Last Thursday, local media were invited to attend a conference call led by Portage County Commissioner Kathleen Clyde. The call included Portage County Health Commissioner Joseph Diorio and other County stakeholders and provided insight about the status of the County’s response to Covid-19.
According to Diorio, County his staff has been working tirelessly during this global health crisis. He noted that his team investigates all Covid-19 positive cases, including contact tracing for all people those individuals may have unknowingly infected. They are also actively monitoring travelers who returned to the County from identified hot spots around the world. In addition, they’re working with first responders and healthcare professionals, providing equipment and training in the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), as well as the cleaning, preservation and conservation of PPE. He noted that the County has implemented the Battelle Critical Care Decontamination System™(CCDS) that was recently developed in Columbus, to decontaminate N95 respirators of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). The CCDS technology may help alleviate the current shortage of critical Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) across the United States.
Diorio explained the complexity involved in gathering an accurate documentation of the number of Covid-19 cases and subsequent deaths of the virus. Among them, the underlying health conditions, such as suppressed immune functions, lung disease, or other health conditions, which, in conjunction with Covid-19, can contribute to the demise of a number of individuals in congregant care at nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, or in hospice care. Diorio explained the ‘delicate balance,’ as the County complies with reporting to help responders and to protect others who may be impacted while still protecting the privacy of those who contract the disease. He noted the potential for individuals who have been “outed on social media” who have been “ostracized by family, friends or coworkers.” He reported that roughly 200 individuals had contracted Covid-19 in the County, but noted that the number of cases fluctuated daily due to limits on testing. While they’re working to make more testing available, the need for tests are prioritized for those with symptoms who are hospitalized or are healthcare professionals as well as individuals who exhibit symptoms in long-term care facilities, are first responders, or are age 65 or older with underlying health conditions.
Ryan Shackelford, Director of Portage County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, noted that implementation of County-wide plans has been aided by the emergency plans and crucial relationships that have been established prior to the current healthcare crisis. He noted that in addition to PPE distribution and conservation efforts, they’re working to develop a phased return of County based on directives provided by the Governor. Shackelford noted that his Department identified temporary lodging for those who contacted the disease but were unable to isolate in their home, noting that four individuals in the County needed this service. He was pleased to note that three of those individuals have since returned to their homes.
Bill Benoit, President, University Hospitals Portage Medical Center, noted that every individual who enters the building — patients, staff, and physicians — are screened prior to be granted entry. He noted that hospital employees are social distancing and wearing masks, even on breaks. He noted that his facility has seen an increase in the number of people seeking treatment for heart attack, and surmised that many individuals, leery of visiting the ER, may be inclined to ignore the warning signs. He encouraged those with symptoms to seek emergency care as soon as possible. He noted that according to guidelines set forth at the Governor’s office, all non-essential surgeries have been postponed. Benoit noted that an average of 4-5 surgeries take place at UH Portage each day due to emergency situations.
He thanked Shackelford and his team for their creativity and responsiveness in this crisis, as well as the incredible people on staff at UH Portage for working hard through this difficult time. He marveled, “It’s amazing to watch how staff digs in, giving of their time, energy, and emotional energy. He gave the example of a physician who, upon completing his rounds at work, used his precious time off to research the CDC’s latest guidelines for treating patients with Covid-19. That same doctor also took time to update his estate and living will in order to protect his family, should he contract the virus at work. Benoit acknowledged the dedicated nurses who spend their days treating Covid patients, only to be faced with the decision to return home, potentially infecting their spouses or children or stay away to protect them. He noted that hotel discounts, stays at local apartments or VRBO’s have been arranged to lessen the burden for those on the front-line fighting the virus.
County Commissioner Kathleen Clyde thanked the team for continuing to work in the best interest and safety of County residents. She noted her desire for the group to meet each week to share their progress.
