On March 9, Bailer briefed the county commissioners on the growing pandemic, she urged calm.
“Just being realistic we’re probably going to uncover some (cases), so don’t let that panic you,” Bailer said.
RELATED: Hamilton coronavirus cases increase to 15, with 4 hospitalized
Hours later Gov. Mike DeWine declared a state of emergency after three Cuyahoga County residents tested positive for the coronavirus. The first positive test in the county was confirmed on March 13, and now 28 days later, there are 108 cases countywide and two elderly residents have died.
The Ohio Department of Health is reporting 213 deaths and at least 5,512 cases of coronavirus in the state. There have been 1,612 hospitalizations.
During those four weeks the governor and Director of Public Health Dr. Amy Acton have issued stay-at-home orders and closed all but essential businesses like grocery stores and medical facilities. Much of the country is working from home now and staying six feet apart when outdoors and in stores.
A month ago no one would have imagined a church could be chastised for holding worship services, but mega Solid Rock Church in Monroe has received national attention for continuing in-person services. Bailer said at a news briefing with Sheriff Richard Jones this week she is powerless.
“We get more questions about that than any other thing. The director’s order exempts religious organizations from closure,” she said. “I have no legal authority nor power to close the Solid Rock Church, I wish that I did.”
Bailer’s office has been so inundated with calls and all the work they are doing to contain the spread she has limited her availability to answer media questions to the twice weekly briefings with the sheriff and the Friday morning press conferences she holds with the county commissioners.
Early on Bailer was advising against people wearing masks, the thought was to preserve the inadequate supply of PPE for hospital staff and first responders. This week she and Jones, each wearing colorful homemade masks, advised donning one before going out in public.
Her office does issue epidemiology reports twice a week and other updates. In the beginning those reports included a list of which cities, townships and villages have positive cases. Now the report only lists zip codes. Her spokeswoman Erin Smiley said they are following the format the state uses now.
In addition to Bailer’s agency there are independent health departments in Hamilton and Middletown. Every day there are national and state predictions about where the pandemic is headed.
“Everything you see on TV is best case scenarios and worst case scenarios, that’s the best they can do at this time,” Middletown Health Director Jackie Phillips said. “So all of this modeling and flattening of the curve and all that is just that they’re models and predictions they only can go by past history, they cannot go by COVID-19, they can’t, it’s new and they just don’t know.”
Mitigation is key right now and she said what everyone here is doing is making a difference. However, she finds disturbing to learn statistics are just now coming out showing African Americans appear to be harder hit by the pandemic.
“Across the U.S. we are beginning to see disproportionate infection rates, testing rates and fatality rates among African Americans….,” Phillips said. “Coronavirus has no borders, and as we know, it does not discriminate. I will continue to monitor this equitable care data and continue to work with my community to ensure we serve and support all of our citizens here in Middletown.”
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