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Westside Messenger - March 22nd, 2020

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www.columbusmessenger.com<br />

CORONAVIRUS<br />

Continued from page 1<br />

SWCS and CCS<br />

The South-Western City Schools<br />

District closed all its schools on <strong>March</strong> 13.<br />

The district released a statement on <strong>March</strong><br />

13 saying all indoor extracurricular events<br />

and activities are postponed or cancelled<br />

through April 2.<br />

According to a release by<br />

Superintendent Dr. Bill Wise, the district<br />

plan is as follows:<br />

• The first several days of closure will be<br />

treated as calamity days.<br />

• <strong>March</strong> 24 through April 3 will be considered<br />

school days with content being<br />

delivered and shared electronically. Many<br />

of the learning activities will require students<br />

to create documents to be submitted<br />

for teacher feedback. Some of this will be<br />

graded activity.<br />

• April 6-10 will remain as the district’s<br />

regularly scheduled spring break.<br />

• The district leadership intends to evaluate<br />

the implementation of the electronic<br />

teaching and learning efforts before committing<br />

to continue this practice. District<br />

leaders will share this information in early<br />

April. There is the potential to schedule<br />

make-up days for the end of the school year<br />

if continued closure is required.<br />

“Please note that electronic teaching<br />

and learning does not mirror an in-school<br />

day and coursework may be adjusted to be<br />

better suited for at-home learning. Though<br />

students will not be constrained by traditional<br />

learning hours, they will be required<br />

to complete activities and assignments,”<br />

said the release by Wise.<br />

The district is working on a plan to<br />

assist families that need technology support.<br />

“This situation has left us in new territory,”<br />

said Wise in the statement. “It is<br />

important for you to know we are acting<br />

quickly as situations arise. Plans may be<br />

adjusted, and we appreciate your cooperation<br />

and understanding.”<br />

For more information, visit<br />

www.swcsd.us.<br />

Columbus City Schools has cancelled<br />

classes effective <strong>March</strong> 16 through April 3.<br />

Though the schools are closed, the district<br />

will offer meals for all children ages 18<br />

and under Monday through Friday. The<br />

meals will be “grab and go” style. Children<br />

can pick up breakfast from 8 to 9 a.m. and<br />

lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. On the<br />

<strong>Westside</strong>, the meal pickup locations are at:<br />

• West High School, 179 S. Powell Ave.<br />

• Starling Pre-K-8, 145 S. Central Ave.<br />

• Wedgewood Middle School, 3800<br />

Briggs Road<br />

For more information, visit<br />

www.ccsoh.us.<br />

City of Columbus<br />

Columbus Public Health announced the<br />

second confirmed COVID-19 case in<br />

Columbus On <strong>March</strong> 17. The patient is a<br />

23-year-old woman who reportedly had<br />

underlying health conditions. She was<br />

treated at a local hospital.<br />

“This patient appears to be our first<br />

case of community acquired — which means<br />

the source of the infection is unknown. The<br />

patient has not traveled or been exposed to<br />

anyone who has traveled to an area high in<br />

COVID-19 cases,” said Dr. Mysheika<br />

Roberts, Columbus health commissioner.<br />

“Community spread of COVID-19<br />

reminds us of the necessity of social distancing,”<br />

said Mayor Andrew Ginther. “As<br />

much as possible, residents are encouraged<br />

to stay home. Basic hygiene is critical:<br />

wash your hands, cover your coughs and<br />

sneezes with your arm, stay home if you<br />

are sick.”<br />

The first case of COVID-19 in<br />

Columbus was announced on <strong>March</strong> 14.<br />

Franklin County has two additional cases,<br />

including a Columbus firefighter/EMT.<br />

Columbus City Council has cancelled its<br />

upcoming council and zoning meetings for<br />

<strong>March</strong> 23, 30, and April 6. The next regular<br />

meeting is scheduled for April 20. Council<br />

will continue its duties remotely and<br />

encourages residents to reach out regarding<br />

issues in the community.<br />

Columbus Parks and Recreation has<br />

closed all facilities through at least April 3.<br />

All programming, sporting events, classes<br />

and events will be canceled until further<br />

notice.<br />

Southwest Public Libraries and<br />

Columbus Metropolitan Library<br />

Southwest Public Libraries will close<br />

the Westland Area Library through at least<br />

April 6.<br />

While the library is closed, patrons can<br />

access digital offerings through the<br />

library’s website. The book drops will be<br />

locked during the shutdown period. The<br />

library asks patrons to hold on to all materials<br />

until the facility opens. Hold and due<br />

dates have been adjusted. There will be no<br />

fines and reserves will not be sent back.<br />

For more information, visit<br />

www.swpl.org.<br />

Columbus Metropolitan Library will<br />

close all its library locations through at<br />

least April 6, including the Hilltop Branch.<br />

Digital library resources are still available<br />

at columbuslibrary.org, including<br />

eBooks, magazines, movies and music.<br />

Additional changes in operation will be<br />

shared as the evolving public health situation<br />

continues to unfold.<br />

About the Coronavirus<br />

The signs and symptoms of the coronavirus,<br />

or COVID-19, may appear two to 14<br />

days after exposure and could include<br />

fever, cough and shortness of breath or difficulty<br />

breathing. If you experience any of<br />

these symptoms and are in contact with<br />

healthcare, law enforcement or EMS professionals,<br />

please advise them before they<br />

approach or interact with you.<br />

Prevention is key and includes: washing<br />

hands with soap and water for a minimum<br />

of 20 seconds; when soap and water handwashing<br />

is not available, use hand sanitizer<br />

containing at least 60 percent alcohol;<br />

avoid touching your eyes, nose mouth and<br />

face and avoid close contact with individuals<br />

who are sick.<br />

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue<br />

or the inside of your elbow when coughing<br />

or sneezing; stay home when sick; clean<br />

and sanitize surfaces frequently touched or<br />

handled and avoid attending large gatherings<br />

of people when able.<br />

If you believe you have been exposed to<br />

COVID-19, call your primary care physician,<br />

Columbus Public Health at 614-645-<br />

1519 or the Ohio Department of Health at<br />

1-833-427-5634.<br />

th<br />

<strong>March</strong> 22, <strong>2020</strong> - WESTSIDE MESSENGER - PAGE 3<br />

<strong>March</strong> Giveaway<br />

Place a prepaid classified line ad in our paper<br />

for the month of <strong>March</strong> and be registered to win a<br />

$50 Gift Card from<br />

The Columbus <strong>Messenger</strong><br />

Newspapers.<br />

All ads received by mail, in person,<br />

email or phone will be included in the drawing.<br />

Drawing will be held April 1st, <strong>2020</strong><br />

and the winner will be notified<br />

and published in<br />

our April 5th issue<br />

GOOD<br />

LUCK!

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