Week in Review 01-22-2021

CHILDREN/FAMILIES

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) announced Tuesday it would continue providing additional food benefits for Ohio children through the end of the school year. The Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) payments help children who normally receive free or reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program but learned remotely (or a hybrid of remote and in-person learning) during the school year, due to the COVID-19 emergency.

CORONAVIRUS

Ohio Emergency Medical Services (Ohio EMS) and the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) are seeking health care professionals to volunteer for the Medical Reserve Corps to assist with administering the COVID-19 vaccine in their local communities. According to the agencies, professionals who can volunteer include physicians, physician assistants, nurses, pharmacists, pharmacy interns, emergency medical technicians, dentists, dental hygienists, optometrists, respiratory care professionals, and veterinarians. Other requirements include being over 18 years old and complying with any training requirements.

Turning to the vaccination plan for adults in schools, the governor said 96 percent of public school districts have committed to resuming in-person classes, at least partially, by Monday, March 1. “So we’re happy with that. We’d like to get it to 100, but 96 percent so far have told us, ‘Yes, we’re willing to do this,'” DeWine said. Working through the local educational service centers, school districts will have the option to choose a retail pharmacy that is secured by the state, DeWine said, noting some districts have already decided to partner with their local health department. He said either way is fine. The administration of vaccines for school personnel will begin the week of Monday, Feb. 1.

EDUCATION

Gov. Mike DeWine announced this week that 96 percent of public school districts have signed a form committing to a return to in-person learning by Monday, March 1, but teacher unions across the state say that date is too early and the form was a requirement for teachers to sign in order to receive vaccines in Phase 1B. Teacher unions wrote in a joint statement that “the timeline for vaccine distribution means that no educators and staff will be fully vaccinated by that date.” The statement continued that “this commitment form was presented as a prerequisite for educators and school staff to receive vaccines during Phase 1B.”

Individuals involved in winter high school sports have a better idea of where their postseason tournaments will be played and how they will be conducted following the most recent meeting of the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) Board of Directors. The OHSAA board was updated by staff regarding the upcoming winter sports tournaments, with adjustments due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The previously established sectional tournament draw meeting dates will stay the same, along with the dates of the state tournaments, OHSAA said.