Hello again, folks. I hope you're well - in spite of our current situation.
Yesterday, the Ross County commissioners approved a proclamation that declared
a State of Emergency
in the county due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
What does that mean?
It's largely a procedural move that allows the county to do some things that will keep it financially safe, but also to mobilize forces to help the community while we wait for the pandemic to subside.
For example, the proclamation potentially allows the county to recoup some of the costs of their effort to fight the pandemic, but it also mobilizes the emergency operations center for 24 hours a day service, and it gives commissioners the ability to enact certain rules to help keep people safe and healthy.
Most of all, it's no cause for panic. Gov. Mike DeWine declared a State of Emergency for Ohio on March 9 for similar reasons. If nothing else, the proclamation is good government - a move that shows residents the leadership is paying attention and working to make sure the proper protocols are in place to quickly react to the changing playing field with this pandemic.
I also told you that I'd share some information about the recent survey of businesses we did with our colleagues in the Central Ohio Chambers of Commerce group. More than 80 percent of those businesses, throughout southern and central Ohio, said they are experiencing minimal to significant losses from the stay-at-home order. 45 percent of them have reduced hours of operation, while 40 percent have furloughed or laid off employees. Nearly 32 percent of them have temporarily closed their businesses.
Overall, the survey confirmed what we already know - our small business community is the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, but it also drives home the point that they will need us very badly when all this is over. The Chamber will be ready to help and is working with many of our partners to do a Grand Reopening party for the community when it's appropriate.
I'd like to end with a question for you:
How are you coping right now? Are you working on your business more or less? Have you found something specific to pass time? Have you reconnected with a passion or hobby that you may not have had time for in the past?
Thanks,
Mike