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You've probably heard a lot about the new coronavirus (COVID-19) recently in the news and on social media. Here's what you should know about the virus and what Portage DD is doing to keep our staff, providers, individuals served, and families safe.

Coronavirus Introduction & Overview

The Portage County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Portage DD) has been monitoring the coronavirus situation with the guidance of the Portage County Health District, including information from the Ohio Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Health authorities have indicated that the situation is evolving and we need to do all we can to inform those we serve and ourselves of measures we can take to prevent the spread of the virus. With this communication we will outline more detail on our planning and guidelines. We will continue to follow the guidelines from the Portage County Health District which has done excellent work to keep us up to date.

For more information about coronavirus, program and event cancellations, preventative measures, and external resources, please scroll down.

John Vennetti
Interim Superintendent

buildings closed / staff Working Remotely

In response to rapid developments surrounding COVID-19, the Portage County Board of Developmental Disabilities has taken the necessary steps to safeguard our staff, providers, individuals served and family members. 

Portage DD will continue to manage daily operations of the agency, with most staff members being assigned to working remotely. Due to the fluidity of the situation, continued operations are subject to change. We thank you for your understanding and patience during this time.

Cancellations

Portage DD has cancelled or postponed most scheduled external events and trainings. Where possible, a number of trainings and meetings have been moved online.

To view an updated calendar of public online meetings and events, click here.

NOTE: Governor DeWine announced on April 20th the decision to extend the suspension of K-12 classes through the end of the 2019-2020 academic year.

Symptoms & Preventative Measures

Patients with COVID-19 have experienced mild to severe respiratory illness that can include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure. If a person has been in close contact with a person with confirmed COVID-19 in the past 2 weeks and develops symptoms, they are advised to call their doctor.

Preventative Measures

Continued education on every day preventative measures, similar to flu prevention, is very important. It is important that we continue to focus our efforts on educating the individuals who have developmental disabilities, their families, staff and providers. Measures to stop the spread of germs are:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Clean under the nails thoroughly.

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

  • Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.

  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

  • Stop handshaking and hugging – use other methods of greeting.

Special Olympics Activities Cancelled

Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and our focus on the health and safety of our athletes, families, volunteers, and our entire community Special Olympics Ohio has extended the suspension of sports training and competition, including the State Summer Games, through July 6, 2020.

For more information click here.

DODD Resources and support

The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) is sensitive and aware of the challenges all of you are facing in light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic flu.

DODD is working closely with the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) on these issues. The department understands this is a fluid and evolving situation and will inform you of any changes as staff become aware.

DODD has a dedicated web page to archive department communications and resources, as well as links to ODH resources.