On March 9, the State of Ohio announced three positive cases of COVID-19, the first known infections in Ohio. As a medical society representing the physicians who may well find themselves on the frontline of treating COVID-19 patients, Ohio ACEP is reaching out to our members to assure them that we are engaged in ongoing communication with government officials, state agencies, and other stakeholders on the developing COVID-19 situation.
Yesterday, Ohio ACEP President-Elect Dr. Ryan Squier participated in a virtual meeting with medical providers and the Governor’s office. In an effort to keep our members and all Ohio emergency physicians up-to-date and equipped to prepare for COVID-19, Ohio ACEP has compiled a webpage of informational resources, available at ohacep.org/COVID19. There, you’ll find guidance and updates from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), and National ACEP, as well as recent news related to the spread of coronavirus.
ACEP has created a members-only forum on engagED for COVID-19 discussion. Consider opting in to this community to share your thoughts and address solutions to expanding universal challenges.
The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) has opened a COVID-19 public hotline, which can be reached seven days a week from 9 am to 8 pm. The number is 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634). ODH has also set up a coronavirus website at www.coronavirus.ohio.gov.
**Please note, because of growing concerns and travel restrictions, the Ohio ACEP Board has voted to postpone the March 17 Ohio ACEP EM Assembly and Annual Meeting. We will be in touch with our members to let them know when a new date for the Assembly has been determined.
In addition, we are actively evaluating whether our upcoming educational offerings will go on as scheduled or need to be cancelled or postponed. Thank you for your understanding, and please be on the lookout for further updates.
As the COVID-19 situation develops, we know Ohio’s emergency physicians will rise to whatever challenges present themselves and provide the best possible care to their patients. Meanwhile, we at Ohio ACEP are committed to helping keep our members informed and prepared in this rapidly developing situation.