COVID-19 Update

Continue to follow updates here.

Update – March 18, 2020

The City is continuing to closely monitor the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and take all necessary and precautionary measures to keep our community and staff healthy and safe. The City plans to limit in-person services and close the main Municipal Building entrance, located at 47 Hall Street, at the close of business today until further notice. Most services will continue to be available online, by phone or email.

There will be drop off boxes located outside the Municipal Building entrance for those that need to drop off documents, plans, etc. Please email or call prior to delivery and let the appropriate staff member know what is being dropped off.  If you have items to pick up, there will be a separate pick-up box for that. Items will be bundled with your name on them.

Important Reminders & Updates – Public Safety

– The Powell Police Department and Liberty Township Fire Department have reviewed and are implementing response protocols for their agencies that will ensure first responders are in the best position possible to serve our community.

-As conditions change, the Powell Police may modify call responses, change staffing or assignments based upon operational need, or take other action to ensure the continuation of essential services.

-The Police Department is suspending fingerprinting services until further notice.

-The Police Department is suspending child seat safety checks until further notice. We recommend residents refer to their car seat and vehicle owner’s manuals and/or the car seat manufacturer website (they often have videos, they can call the manufacturer for information as well).

-The Citizens Police Academy has been postponed until further notice.

-Residents with flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, or new onset shortness of breath) who call for police and fire services will be asked about international travel and contact with others who have been exposed to COVID-19.


Update – March 13, 2020

The City is continuing to closely monitor the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), recently declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization.  Our City Council and staff are working on contingency plans that will promote the health and safety of our community and our staff while maintaining necessary services. As a result of COVID-19, the City plans to make significant changes to its operations. All of the changes listed below will go into effect beginning Monday, March 16.

Public Safety

-The Powell Police Department and Liberty Township Fire Department have reviewed and are implementing response protocols for their agencies that will ensure first responders are in the best position possible to serve our community.

-As conditions change, the Powell Police may modify call responses, change staffing or assignments based upon operational need, or take other action to ensure the continuation of essential services.

-The Police Department is suspending fingerprinting services until further notice.

-The Citizens Police Academy has been postponed until further notice.

-Residents with flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, or new onset shortness of breath) who call for police and fire services will be asked about international travel and contact with others who have been exposed to COVID-19.


Parks & Recreation

-All Powell Parks & Recreation classes will be canceled effective Monday, March 16 through Friday, April 3. Refunds will be issued accordingly. The staff will continue to monitor and reevaluate the situation and communicate with our families and contractors.


Parks & Facilities

-Park restrooms will be closed; however, parks will remain open for now.

-Park facility rentals will be suspended (e.g. athletic fields and shelters) until further notice.

-The use of the City’s Community Room and Municipal Building Council Chambers will be suspended until further notice.


Personnel

-We will continue to work with employees that have children impacted by the State’s order to close schools for three weeks.

-The City is restricting business travel for City employees and is advising staff to avoid non-essential meetings.


Public Meetings & Events

-All public meetings and community events organized by the City of Powell have been canceled or postponed until further notice. This includes the City Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, March 18.

-The City is making every effort possible to limit non-essential public access to city facilities and staff.

-Meetings in the Municipal Building, Powell Police Department or Adventure Park Recreation Facility will be postponed until further notice for non-essential meetings.

-People who have business with the City are urged to do so by phone or email if possible. We are encouraging individuals to schedule an appointment in advance to speak in person with employees.


Building Department

-Access to the City’s Building Department will be closed effective Monday, March 16. All visitors must enter through the Municipal Building main entrance, drop plans or pertinent documents into a designated location and notify the appropriate staff via email or phone.

-Signage notifying the public will be posted on the outside door.

-Inspections will proceed as normal for now; however, staff will continue to monitor conditions and make changes if necessary.


Front Desk

-The Municipal Building Lobby will remain open for now. However, staff is taking extra precautions to minimize exposure.

-The City is making every effort possible to limit non-essential public access to city facilities and staff.

-People who have business with the City are urged to do so by phone or email if possible.


Tips to Prevent Flu and Other Infectious Disease

-Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; dry hands with a clean towel or air dry hands

-Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are unavailable

-Cover your mouth with a tissue or sleeve when sneezing or coughing

-Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands

-Stay home when you are sick

-Avoid contact with people who are sick.

-Also, clean high-touch areas – counters, tables, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, nightstands – every day using household cleaning spray or wipes according to label directions.


Resources from the Delaware General Health District

The Delaware General Health District, in coordination with the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is closely monitoring coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.

COVID-2019 Fact Sheet (Delaware General Health District)

Travel Tips (Delaware General Health District)

Frequently Asked Questions (CDC)

Get the latest information from the Delaware General Health District here.

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