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!