COVID-19 Update #3 of 3
The Village of Evendale continues to monitor the spread of the CoronaVirus and is taking necessary precautions in accordance with local/state/federal mandates and recommendations. For more information about the CoronaVirus/COVID-19, please visit: www.coronavirus.ohio.gov
By now, many of you have likely heard about or otherwise read the Ohio Department of Health’s Stay at Home Order (aka The Order) issued yesterday. You can find the full Order here: https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/home/public-health-orders/directors-order- to-stay-at-home. The Order goes into effect at 11:59pm tonight (March 23) and will remain in full force and effect until 11:59pm on April 6th, 2020, unless the Director rescinds or modifies the Order at a sooner time and date.
Earlier today, Mayor Finan, Department Heads and Law Director Burke reviewed The Order to determine what, if any, actions or precautionary measures Evendale must or should take that have not already been implemented in the first two updates (please visit our website at www.evendaleohio.org to review the previous two updates – March 13th and March 19th).
Section 5 of The Order states that individuals may leave home to perform Essential Activities, which include, among other things, essential governmental functions. Section 10 of The Order defines essential governmental functions. Considering these Sections, and others, review participants reached the following consensus:
- All mandated or recommended actions and measures already implemented as detailed in the March 13and March 19Memos remain in effect.Additionally,
- With exception to the closure of the Recreation and Cultural Arts Centers, all other Departments provide essential governmental services and; therefore, will remain open as regularly scheduled but will continue practicing social distancing and cleaning techniques as detailed in the March 13th Memo. Social distancing includes limiting public access to internal offices while still enabling customer service in public lobbies
a. Village staffing: At this time, no changes are being made to work expectations, job functions, personnel codes, etc. for full-time employees. Departments with part-time staff, whose workload and/or responsibilities may be impacted by closures, will continue employment, for the time being; however, job duties, work hours and shifts, etc. may be adjusted. Department Heads will closely examine work options, including work-from-home, staggered or reduced hours/shifts and work furloughs or layoffs, if necessary, in the event of prolonged closures or budget constraints. Evendale remains committed to our core mission of protecting public health, safety and general welfare within the best of ourabilities. Evendale employees are our greatest asset in assuring services continue at expected levels. Any changes to future service levels will be communicated to residents, businesses, employees,etc.
3.Effective immediately, all outdoor recreational facilities are closed to the public except for trails and walkways which can still be used for the purposes of walking, hiking, running or biking. The Recreation Department will be posting closure notices on fields and playgrounds. This means that “pick-up” or “friendly” games or general field use of any kind involving any number of persons is not permitted. Walkers, Hikers, Runners and Bikers shall follow social distancing criteria as previouslyposted.
Public and Employee Precautions
As noted above, Evendale will continue practicing the cleaning, social distancing and other techniques listed in the March 13th Memo and as posted in Ohio Department of Health Handouts.
Order Enforcement
Section 17 of The Order states, in part; “This Order may be enforced by State and local law enforcement to the extent set forth in Ohio Law”. At this time, Evendale law enforcement will assist local health officials, if called upon, to uphold the mandates set forth in the Order.
Evendale law enforcement will not be going “door-to-door” to inspect or otherwise determine compliance with The Order. It is our desire that residents and businesses voluntarily adhere to The Order. Please contact the Ohio Department of Health with questions or concerns via contact information provided in the aforementioned website links or by calling 1-833-427- 5634. We recognize The Order is lengthy and complex and may create more questions than answers. Evendale Administration is happy to assist, to the best of our abilities, with questions
On behalf of all Village officials, I want to personally thank you for your patience, understanding and cooperation as we work through this challenging time with respect and cooperation. We greatly value our residents, businesses, patrons, officials, staff, and others whose contributions make our Village a cherished place to live, work and play. Please feel free to contact me or any Department Head with questions, concerns, etc. at the numbers listed on our website contact page: https://www.evendaleohio.org/departments