Coronavirus / COVID-19
If you have questions regarding Coronavirus/COVID-19 please call the Ohio Dept. of Health at 1-833-427-5634. Live staff are available M-F: 9:00am-8:00pm.
Information about Coronavirus, how it is spread, prevention, and frequently asked questions can be found at CORONAVIRUS.OHIO.GOV
If you are currently seeking in-person service at a social service agency, government office, or other business, we recommend you call ahead to make sure that the service is still available.
Updates for the State of U.S./Ohio:
4/27: The governer and the Ohio Dept. of Health have recommended that all Ohioans wear face masks or covering when in public. The CDC has a helpful guide on simple face you can make using the materials you have on hand.
4/27: The governer has announced the Responsible Restart Ohio intitative, which is a tiered plan to incrementally re-open businesses throughout the state beginning May 1, as well as to provide guidance to those businesses surrounding required and recommended safety practices as industry and retail resume.
4/20: all kindergarten through 12th grade schools are closed to students through the end of the 2020 school year.
4/15: The IRS has added sections to their website that allow those not required to file a 2018 or 2019 tax return to submit their payment details, as well as a payment status check for those who have filed their 2018 and/or 2019 tax return and want to know when their stimulus payment is scheduled to process.
4/2: The governer has extended Stay at Home Order (also known as a Shelter in Place order) until at least May 1. Ohio residents are asked to only leave their homes when necessary (e.g., to pick up supplies, go to work, walk a dog, etc.)
3/30: The state government announced today that all K-12 schools will remain closed until at least May 1.
3/27: The Federal government approved the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), which will send money directly to Americans, greatly expand unemployment coverage and make a number of other changes. There is currently no official government office answering questions about the stimulus act, but we've made some general information available here.
3/22: The governer has announced a Stay at Home Order (also known as a Shelter in Place order) effective as of 11:59pm on Monday, March 23. Ohio residents are asked to only leave their homes when necessary (e.g., to pick up supplies, go to work, walk a dog, etc.) Additionally, all businesses deemed non-essential will close. Businesses that will remain open include pharmacies, grocery stores, gas stations, to-go restaurants, pet stores and public transit.
3/20: The deadline for filing federal taxes (both personal and business) has been moved from April 15 to July 15, 2020. (However, those expecting a refund are encouraged to file as soon as possible)
3/17: Due to the high volume of new unemployment claims, the state recommends that all those applying for unemployment benefits do so via the website rather than the phone.
3/17: 181 BMV locations have closed (all but 5 locations that offer CDL renewals). Additionally, a grace period will be offered to those with Class D, MC or moped licenses that have expired since the start of the pandemic.
3/17: All Ohio barbershops, beauty salons, tattoo parlors, hair and nail salons are now closed.
3/16: Ohio’s primary election has been postponed. In-person voting is currently banned, and mailed absentee ballots will now be accepted through June 2.
3/15: All Ohio bars and restaurants are now closed except for carryout and delivery.
3/12: The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) has suspended utility disconnections from regulated providers. Cleveland Public Power and the Cleveland Water Dept. have also put a stop on a disconnections. Neither order eliminates any payment obligations
3/12: mass gatherings that bring together 50 or more persons in a single room or single space at the same time are now prohibited. also nursing and assisted living homes will no longer admit visitors
3/12: all kindergarten through 12th grade schools are closed to students through Friday, April 3.
Updates for Cuyahoga County:
3/16: The county has suspended work activity requirements for people who receive food stamps and federal cash assistance.
3/15: Individuals on the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) for their utilities will not be penalized for failing to submit reverification documents during the emergency.
3/15: All in-person appointments to get gas or power reconnected through the Winter Crisis (formerly Emergency Home Energy Assistance or "E-HEAP") program will now be conducted via telephone.
Updates for the City of Cleveland:
3/13: The Cleveland school district will offer free grab-and-go lunches and breakfasts to anyone under 18 through Friday, April 3.
2-1-1 will continue to post updates here as needed.