By Rick Palsgrove
Southeast Editor
Groveport Mayor Lance Westcamp and city officials are taking steps to protect city residents during the ongoing coronavirus crisis that is gripping the nation.
“With the seriousness of the coronavirus (COVID-19), I cancelled Groveport City Council’s committee of the whole meeting on March 16,” said Westcamp. “We will decide on the situation with holding council meetings week by week and see how it plays out.”
Groveport City Administrator B.J. King said the Groveport city government continues to monitor the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
“The health and wellness of our residents, patrons, and staff are priority number one during this unprecedented time,” said King. “City administration continues to meet on a regular basis to discuss the latest developments and determine any actions that we must take in response. The decisions to institute restrictions were not made lightly. We understand that the restrictions that have been implemented will impact peoples’ daily lives. However, we feel the restrictions are necessary to protect the health and welfare of those we serve and our employees.”
King said, due to the seriousness of this situation, the city has implemented several restrictions which are effective immediately. The restrictions are:”
•Senior Transportation Service: All non-essential trips have been suspended. Essential trips include medical appointments, grocery store, etc.
•The Groveport Recreation Center, Groveport Senior Center, Groveport Town Hall, and the Groveport Municipal Golf Course are all closed until further notice. (However, according to Westcamp, as of now the Senior center will be open for voting for the primary election on Tuesday, March 17.)
•City council meetings: The March 16 committee of the whole is cancelled. Future meetings will be evaluated each week and a determination will be made if additional cancellations are necessary.
“These restrictions will remain in place for the foreseeable future,” said King. “We appreciate your understanding, and cooperation, during this unprecedented situation.”
“I agree with Governor DeWine’s approach to this crisis. This is a crisis and we need to follow his orders to keep everyone safe,” said Westcamp.
Westcamp said the city government and its departments will continue to function.
“Our police are out in full force. The municipal building is still open for now. If some city departments have to eventually close, those city employees, both full and part time, will still be paid,” said Westcamp.
Westcamp said everyone should pull together during the coronavirus crisis.
“It’s serious,” said Westcamp. “I’m worried about our small business owners and our elderly residents. This crisis will test people’s patience. But we can deal with it. If you don’t have to go anywhere, stay home. Check on each other. Hang in there everyone.”
King encouraged residents to support local food establishments by ordering takeout meals.
“We want to show that the community supports them during this difficult time,” said King, who added with this being a rapidly changing scenario, the city will continue to monitor the situation and will react accordingly to any recommendations or orders made by Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization, as well as state and local health officials.
For information on the city’s response to the coronavirus crisis, call Groveport City Administrator B.J. King at (614) 836-5301 or visit groveport.org.
About the coronavirus
The signs and symptoms of the coronavirus, or COVID-19, may appear two to 14 days after exposure and include fever, cough and shortness o breath or difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms and are in contact with healthcare, law enforcement or EMS professionals, please advise them before they approach or interact with you.
Prevention is key and includes: washing hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds; when soap and water handwashing is not available, use hand sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol; avoid touching your eyes, nose mouth and face and avoid close contact with individuals who are sick.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or the inside of your elbow when coughing or sneezing; stay home when sick; clean and sanitize surfaces frequently touched or handled and avoid attending large gatherings of people when able.
For information, call the Ohio Department of Health 24/7 hotline at 1-833-427-5634.
