Thank You, Greater Cincinnati!

“We are flattening the curve in Ohio,” said Dr. Amy Acton, Ohio Department of Health Director.

Mar 31, 2020

Roebling Bridge

MEDIA CONTACT:
Christa Hyson, MPH
Senior Manager, External Relations
(513) 247-5254

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – READ IN SPANISH

 

 

Thank you, Greater Cincinnati!

 

CINCINNATI, OH, MARCH 31, 2020 – We are flattening the curve – together. Thank you for your continued cooperation and efforts in protecting our community. By staying home and following state and local leaders’ guidance on physical distancing you are slowing the spread of COVID-19 and protecting our healthcare workforce.

 

“We are flattening the curve in Ohio,” said Dr. Amy Acton, Ohio Department of Health Director. Over the past two days, Acton offered staggering projections to many in the state, where Ohio could be seeing up to 10,000 cases a day at the peak surge of COVID-19 in mid-May.

 

“I’m saying large numbers to you and I know they’re scary — 8,000 cases a day, 10,000 cases a day. Those numbers — given 11.7 million people — are actually not that far apart.

But the more important thing is this: those numbers are helpful to our planners, but for the rest of us, what it is saying is that we are flattening the curve in Ohio. Those numbers would have been 50 to 75 percent higher than they are right now. Our curve would have been much steeper had we not acted starting a couple weeks ago. So, the actions you’re taking at home are shrinking those numbers.”

Dr. Amy Acton

Director, Ohio Department of Health

“When we go to places, we have to make sure we do it in a responsible way.”

Andy Beshear

Kentucky Governor

“We’re at crunch time. The next two to three weeks are pivotal.”

Dr. Steve Stack

Commissioner, Kentucky Department for Public Health

“This is reflective of who we are and if you’re contemplating pitching in, there’s room in the inn. We need more people to step up to help. The more that do, the faster we will all collectively get through this.”

Eric Holcomb

Indiana Governor

If you are looking to help:

  • Purchase a “Strength in Unity” Shirt to benefit the YMCA of Cincinnati Emergency Response Fund.
  • Reach out with a card, letter, or drawing to patients and residents who can’t receive visitors, and consider a donation to Council on Aging to help put meals on the tables of seniors whose resources have been limited by this pandemic.
  • Donate blood or platelets at your local Hoxworth location (by appointment only).
  • Donate personal protective equipment (PPE). Please email chyson@healthcollab.org.
  • Join the Medical Reserve Corps in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana.

 

Right now, the most important thing for Greater Cincinnati residents to do is to continue prevention measures:

  • Follow social distancing procedures and stay at home orders outlined by local and state governments.
  • Clean your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow or upper arm.
  • Stay home from work/ school/ activities if you are feeling ill.
  • If you are a high-risk individual, please review these extra precautions.

 

If you have symptoms and suspect you have been exposed:

  • DO NOT go to the Emergency Department for a test.
  • Contact your Primary Care Doctor.
  • If you do not have one, call the closest urgent care.
  • If you qualify for testing – your Doctor will provide further instruction.

 

Mildly ill patients should be encouraged to stay home (self-isolate) and contact their healthcare provider by phone for guidance about clinical management. Patients who have severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, should seek care immediately. Older patients and individuals who have underlying medical conditions or are immuno-compromised should contact their physician early in the course of even mild illness.

For additional information, please contact your Primary Care Doctor or closest urgent care center. Again, do not arrive to a hospital or Emergency Department without a Doctor’s referral for testing.

 

For more information about COVID-19 visit: https://healthcollab.org/covid-19/

 

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About The Health Collaborative: The Health Collaborative is a non-profit organization that leads data-driven improvements that result in healthier people, better care and lower costs. For more information about The Health Collaborative, visit healthcollab.org.

 

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