This page was last updated 10:32 p.m. April 8.
As of Wednesday, April 7, there are 5,148 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Ohio, with 12 in Clark County, as our community heads further into uncharted waters as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Gov. Mike DeWine announced an extension of the stay at home order, which is in effect until May 1. Schools are closed until at least May 1. News and developments are happening rapidly, making it difficult to keep up. But many organizations and individuals are working hard to make sure no one in Springfield is left behind. Though by no means an exhaustive list, below is a listing of helpful resources:
News and Information
For the latest number of confirmed cases and more public health data, go to the Ohio Department of Health’s website.
For COVID-19 information specific to Springfield and Clark County, visit the Clark County Combined Health District’s website here.
What options are available for remote learning, specifically if you don't have access to the internet or technology? How will the school closure affect testing? What about graduation? Find the answers to these and other frequently asked questions on the Ohio Department of Education’s website.
Find out local updates on the City of Springfield’s website.
Business Loans and Services
Small businesses have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. To help, the U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans to small businesses as well as nonprofits, small agricultural cooperatives, and small aquaculture enterprises. The loans can be used to pay debt, payroll and other bills that can’t be paid at this time as a result of the coronavirus.
“Disaster loans can provide vital economic assistance to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing,” SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza said in a statement. Find out more about the disaster loan assistance here.
Contact the Springfield Small Business Development Center for free personal guidance on what steps your small business should be taking based on the changes that have occurred because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Find details about Unemployment Compensation for Employers by visiting the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services here.
The Gateway Business Group continues to share information through social media with updates about small business loans.
Community Fund
United Way of Clark, Champaign & Madison Counties is working to create the Clark Champaign Madison COVID-19 Community Fund to support individuals and families affected by the coronavirus. The organization is now accepting donations, which can be made online. You can able designate which county you prefer your donation to go toward.
Free Meals, Food Banks, and Distributions
The Clark County Combined Health District has information about food pickup locations and times broken down by community. Click here to find details on the location closest to you. Many options are available every day of the week.
Clark-Shawnee Local School District posts on their Facebook page when they have hot lunches available for not only their students but also for anyone younger than 18.
Greenon Local School District will provide bagged meals for students in need while schools are closed. Click here for details on times and locations for pickup.
Northeastern Local School District will provide bagged meals for pickup from 11:30 a.m. to noon on scheduled days. Visit their website for details on dates and pickup locations.
The Northwestern Local Schools posted a YouTube video with details about how to pick up lunches for students while school is closed.
The Southeastern Local Schools district is providing free grab-and-go breakfast and lunch for all students grades K-12. Students can pick up both breakfast and lunch for the day in the Miami View Cafeteria from 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Springfield City School District has grab-and-go meals available at four pickup locations throughout the city. Click here for the meal distribution times, dates, and locations.
Tecumseh Local School District is making Lunch Bus meal deliveries to a wide variety of stops while school is closed.
Tecumseh Local School District is making Lunch Bus meal deliveries to a wide variety of stops while school is closed. Check their Facebook page for details about times and locations you can find the Lunch Bus.
Family Resources
Clark-Shawnee Local School District has a nightly story time with a guest reader every day at 7:30 p.m. on their Facebook page.
Possum Elementary art teacher Sarah Wise is offering creative ideas for kids to do at home through her Facebook page Ms. Wise’s Artatory.
The national Child Traumatic Stress Network has information available to help parents and caregivers help their families through the changes they’re experiencing. Find resources here.
BrightView Springfield Addiction Treatment Center will remain open as an essential service during the coronavirus pandemic. For more information, call 833-510-4357.
United Senior Services will continue with essential services including meal delivery and transportation for medical treatment and grocery trips for adults 60 and older in Clark County. Some other services, such as assistance with tax preparation and Medicare counseling, will continue on an as-needed, one-on-one or by-phone basis. Call 937-323-4948 for information about available services and cancellations.
Internet Access
Spectrum will provide 60 days of free broadband and Wi-Fi access to homes with children from kindergarten through college age who don’t already have Spectrum service up to 100 Mbps. Teachers are also eligible for this offer. To sign up, call 855-243-8892.
Comcast will connect new customers who quality as low-income households with 60 days of free internet service. To sign up, call 855-846-8376 or click here.
Where to Get Food for Takeout and Delivery
The Chamber of Greater Springfield has compiled a list of restaurants throughout Clark County. The list details whether the restaurants are closed or offering carryout, curbside pickup, or delivery.
Shopping
The Clark County Combined Health District Facebook page provides information about specialized shopping hours set by some businesses for elderly and at-risk individuals to shop.