Bluffton University released the following letter to students, faculty and staff.
Based on the increasing recommendations by Governor DeWine and today’s recommendation by The President of the United States to reduce group gatherings to 10 people or less, Bluffton University is taking the following actions:
All classes will continue to be held via online/remote learning methods through April 12.
In an effort to alleviate growing pressures on Emergency Departments, Walk-In Care Centers, Urgent Cares and primary care offices, Lima Memorial and St. Rita’s, in partnership with Allen County Public Health, are advancing our local preparations for COVID-19.
Effective Tuesday, March 17 at 8 a.m., a Community Call Center and Designated Community Evaluation Centers will begin operations.
• A Community Call Center has been established for area residents. The phone number is 419-226-9000.
Here's the announcement from Pete and Kim Suter, owners:
In light of Gov. DeWine’s decision to close all bars and restaurants yesterday evening, coupled with all athletic events being canceled and other entertainment venues being closed, we have determined that the best move we can make for our community is to close the Shannon Theatre, effective immediately.
This was a painful and difficult decision to make, but we are confident that it is the right decision in an effort to help flatten the curve.
There will be no Ohio Tuesday, March 17, primary election - despite an earlier judge's ruling.
Here is the announcement of the cancellation from the Ohio Department of Health:
Ohio Department of Health Issues Order on Closure of Polling Locations
Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton, M.D., MPH, tonight issued an order regarding Closure of the Polling Locations in the State of Ohio on Tuesday, March 17, 2020.
The Tuesday, March 17, Ohio primary election will take place.
The election was in question until Monday evening when an Ohio judge rejected officials' request to cancel in-person voting.
The following details are from Business Insider:
"We cannot tell people to stay inside, but also tell them to go out and vote," Gov. Mike DeWine tweeted on Monday afternoon. He also expressed concern for both voters and elderly poll workers, who are especially vulnerable to the virus.
Bluffton Schools will be offer grab and go breakfast and lunch for our students on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
The announcement was made at 4:23 p.m. on Ohio Alerts on Monday, March 16.
Details follow:
Students will be able to grab two breakfasts and two lunches on Mondays and Wednesdays, with one breakfast and one lunch on Fridays. Since we missed Monday of this week, we will be offering 1 lunch and 1 breakfast on Tuesday, March 17.
Bluffton Public Library remains open and is operating under its noraml schedules, according to Jessica Hermiller, library administrator.
"The health and safety of our customers and staff is a top priority," she said.
"Currently our location is open and operating under normal schedules. Please continue checking the library’s website or social media for updated information."
She continues:
"We're working with local health officials and following directions from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Ohio Department of Health (ODH).
The Food Store is taking phone orders to offer car side pick up or delivery in the evenings after its normal hours to any of our customers in need. Call 419-358-5411.
