COVID-19 cases increase, help available

Carroll County has five confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) as of noon March 30, according to Kelly Englehart, director of nursing at the Carroll County General Health District.
Englehart said there are three cases from Harrison Twp. one from Rose and one from Center.
“It is critical that residents stay at home,” Englehart stated. “Now is the time we flatten the curve. All five of the county cases have been hospitalized. Everyone is taking a risk by going out at this time.”
The department is also asking businesses to order the Ohio Department of Health’s order to businesses not deemed “essential” to close during the period designated by Governor Mike DeWine.
“Most Carroll County businesses are complying,” she said. Manufacturing businesses are the ones tending to find loop holes in the order.”
The department is investigating complaints received about non-essential businesses that remain open. If they are deemed non-essential, the complaint can be turned over to the prosecuting attorney for prosecution.
Any business owner with questions on what businesses are considered essential and permitted to continue to operate, can call the health department at 330-627-4866, extension 1530, for information.

County officials who make up the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response Team are working to coordinate services for county residents and make information available to those who need it.
Following is the information.
Department of Job and Family Services (DJFS)
Kate Offenberger, DJFS director, noted the department of protective services continues to work around the clock, as required by law.
As much as possible, public assistance requests and meetings are done by videoconference while employees work from home. The lobby of the office, located on E. Main St., remains open where information on programs is available. Limited staff is available onsite.
For information on benefits, residents can call 1-844-640-6446 or visit benefits.ohio.gov. Information can also be emailed to [email protected].
The resource room, where residents can file for unemployment benefits, remains open with four available computers. The site is wiped down after each visitor leaves. She noted the mass layoff claim number residents should use when filing is 2000180, which will bypass the one-week waiting period for benefits to begin. Residents can also call 1-877-644-6562 Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Residents in need of services can dial 211 for assistance. The caller should state their name and need and the operator will put them in touch with a service to meet that need.
SENIOR FRIENDSHIP CENTER
Tonya Myers, director of the Senior Friendship Center, which delivers meals on wheels, said her employees and volunteers are doing grocery shopping for those who can’t do it on their own as well as making deliveries.
Those who would like to use the service should call 330-627-7017.
The center continues to provide grab-and-go meals for seniors at the center, located at the county fairgrounds, for seniors. To order a meal, seniors should call the center by 9 a.m. each day. Meals are ready at 10:30 a.m. She also plans to continue delivering meals through the meals on wheels program as long as possible.
COUNTY
GOVERNMENT
Ohler noted hours the courthouse were reduced March 26. Hours include:
Tuesday: CLOSED
Monday and Friday: 9 a.m. to noon.
Wednesday and Thursday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The courthouse will be open Tuesday through Friday from 8-9 a.m. for seniors over the age of 65 and others with a compromised immune system or who are handicapped.
Times may change, according to orders issued by Governor Mike DeWine.
ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
Economic Development Director Chris Mondranski noted a list of resources available to businesses affected by coronavirus will be posted on the county’s website, carrollcountyohio.us under the economic development tag. He asked businesses experiencing an increase or decrease in employees to share that information with him by sending an email to [email protected].
SMALL BUSINESS
For details on services available to small businesses, contact the Small Business Administration at Kent State Tuscarawas.
For information on the Disaster Loan Program, contact Steve Schillig, Small Business Development Center, Kent State Tuscarawas at 330-308-7479 or email [email protected] or visit their website at www.sbdcksut.org/.