Coronavirus

No current plans to reopen Northside for COVID-19 pandemic, officials say

By Justin Dennis
Part of the former Northside Regional Medical Center at 500 Gypsy Lane now houses a doctors group, Steward Primary Care. In order to better handle the coronavirus pandemic, some local leaders are inquiring if the facility can be fully reopened and utilized. (Jess Hardin/Mahoning Matters)
Part of the former Northside Regional Medical Center at 500 Gypsy Lane now houses a doctors group, Steward Primary Care. In order to better handle the coronavirus pandemic, some local leaders are inquiring if the facility can be fully reopened and utilized. (Jess Hardin/Mahoning Matters)

YOUNGSTOWN — There are currently no plans to reopen the shuttered Northside Hospital for additional support during an expected surge of the new coronavirus, or COVID-19, in the region, county officials said.

Dennis O’Hara, executive director of the Mahoning County Emergency Management Agency — which is coordinating with state officials to find ways to build out hospital capacity across the state — told Mahoning Matters Friday there’s “a number of reasons” Northside isn’t being considered but didn’t elaborate.

O’Hara said officials are currently considering other locations but wasn’t ready to discuss them as plans are “very fast-moving.”

The agency continues to receive donations of personal protective equipment such as N95 masks, surgical gowns and gloves, but “not large amounts,” O’Hara said. Donations can be coordinated by emailing DonatePPE@mahoningcountyoh.gov or by calling the agency offices at 330-740-2200.

During a Friday morning media briefing, Mahoning County Health Commissioner Ryan Tekac said county health officials are working with county prosecutors to interpret the state’s stay-at-home order — which broadly defines businesses deemed “essential" — and with county sheriff’s deputies to enforce the order on non-essential businesses that continue to operate.

So far, the district has shut down a few standalone lottery booths in the county, which typically sell newspapers and lottery tickets, Tekac said.

He reiterated CDC guidelines on social distancing ahead of what’s expected to be a fair-weather weekend.

“We have to understand and respect the governor’s orders. As we know, they allow for us to be in parks and open areas and get that exercise, but we also need to encourage that social distancing and respect that,” Tekac said. “Just as we’ve asked our community to make wise choices as we’re out shopping for essential products.

“Don’t have those parties. Don’t go to overcrowded parks. Try to find other areas to go to or go for a walk in your local neighborhood.”

This story was originally published April 3, 2020 at 10:44 AM with the headline "No current plans to reopen Northside for COVID-19 pandemic, officials say."