Keep up with regular news updates regarding Columbus and Ohio’s response to COVID-19 here.
Among the updates for Tuesday, April 14 are an increase in cases and deaths in Franklin County, the furlough of hundreds of Columbus Metropolitan Library staff and a survey giving insight to what Central Ohio nonprofits are facing amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The Numbers
Franklin County now reports 1,053 cases and 18 deaths, according to the Ohio Department of Health.
Statewide, 7,153 cases and 324 deaths have been reported. Fifty deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours.
CML Furloughs
On Monday, April 13, the Columbus Metropolitan Library announced a personnel cost-reduction plan that will result in 609 full and part-time staff furloughs. CML currently employs 846 staff members.
The furloughs are effective Sunday, April 19.
Employees not furloughed will be subject to pay reductions ranging from 2.5% to 10%, according to a statement from the library. The salary of the library’s CEO Patrick Losinski will be reduced by 20%.
“We had to make some incredibly hard decisions to reduce our operating costs,” said Losinski. “I want the community to know that each and every one of our staff members are incredibly important to the work that we do, and we look forward to having everyone back to work following this unprecedented public health crisis.”
All Columbus Metropolitan Libraries have been closed and will remain so through at least May 2.
Nonprofit Impact Survey
The United Way of Central Ohio has released a survey that gives some insight into the current situation for local nonprofits, which serve as a crucial safety net to the city’s vulnerable populations.
Eighty nine nonprofit organizations representing over 1,000 programs were surveyed. Among the key takeaways:
- Canceled fundraising events have resulted in over $8 million in estimated lost revenue in the month of March.
- 80% of Central Ohio health and human service programs have been suspended or are under limited operations.
- 18% of Central Ohio health and human service nonprofit employees were laid off or furloughed due to the crisis.
- After-school and volunteering programs were among the most suspended programs.
Nonprofits are also offering more programming via telephone and online as a response to social distancing efforts. Programming for behavioral health, housing support, advocacy and life skills are among the most popular expansions.
However, many nonprofits report a need for technology hardware and software assistance to be able to provide this type of programming or to continue doing so.
See the full report here.
More Updates
Convention Center Transformation — On Tuesday, the City of Columbus unveiled the converted alternative care center at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, as seen above. The center was previously announced as one of several spaces across the state that would be transformed in preparation for any possible COVID-19 patient overflow from local hospitals.
For more information on COVID-19 in Ohio, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH.