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Status of state of emergency, health stats, origins of social distancing: Notes on Worthington and Covid-19

Written by David Robinson on . Posted in City Council, City Services, Household Impact, Public Health, Public Safety

What follows is a series of notes (and links) on several different aspects of Covid-19 and our life in Worthington. Some, none, or all of these topics may interest the reader: origins of social distancing as federal policy; status of the current state of emergency; info on state policy and city facilities; how emergency states end; and health data, provided by Columbus Public Health, from last Friday (5.1.20). 

Social distancing has been around since at least the Middle Ages as a means of protection from spreading epidemics.  But read here how George W. Bush instigated the establishment of social-distancing as federal policy at the outset of the 21st century: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/22/us/politics/social-distancing-coronavirus.html?searchResultPosition=1  And here’s the transcript to a speech Bush gave in 2005 outlining Pandemic Preparations and Response: https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2005/11/20051101-1.html

Worthington’s state of civil emergency has been extended.  According to the City’s newsletter Village Talks, “The Worthington Proclamation of a State of Civil Emergency has been extended through May 20. City Manager Matt Greeson previously issued the original State of Civil Emergency Proclamation on March 23, 2020, which was in effect for 30 days. The proclamation follows a public health emergency declaration by Worthington’s health agency, Columbus Public Health, as well as a State of Emergency in the State of Ohio as declared by the Governor, and a National Emergency declared by the President of the United States. The City Proclamation expresses support for local, state and national orders in effect to protect ourselves, our families, neighbors and our entire community by stopping the spread of COVID-19.”

Our city’s policies are best understood within the context of the Ohio Dept. Of Health’s “Stay Safe Ohio Order,” which can be read here: https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/static/publicorders/Directors-Stay-Safe-Ohio-Order.pdf

Which city facilities are open?  Go here to find out: https://worthington.org/1944/City-Building-and-Service-Closures

How will the city’s state of emergency end?  States of emergency end based on the date established in the relevant declaration, or through an action by the City Manager, or a majority vote of City Council.  A Council vote could take place at a regular meeting, or at a special meeting called by the Council President or, alternatively, by three or more members, assuming a quorum is present to vote.

Here’s some data and graphics, published May 1, 2020, from Columbus Public Health:

Lastly, my earlier post on this topic may be read here: Worthington Emergency Declaration—Needed now, but let’s Reform the code later: https://davidrobinsonblog.com/2020/03/worthingtons-emergency-declaration-needed-now-but-lets-reform-the-code-later/

Supplemental information, added May 6, 2020, supplied by CPH:

David Robinson

David Robinson lives in Worthington with his wife, Lorraine, and their three children—one who attends Kilbourne Middle School, one who attends Phoenix Middle School, and one who is a graduate of the Linworth High School Program and Otterbein University. David is President and co-owner of Marcy Adhesives, Inc., a local manufacturing company. David has served on Worthington City Council since January, 2018, and is deeply committed to 1) advancing resident-centered policies, 2) supporting responsible development that enhances our unique historic character, 3) endorsing environmentally sustainable practices for both residents and city operations, 4) promoting the safety and well-being of all residents, and 5) preserving the walkable, tree-filled, distinctive, friendly nature of our neighborhoods.