With the recent spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), and the now five (5) confirmed cases in Ohio, Mayor Schertzer and the Administration for the City of Marion, Ohio are working to proactively make decisions for the services it provides.
Mayor Schertzer and his administrative staff have had several meetings over the last few days with representatives of other local and state agencies, including Marion Public Health and Marion County EMA, monitoring the virus, as well as the potential for its widespread transmission.
The evolution of the COVID-19 information is ever evolving and new information is continually being provided from the Ohio Department of Health and the office of Governor DeWine.
As of March 12, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. there were no known cases of the virus in Marion.
However, according the Ohio Department of Health, older Ohioans and people with severe chronic medical conditions are at risk for serious complications from the virus.
Mayor Schertzer is working to proactively ensure the health and safety of our citizens, as well as employees of the city.
At this time, the following decisions have been made:
• City buildings have had high-touch points disinfected with remaining areas set for disinfection in the coming days. Disinfection will continue on an on-going basis following protocols that are in place.
• Employees are being encouraged to hold face-to-face meetings on a limited basis through April 13, 2020.
• Mayor Schertzer is recommending the cancellation of meetings for Boards and/or Commissions through April 13, 2020 that are under his appointment.
• City employee travel to non-essential conferences and/or meetings outside the City of Marion will not be permitted through April 13, 2020.
• The Marion Senior Center will be closed effective immediately until April 13, 2020. The Senior Center Transportation, Homemaker services, and Lifecare Alliance Home Meal delivery will operate as normal until further notice. The monthly Food Box distribution will continue as usual, but the pickup/distribution point will be located outdoors at the Senior Center.
• At this time, Marion Area Transit will be open for normal business. However, there may be a delay in service as buses are being proactively disinfected on a regular basis throughout the day.
Please note, if circumstances in Marion County change and conditions are warranted, changes will be made to the services provided by the City of Marion. If this occurs, information will be relayed to the media and shared on the City of Marion website.