Ohio EMA Update May 22, 2020
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SBA Offers Low-Interest Loans After Flooding
Ohio businesses and residents in Licking County and adjacent counties affected by severe storms and flooding on March 20-22, 2020, can apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The declaration covers Licking County and the adjacent counties of Coshocton, Delaware, Fairfield, Franklin, Knox, Muskingum and Perry in Ohio. Due to COVID-19, the SBA will not establish a field presence to assist survivors. However, SBA will continue to provide customer service and conduct outreach virtually with webinars, skype calls, phone assistance and step-by-step application assistance. SBA has opened a Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center (VDLOC) to help survivors apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ and there are virtual customer support representatives available to assist applicants with completing the online application. The VDLOC information: Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center (VDLOC) Open: Monday – Friday These services are only available for the Ohio disaster declaration as a result of the Severe Storms and Flooding on March 20-22, 2020, and not for COVID-19 related assistance. CDC guidance on how to clean up after the flood.
Stay Safe This Memorial Day Weekend
After a couple of months spent at home due to COVID-19, many Ohioans will be venturing out this Memorial Day weekend, especially now that most Ohio businesses are open. Ohio Emergency Management Agency wants to remind Ohioans to stay safe this long-weekend:
ODH, Public Safety Expand LEADS Agreement
An April 14, 2020, order issued by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) provides notification to county dispatch agencies on those residing in their jurisdiction who are COVID-19 positive to ensure that first responders are outfitted with proper PPE when responding to an emergency at a residence. An expanded agreement between the Ohio Department of Public Safety and ODH will provide this information through the Law Enforcement Automated Data System (LEADS) to ensure that the same precautions are taken when officers interact with those who reside outside of their jurisdictions, such as during a traffic stop or at the scene of a car crash, therefore enhancing efforts to help law enforcement officers protect themselves from potential COVID-19 exposure. Information will be removed from the LEADS system 30 days after diagnosis. ODH-verified information is protected health information pursuant to the Ohio Revised Code. Direct access to this information is limited to law enforcement dispatchers and officers as defined in Ohio Administrative Code. The use by law enforcement of the confidential LEADS system is regularly audited by the Ohio State Highway Patrol, which administers the program. Accessing the LEADS system for anything other than a specific law enforcement purpose is a criminal offense prohibited under Ohio Revised Code 2913.04.
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