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SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM COUNCILMEMBER PRISCILLA TYSON
 Photo: ABC 6/ Courtesy of Hong Qiu
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused incalculable damage to the residents of Columbus. We have seen our quality of life diminished by the pandemic. From deaths and illness to lost jobs and food instability, things have changed.
But, there’s a real resilience in Columbus. Our community is banding together to provide for those in need. We are propping up those who need help. We are in a battle, and by using the tactics outlined by health officials, we are winning. We are fighting back!
In this situation, we must support the safety net services in our community. These programs are essential to help improve the quality of life for residents.
This is an unprecedented time. We are seeing people lose their incomes. Families who have never needed help and may not qualify for government assistance, are relying on non-profit organizations to get through these challenging times. On Monday, April 20, we set aside $5 million in emergency funding to support these organizations to ensure they have what they need to help families.
April is also Minority Health Month. It started more than 100 years ago as National Negro Health Week. As the COVID-19 pandemic is disproportionately impacting African Americans and communities of color, health inequity is on display for the world to see. Our public health system is doing an amazing job with limited resources on the front lines of this battle. I applaud each of them for their heroics.
You can be confident that Council will always work to fight for those who need the most help, during a pandemic or not.
Yours,
Priscilla Tyson
Councilmember
Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton says Ohioans will be living with COVID-19 prevention measures for the next 18 months.
“We are building an extensive response and recovery plan and network,” she said at Tuesday’s coronavirus press briefing.
The five part plan she laid out will be necessary, as scientists work to perfect antiviral treatments and eventually a vaccine. The plan involves:
- Social Distancing
- Testing
- Contact Tracing
- Isolation and Quarantine
- Excellent treatment
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services updated its weekly claim filing process to expedite unemployment benefits for those who have been approved. Starting Sunday, April 26, residents should complete their weekly claims on the day of the week that corresponds with the first letter of their last name:
- Sunday: A through H
- Monday: I through P
- Tuesday: Q through Z
On Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, anyone can file a weekly claim.
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Mail Your Absentee Ballot Today!
The Franklin County Board of Elections is accepting absentee ballots for our primary election. They must be returned to the Board of Elections by 7:30pm on Tuesday, April 28, 2020. If sending by mail, it must be postmarked by April 27, 2020.
vote.franklincountyohio.gov/Absentee-Ballot-Request
Any registered Franklin County voter, who has not already cast a ballot for this election, can request an absentee application by calling 614-525-3470 or visiting the Franklin County Board of Elections website. Call today, because your voice and your vote matters. Learn More
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City Council is working to find innovative solutions to share information with the community during the COVID-19 crisis. During the town hall, residents will hear from Council, Columbus Public Health and other organizations on how we are working together to support residents during this crisis. Topics to be discussed include the Columbus Public Health response, Columbus Fire's emergency protocols, financial empowerment in the COVID-19 era and trash removal.
All interested citizens are invited to participate and email questions to townhall@columbus.gov by 4pm on Sunday, April 26, 2020. There are also limited opportunities to ask questions during the event through Facebook Live.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention works 24/7 keeping America safe from health, safety, and security threats, both foreign and domestic. Whether diseases start at home or abroad, are chronic or acute, curable or preventable, human error or deliberate attack, CDC fights disease, and supports communities and citizens to do the same.
Visit the CDC website for up-to-date information on COVID-19
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