Message from Mayor Kathy Bailey
Hello Loveland community - I hope this finds you all safe and well. I am writing to update you following a nearly 2-hour White House Coronavirus Briefing via Teleconference for local leaders.
I was impressed with the federal response to this crisis. Vice President Pence, Dr. Deborah Birx (coronavirus response coordinator for the White House), and high-ranking officials from FEMA, Homeland Security, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Small Business Administration (SBA), and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), all provided updates on steps our federal government is taking to combat this virus and its effects on all of us, as regards all problems we are facing. The message was one of strength and confidence.
The number one message we were asked to convey is that, while the risk of serious illness to the average American remains low, it is imperative that ALL OF US follow the CDC’s recommendations including, but not limited to: stay home if sick, all elderly remain home, all Americans avoid groups of 10 or more, and avoid discretionary travel. The purpose of ALL OF US following CDC recommendations is to protect our most vulnerable population by avoiding the inadvertent spread of the virus by those exhibiting no symptoms. Young, seemingly healthy people may be carriers. The strong steps recommended are important to significantly limit the reach of the virus, and the duration of this crisis.
According to Dr. Birx, the availability of high speed tests will be much greater as additional kits went out to each state yesterday. This will result in an increase in confirmed cases over the next few days as the backlog is cleared; this is reflective only of the backlog, not of the spread of the virus.
FEMA is now active in all 50 states. FEMA has asked the medical community to postpone all surgical and medical procedures that can be safely postponed, both to limit exposure and to preserve equipment.
The USDA assured us that the United States has the strongest food supply chain network in the world, and that it has been tasked with ensuring minimal disruption. Food supplies remain strong; shortages are a result of demand, not a disruption in the food supply chain.
The SBA is working hard to assist small businesses get the assistance they need to weather this storm. Governor DeWine has officially requested assistance from the SBA, a necessary step to help businesses in Ohio. Click Here for more information on Governor DeWine’s request.
Regarding our local businesses, Click here for information on how we can support them during this crisis.
Locally, City Council, City Manager Dave Kennedy, and all City of Loveland Department Heads and employees are working hard to assist our residents in any way needed. For a list of some of the actions the City has already taken to address this crisis, Click Here
As we all know, we have a Fire Department and a Police Department that are second to none. Each have taken steps to ensure the safety of our firefighters, EMS, and police officers, while still maintaining the excellent level of service we have all come to appreciate.
Last night City Council passed a Resolution declaring a state of emergency in the City of Loveland. There are no confirmed cases of coronavirus in Loveland to our knowledge. This action was taken solely as a precaution to ensure continuity of government and services in the event Council is unable to meet. The Resolution grants additional authority to City Manager Dave Kennedy to take any and all steps necessary to maintain essential municipal operations and deal with the present emergency.
A big thank you to the Loveland City School District, NEST, LIFE Food Pantry, the Care Center, and the Loveland Legacy Foundation, all of whom have been working tirelessly for those in need in our community from the beginning.
For any and all questions please send an email to info@lovelandoh.gov. The City is here to help meet this crisis head on, and we are continually re-evaluating and assessing what we need to do to protect our community.
Please follow the CDC guidelines, take care of yourselves and each other, and do your part to help your neighbors, local businesses, and those in need.
Thank you all for your patience during these unprecedented times.
Mayor Kathy Bailey
Kathy Bailey
Mayor
City of Loveland
120 West Loveland Avenue
Loveland, OH 45140
513-608-5090
kbailey@lovelandoh.gov