3.10.20
COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
Echoing Hills is diligently monitoring the COVID-19 situation across the United States and here in Ohio. In the State of Ohio, there have been three identified cases of the virus inCuyahoga County, Ohio.

Echoing Hills is following the recommendations made by the Centers for Disease Control(CDC), Ohio Department of Health (ODH), Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities(DODD), and our trade associations OPRA and ANCOR.

I have asked Melinda Kuebler, Regional Director of Northern Ohio, to commission our HealthCare Committee (which include Directors of Nursing) to monitor and make recommendations regarding this on-going healthcare concern. Melinda is an experienced Registered Nurse with her Master’s Degree in nursing.

At this point, we are taking all precautions with implementation of our Infection Control Policy, and a review of our Emergency Preparedness Plan.
Families and Visitors: We ask, in the event that COVID-19 is identified in your family, workplace and/orenvironment, or if you have been exposed to someone who has respiratory issues, a cough and/or a fever, that you please refrain from visiting one of our homes or programs until you are
symptom-free.

Employees: We ask, that if you have traveled to another country out of the United States, please notify your supervisor prior to returning to work. Also, we ask that if you are sick, please stay home and keep in close communication with your supervisor.

All Stakeholders: We are encouraging all people and professionals who serve our Ministry to work with and stay connected to your local health department for updates and information.

In addition to your local health department, the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) has opened a call center to answer questions. The call center will be open seven days a week from 9 AM to 8 PM and can be reached at 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634).

Call center staff include licensed nurses and infectious disease experts. They will be available to answer questions and provide accurate information about COVID-19, the risk to the public, and the State of Ohio’s response.
While the general risk to the public in Ohio is still considered low, it is important to follow standard precautions to prevent the spread of infectious disease. To prevent the spread of any virus including novel coronavirus, practice these preventative measures:
 Wash your hands often with soap and water.
 Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
 Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
 Stay home when you are sick.
 Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
 Additional information and guidance on COVID-19 is available at ODH’s new website, www.coronavirus.ohio.gov

As we remain focused on monitoring this situation, we will continue to communicate with you in a timely manner.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your local Echoing Hills Leadership team member, Melinda Kuebler at 440.225.0188 or mkuebler@ehvi.org, or myself at 740.327.2311 ext. 1134 or tneville@ehvi.org.