March 16, 2020
Dear Dakota Center Community,
By now all of us are severely impacted by the actions of our local, state, and federal government. Things are not looking like they are going to return to normal any time soon. The efforts to isolate and quarantine have disrupted all daily activity. We remain hopeful these actions have their intended consequences. Last night all bars and restaurants were closed except for carry out orders. Gov. DeWine at this press conference just an hour ago recommended that voting tomorrow be extended to June 2nd.
In response to this growing threat, Dakota Center has suspended all programming, delayed community use of the center, and will meet tomorrow to determine a modified schedule of operation. We will have some regular hours of operation so we can be contacted however we will follow the Ohio Department of Health directive to follow any steps possible to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Last Friday, Dr. Amy Acton, the director of the Ohio Department of Health reiterated ways that the public can help to slow the spread of the COVID-19 to give health officials more time to treat ill patients. Dr. Acton laid out four “interventions” that are being used.
• If you are sick, just stay at home and isolate yourself.
• If you someone in your home is sick, stay home and self-quarantine.
• Practice social distancing. Stay at least six feet away from people and avoid mass gatherings. Currently, gatherings of more than 100 people have been banned by the Governor’s office through an order issued on last Thursday, 3/12.
• Schools have been ordered closed for three weeks starting on today Monday, 3/16. During this time, schools are urged to continue to educate students through remote classes or other means.
Stay tuned to more updates from us here at The Dakota Center. We are going to be there for our after school kiddos and our senior adults. While we can’t have them in our building we can find other ways to stay connected making sure both groups are getting their needs met.
