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Coronavirus outbreak: Local leaders urge residents to stay home, expect big changes and highlight lack of tests  

By Jess Hardin
Youngstown Mayor Jamael Tito Brown and Warren Mayor Doug Franklin updated the media Friday morning about steps their cities are taking to minimize the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. (Bob Yosay/Mahoning Matters)
Youngstown Mayor Jamael Tito Brown and Warren Mayor Doug Franklin updated the media Friday morning about steps their cities are taking to minimize the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. (Bob Yosay/Mahoning Matters)

YOUNGSTOWN — At one of the only public gatherings in the Valley that was not canceled Friday, local political and health officials provided updates on their plans to contain the coronavirus pandemic at a news conference today (March 13).

As the spread continues to unfold unpredictably each day, there are many more questions — like, "Can the Northside hospital building be used for quarantine?" — than answers.

"We're going to see lots of changes," Youngstown Health Commissioner Erin Bishop said at the Friday press conference. "We get something new every day."

Nothing has been determined about the status of the former Northside Regional Medical Center which closed in September 2018.

Gov. Mike DeWine announced Thursday that Ohio schools would close for three weeks starting after classes Monday.

Mayor Jamael Tito Brown said he is working with Youngstown City School District CEO Justin Jennings on a plan to feed students who rely on meals provided at school. Mayor Doug Franklin of Warren said that Warren City Schools will offer free lunches to students every day from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The closure of schools also raises the question: for parents unable to work from home, who will care for their children?

Brown said that this would be part of his plan with Jennings. Franklin said he would work to make provisions employee-friendly so parents would not be penalized for missing work.

State Rep. Michele Lepore-Hagan of Youngstown added that she's urging DeWine to release some rainy day funds to provide assistance.

As more cases are confirmed in Ohio each day, local leaders are also dealing with the federal government's lag in making tests widely available.

"If you are well, you cannot get tested right now," said Dr. James Kravec, executive vice president and chief clinical officer at Mercy Health. "Testing is limited and there are not enough tests available."

Dr. Kravec said that would change as more labs get certified by the government to conduct testing for the virus.

As leaders make plans to respond to challenges and new developments, they continue to stress limitations on person-to-person contact.

Brown announced Friday that there will be limited access to city hall. In a release sent after the conference, Brown instructed residents to make an appointment to come to city hall for the next 30 days.

Rather than assembling, groups — like Brown's cabinet — will use technology to conduct discussions. Starting Monday, face-to-face water bill payments will be suspended. Youngstown residents can pay online or by calling 330-742-8749 and selecting option 8.

But, "We're still voting," Brown said. The Ohio primary is Tuesday. Brown encouraged people to engage in early voting, which is an option until Monday.

In the meantime: "If you are feeling sick, please stay home," said Bishop.

This story was originally published March 13, 2020 at 2:07 PM with the headline "Coronavirus outbreak: Local leaders urge residents to stay home, expect big changes and highlight lack of tests  ."