Due to the rapid spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) — and government’s response to it — the OMA this week sent members special updates on Thursday, March 19, Wednesday, March 18, and Monday, March 16. (Click on the email dates if you missed our communications.) The OMA will continue these special updates as necessary — and will warehouse content on the OMA’s COVID-19 Resources Page. This outbreak is first and foremost a human resources crisis, but its impact now reaches far beyond the HR space. Therefore, there are several other virus-related updates throughout this Leadership Briefing. At last check, Ohio had 119 confirmed cases and 33 individuals hospitalized. Positive test results have been found in 24 counties. Counties with confirmed cases were: Ashland (1), Belmont (2), Butler (8), Clark (1), Coshocton (2), Cuyahoga (53), Darke (1), Delaware (2), Franklin (10), Geauga (1), Hamilton (1), Huron (1), Lake (2), Lorain (6), Lucas (1), Mahoning (5), Medina (5), Miami (1), Montgomery (1), Richland (1), Stark (5), Summit (6), Trumbull (2), Tuscarawas (1). Here is new COVID-19-related guidance from OMA Connections Partners:

• Clark Schaefer Hackett has published this summary of the new federal “Families First Coronavirus Response Act,” which takes effect April 2. The firm notes that employers may be eligible, depending on the direct or indirect impact to their employees, for up to a total of $12,000 in tax credits for employees that are on sick leave and/or emergency leave.
• Frantz Ward has also published a summary of the new federal law. Bricker & Eckler has posted its analysis, too.

For health-related questions about COVID-19, contact the Ohio Department of Health’s call center at 1-833-4ASKODH (1-833-427-5634). 3/20/2020