Inside: Geauga Public Health modifying services in response to coronavirus.

Geauga Public Health is modifying its services effective March 24 through April 13 as the department focuses on the novel coronavirus pandemic.

As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise, staffers are increasingly being diverted to participate in contact tracing efforts and responding to public inquiries, according to a news release from the agency.

One confirmed case can generate many contacts, all of whom staff attempt to contact, inform, interview and monitor. This work is a team effort, the release stated. Additionally every new order from Columbus generates hundreds of questions via phone and email.

“When the phone rings, we try to pick it up,” Geauga County Health Commissioner Tom Quade said in a statement. “Until we do, we don’t know if it’s a case, a question, or someone tattling on someone else who they believe is not abiding by one of the state orders. Once we pick it up, we are committed to a conversation and that takes time.”

Quade said that he has responded to more than 30 people regarding the stay at home order issued by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine

March 22. Quade will personally visit employers he’s received the most complaints about.

In addition to training and temporary reassignment of staff to address COVID-19, the health department stated it has an obligation to protect its staff and minimize the number of contacts they have. Because of this, the health department is modifying its business practices.

According to the release, programs that will be prioritized include: Communicable Disease prevention and control, Public Information, Food Safety, Private Water Testing, and Animal Bites.

In-person contact with the public will be suspended until April 14.

• Individuals seeking burial permits will be directed to one of the deputy registrars in the county.

• Environmental Health nuisance complaints will be addressed on a case-bycase basis. All other septicrelated programming will be suspended until April 14.

• Arrangements are being made to assure no disruption to real-estate transactions related to the For Sale of Property program suspension.

• Immunization clinics and all grant-related activities unrelated to COVID-19 response will also be suspended.