(no updates posted for March 28 & March 29)

March 27, 2020 - Worthington has Four Confirmed Cases of COVID-19

As of March 27, 2020, there are currently four confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported in Worthington. Worthington cases are included in the Columbus Public Health statistics because they are our contracted public health provider. As of March 27, 2020, there are currently 92 confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported in the Columbus Public Health jurisdiction.

In order to slow the community spread, Worthington residents must continue to obey the Stay at Home order issued by the State of Ohio. Only go out if it is absolutely necessary to pick up essential food and supplies, medicines, or to seek medical help. Outdoor exercise and activity is also encouraged. Please scroll down for more information and suggestions. 

The COVID-19 outbreak is a rapidly evolving situation. If you have questions, call Columbus Public Health at 614-645-1519, or the Ohio Department of Health at 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634).

March 26, 2020 - Parks & Recreation Facilities Update

While all of us are under a Stay at Home order during this coronavirus pandemic, it is still important to keep moving and get outside for fresh air and exercise. The City of Worthington is encouraging people to use our parks for the health and wellness they provide during this difficult time.

The key is remembering to practice smart social distancing. Unfortunately, despite the Ohio Governor’s order, some people have continued to gather in large numbers at some of our Parks and Recreation facilities. This puts our community at risk for further spread of COVID-19.

As a result of social distancing concerns, the City has taken the following steps in Worthington Parks to further protect the health of our citizens:

• All Playgrounds are closed as a result of the Ohio Department of Health Order.   Signs are posted and caution tape now surrounds the playground equipment to discourage use. Parents, please keep your children off the playground equipment.
• All fields are closed including baseball/softball, soccer, field hockey and lacrosse. 
• Pickleball courts at the Olentangy Parklands are closed as a result of large gatherings of people in violation of social distancing mandates.  The City has locked the gates and posted signage.
• Basketball courts are closed. Goals rims have been removed or disabled to no longer allow use as a result of large gatherings of people in violation of social distancing mandates.
• The City is monitoring various other park amenities including the Godown Dog Park, the skatepark at Olentangy Parklands, tennis courts, community gardens, and shelters to evaluate whether further steps to prohibit usage are necessary.

The Worthington Schools have also closed their playgrounds, tracks and fields.

We ask you to please use common sense and do your part to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and protect your health, and that of your family and neighbors. Do not congregate in groups and keep at least 6 feet from the next person.

 As you consider your outdoor activity, please consider these safe activities, keeping your social distance from others:

• Walk, run or bike at the Olentangy Parklands.
• Enjoy other walking nature trails at Moses Wright park.
• Count your steps.  Set a goal for steps a day and use your phone or another pedometer to see if you can top your steps from the previous day!
• Walk your dog (or cat!)
• Do yoga or other stretching, relaxation exercises in grassy areas.
• Look for signs of spring in the parks.  Observe or photograph trees budding, birds, insects, etc.
• Walk or go for a jog around your neighborhood
• Go rollerblading or skateboarding
• Play catch or frisbee in the yard with your family
• Enjoy chalk drawing or other creative activities in your driveway or yard.
• Be sure to check in to our Remote Recreation Facebook event for exercise videos and other activities from our staff.

See more prevention tips here. https://worthington.org/1942/Prevention-Tips

The State Legislature extends absentee voting period until April 28

Visit the Secretary of State website for information and to request an absentee ballot. 

March 25, 2020 - First Two Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 in Worthington Reported

The City of Worthington has been notified of two confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Worthington. Worthington cases are included in the Columbus Public Health statistics because they are our contracted public health provider. As of March 25, 2020, there are currently 62 confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported in the Columbus Public Health jurisdiction. We know the first two Worthington cases include a 21 year old female and a 65 year old male.

In order to slow the community spread, Worthington residents must continue to obey the Stay at Home order issued by the State of Ohio. Only go out if it is absolutely necessary to pick up essential food and supplies, medicines, or to seek medical help. If you must go out, be sure you abide by these guidelines:

• Follow social distancing requirements of at least 6 feet between others
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer if soap and water is not available
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow
• Use sanitizing wipes or spray to clean surfaces
• If you feel sick, call your doctor for advice. Do not go to the doctors office or a fire station for a medical evaluation.

The COVID-19 outbreak is a rapidly evolving situation. If you have questions, call Columbus Public Health at 614-645-1519, or the Ohio Department of Health at 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634).

Reminder: All Playgrounds are closed

A reminder that all playgrounds have been closed as part of the Stay at Home order. Playgrounds are closed because they pose a high risk of increased transmission because the virus can live on hard metal and plastic surfaces for extended periods of time. The Worthington playgrounds have all been signed as Closed Due to the Ohio Department of Health Order, but some families have still been taking their children to play on the playground equipment. Police resources have had to be diverted to place caution tape around the equipment as an extra diversion. Please stay off the playground equipment for your own safety and to help stop the spread of coronavirus in our community. 

In addition, while it is encouraged to get outside and exercise, it is important to continue to practice social distancing. Do not congregate in groups of 10 or more in the parks, including pickleball, tennis and basketball courts. Use extra caution to not stand any closer than 6 feet from the next person. See more prevention tips here. 

March 24, 2020 - Worthington First Responders Increase Use of Personal Protective Equipment

Worthington’s firefighter/paramedics continue to be on the front lines to protect the health and safety of our citizens in the fight against COVID-19. In an effort to guard the safety of first responders so they can continue to be healthy and effective in doing their jobs during this crisis, they are increasing the personal protective equipment (PPE) they are wearing when answering emergency calls.

Instead of arriving in what was the standard uniform (pictured left), they will arrive wearing more PPE as their new standard uniform. This includes a mask, gloves and eye protection. (shown center). If the rescue call includes a cardiac arrest or potential COVID-19 patient, responders will also wear a gown with the new standard PPE. (pictured right)

These extra precautions will help ensure that our firefighter/paramedics are not exposed to COVID-19 and remain healthy to serve our community through this health emergency.

(pictured L to R: Zach Smith wearing normal station uniform residents are accustomed to seeing; Robert Ramunas wearing our new "standard" PPE with uniform; Chelsey Carothers is wearing our new “standard” PPE plus a gown. 

3/24/2020 Service Update: 

Daily yard waste drop-off is now closed at the Service & Engineering Department due to Stay at Home order. There will be no Saturday yard waste drop-off on Saturday, March 28th.

March 23, 2020 - City of Worthington announcement about Stay at Home order and City Action to Declare a State of Emergency

Beginning tonight (3/23/2020) at midnight, all of us in the State of Ohio will be under a Stay at Home order, directed by the Governor and Ohio Department of Health Director. This order is necessary to protect ourselves, our families, neighbors and our entire community by stopping the spread of COVID-19. It is critical that we take this order seriously and stay home unless it is absolutely necessary to pick up essential food and supplies, medicines, or seek medical help. The City of Worthington is in complete support of this order and urges our citizens to cooperate.

In order to be prepared and responsive to the evolving crisis and have the logistical and legal tools needed to assure the continuity of City services, City Manager Matt Greeson has issued a proclamation declaring a State of Civil Emergency in the City of Worthington effective immediately.

The proclamation follows a public health emergency declaration by Worthington’s health agency, Columbus Public Health, as well as a State of Emergency in the State of Ohio as declared by the Governor, and a National Emergency declared by the President of the United States.

Worthington’s codified ordinances provide that the City Manager can proclaim a civil emergency in order to protect the life and property of the citizens of Worthington. The proclamation authorizes City department and division directors to modify staffing assignments and duties as becomes necessary and authorizes emergency purchases essential to the continuation of services to all Worthington citizens and businesses.

The proclamation further directs all citizens to comply with emergency orders and directs City employees to exercise due diligence in their duties during the emergency. The proclamation remains in effect for one month, unless it is extended, modified, or earlier terminated by the City Manager or a majority vote of City Council.

The City has already taken vital action to ensure the health and safety of employees and the public by closing all City facilities and coordinating work from home provisions so vital City services can continue.

The City of Worthington and other government agencies, essential businesses and service providers will continue to answer your calls, provide essential services, and serve the critical needs of our community. If you must go out, we encourage you to follow the advice of health experts and practice safe social distancing, wash your hands, and follow sanitary guidelines. If you have questions about what constitutes essential travel, business operations, or employment under the state order, you can view the order online or call the Ohio Department of Health hotline at 1-833-427-5634.

These are challenging times and we appreciate your support and understanding as we work through this together. We encourage you to seek information from health experts and continue to support and be kind to your neighbors. Remember these are temporary measures to protect the health and safety of our community. For more information on City service changes and vital health and community resources, visit the links provided in the lefthand navigation on this website.

March 23, Columbus Public Health Situation Update

As of March 23, 2020, there are 28 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Columbus Public Health’s jurisdiction. On March 23, Columbus Public Health was also notified of its first death related to COVID-19—a Columbus resident who became ill and died out of state. The 85-year-old male, who had a history of international travel, became ill while outside of Columbus and was hospitalized in Minnesota where he subsequently died.

Our public health nurses and epidemiologists continue to notify and quarantine close contacts of all confirmed COVID-19 cases. We expect to see more local cases as this outbreak evolves, and are working diligently to respond to the situation and protect the health and safety of our community.

For the most up-to-date COVID-19 case numbers in Columbus and Worthington, follow Columbus Public Health on social media or visit the Columbus Public Health website. For the most current case information in Ohio, visit the Ohio Department of Health website.