questions can be answered by calling:
SCPH call center Sat/Sun 9a-3p and M-F 9a-5p - 330-926-5795 OHD call center 7 days 9a-8p - 1-833-4-ASK-ODH
Summit County Public Health Emergency Declaration
DECLARATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY FOR SUMMIT COUNTY WHEREAS, on this 13th day of March 2020, the life, safety and welfare of the residents of Summit County may
be at risk due to the infectious respiratory disease identified as the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), and,
WHEREAS, COVID-19 presents a threat to our community, as individuals in Northeast Ohio have been positively diagnosed with the disease. The danger of serious illness exists, primarily for elderly and the immunocompromised population. Additionally, the collateral effects of the disease present serious financial concerns for businesses; and,
WHEREAS, local resources in the area affected by these events have been or are likely to be exhausted and capabilities exceeded; and,
WHEREAS, on March 9, 2020, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed Executive Order 2020-01D, declaring a State of Emergency in Ohio to protect the well-being of Ohioans from the dangerous effects of COVID-19. The Ohio State of Emergency allows state departments and agencies to better coordinate in their response and the County of Summit must also engage in that effort.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Ilene Shapiro, County Executive of Summit County, Ohio, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Charter of Summit County, and the laws of the State of Ohio and Summit County, and by virtue of the Ohio Emergency Management Act, do hereby order and declare a Public Health Emergency within the County of Summit.
I further order and declare that all departments and agencies, charged with response activities under the Summit County Emergency Operations Plan, are hereby directed to take appropriate actions, in the best interest of Summit County residents until the conclusion of this emergency and pursuant to the Ohio Emergency Management Act.
I further order and declare that all available emergency relief efforts be coordinated through the Summit County Emergency Operation Center to provide appropriate assistance and coordination for required emergency measures to save lives and ensure the public health and safety in the County of Summit.
APS Superintendent David James Responds to School Closures
Written by Ryan LangUpdate: Akron Public Schools Superintendent David James joined the Ray Horner Morning Show to discuss the district's approach and reaction to the announcement from the governor that all state schools, both public and private, will be close starting at the end of the school day Monday, March 16th for the next three weeks.
Hear the interview here:
This Week in Tech with Jeanne Destro-3-13-20 Featured
Written by Jeanne DestroThis week, how governments around the world—and here in Ohio—are using facial recognition technology, and all the complicated issues that arise from that, including privacy, civil liberties, and the possibility of being falsely accused and prosecuted for crimes you never committed.
Summit County ADM Board letting area residents know there's mental health support available, for people who have concerns and are distressed about the Coronvirus. Their 24 hour crisis hotline number is 330-434-9144.
More...
Summit County Public Health officials held the first of twice-weekly press conferences this week, offering the latest information on the Coronavirus, and giving advice on how we can best deal with it as a community. Please note: Some information, like the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases may be outdated, as the numbers are changing rapidly.
ODH: 100,000 Ohioans Possibly Infected with Coronavirus
Written by Ryan LangThe Ohio Department of Health is confirming FIVE COVID-19 cases in the state as of Thursday afternoon's update.
With that, Dr. Amy Acton, Director of the ODH, says they believe that about one percent of the state's population, or roughly 100-thousand people are infected with coronavirus.
"We know now, just the fact of community spread says that at least 1%, at the very least 1% of our population is carrying this virus in Ohio today," said Dr. Acton Thursday. There are roughly 11.7 million people in the state.
One of those confirmed cases is a Canton man in his mid-50s who reportedly had no contact with anyone known to have the virus, nor did he recently travel. He is being referred to as the first "community-spread" COVID-19 patient.
There are cuurently more than 50 patients under investigation for possible COVID-19.
The Cleveland Clinic says they are increasing their COVID-19 testing capacity from 500 to 1,000 per day by the end of this week.
Meanwhile, Governor DeWine is banning the gathering of groups of more than 100 people and ordering all K through 12 students on mandatory three-week break from school starting Monday.
Coronavirus:K-12 School Closings Start Monday
Written by Jeanne DestroOhio Governor Mike DeWine has announced that due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, he has ordered that all kindergarten through 12th grade schools close for a period of several weeks.
Beginning at the conclusion of the school day on Monday, March 16, all K-12 schools will close to students through Friday, April 3. This order includes all public, community, and private K-12 schools in the state, but does not apply to Ohio’s childcare system such as daycare centers and home-based childcare providers.
During this extended period of closure, schools should work to provide education through alternative means and school district leadership may make decisions on whether to use their school buildings. Staff members should continue to report to school as directed by administrators.
"We want to thank educators and administrators for the extraordinary efforts they will take to continue offering services during this time of national crisis," said Governor DeWine.
Over the next 72 hours, the Ohio Department of Education will develop guidance for K-12 schools to ensure the continuity of important student services, including a strategy for providing meals.
Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro has issued the following statement on the COVID-19 coronavirus and the measures the county is taking to ensure the safety of its residents:
As County Executive, my number one priority is the safety and well-being of my staff, the clients we serve, and the 541,000 residents of Summit County. The continuity of County services is paramount to that objective.
We are working closely with Summit County Public Health in monitoring the ongoing situation with COVID-19 and I want to thank Public Health for their service in keeping our community healthy and safe. Additionally, we remain in close contact with the State of Ohio and federal liaisons.
Summit County provides critical functions to our residents and at this time, our doors are open. While we look at limiting non-essential travel, appropriate staffing levels, and additional sanitizing protocols in our buildings, we are mindful that the public relies on our services, especially in times of need.
We intend to limit the chance for exposure for our staff and for the clients we serve. We are also working with the Board of Elections to ensure safe, properly staffed polling locations to support the critical County function of Election Day on March 17th.
As events are being cancelled and concerns increase, please know our Emergency Management Agency stands ready, as it always does, to assist the Public Health Department and the 31 communities within Summit County.
At this time, please continue to wash your hands, cover your cough and rely on good, factual information as you make decisions about social distancing and your commitments in the community. If you are experiencing symptoms, please contact your health care provider. If you do not have a primary care physician, please call the Summit County Public Health Department and they will refer you to a local doctor. As always, show compassion to those who are struggling, reassure those who are fearful and encourage each other to become educated on this evolving public health situation.
Informational Resources:
Summit County Public Health website.
Summit County Public Health hotline: 330.926.5795
Ohio Department of Health website.
Ohio Department of Health hotline: 833-4-ASK-ODH