Here is a list of resources being updated regularly:
For the latest updates on COVID-19 from the DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, as well as prevention information and resources, visit www.Coronavirus.Ohio.gov or call the Department of Health’s hotline at 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634). Follow on social media @OHdeptofhealth and @GovMikeDeWine.
A special section of the state’s coronavirus website has been created and named “Together Ohio.” The “Together Ohio” web page contains the email address together@governor.ohio.gov, where people are encouraged to send the state information about supplies they want to donate, or other ways they can help.
Unemployment
Job openings
If you’re searching for employment, many Ohio employers have a desperate need to fill open positions. Go to coronavirus.ohio.gov/jobsearch for a current list.
Visit OhioMeansJobs.com for more information on companies hiring in Ohio
Job training
The State of Ohio has released a list of job training resources workers can use to ‘upskill’ themselves while they are at home due to the coronavirus pandemic. Go to: workforce.ohio.gov
Food delivery and special store hours
Online Delivery Services
In addition to individual restaurants with delivery services (check their websites), the following services are available:
- DoorDash — will deliver from several restaurants including Chipolte, Firehouse Tavern, and McDonald’s.
- Postmates — will deliver from several local restaurants as well as chains like Five Guys, Denny’s and Subway
- Uber Eats — will deliver from Panda Express, Popeye’s, and Donatos Pizza, among several others
- Grub Hub — will deliver from chains like Buffalo Wild Wings, Taco Bell, and Wendy’s
- EatStreet — works more closely with local restaurants instead of national chains
- ClusterTruck — an independently owned, delivery-only kitchen which operates in specific locations including Columbus
All of the above have different charges per delivery, with some holding specials for a user’s first order.
Check the individual websites for more information on charges and delivery locations.
Grocery stores
CLICK HERE for a list of central Ohio grocery stores that offer delivery, vehicle side pickup
List of stores with special hours for seniors or vulnerable shoppers
- Aldi
- Tuesday and Thursday, the first hour of business reserved for vulnerable shoppers.
- CLICK HERE to find a store.
- Dollar General
- The first hour of each shopping day reserved for senior shoppers.
- Most central Ohio stores open at 8 a.m. CLICK HERE to check a location.
- Fresh Thyme
- Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 6 a.m. to 8 a.m., for seniors and high risk.
- Tuesdays and Thursdays 6 a.m. to 8 a.m., for healthcare workers, first responders, and law enforcement
- CLICK HERE for details.
- Giant Eagle/Market District
- Monday – Wednesday, 6 a.m. — 7 a.m. for 60 and over shoppers.
- CLICK HERE for details.
- Kroger
- Monday — Thursday, 7 a.m. – 8 a.m. exclusive shopping for seniors 60 and older.
- CLICK HERE for details.
- Lucky’s Market Columbus
- Daily, 7 a.m. – 8 a.m. early shopping hours for seniors and other vulnerable community members.
- Sam’s Club
- Sunday from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Starting Sunday, April 19, “Hero Hours” for first responders and health care workers.
- Target
- Tuesday and Wednesday, the first hour of shopping to support vulnerable guests, including the elderly and those with underlying health concerns.
- Most central Ohio stores open at 8 a.m. Please visit Target.com to find your local store opening time.
- Trader Joe’s
- The first hour of operation on Wednesdays and Sundays to serve our senior customers over the age of 60 and customers with disabilities who may need additional assistance while shopping.
- CLICK HERE to check a location.
- Walmart
- Whole Foods
- All Whole Foods Market stores have dedicated shopping hours to service customers who are 60 years and older, those with disabilities and those who the CDC defines as high risk.
- CLICK HERE to find a store.
Student loans
On Aug. 8, 2020, President Trump directed the Secretary to continue to suspend loan payments, stop collections, and waive interest on ED-held student loans until Dec. 31, 2020.
Educational resources
Highlights for Children
Here is a list of free resources that Highlights is offering online:
- Printable pages from Highlights Learning Big Fun workbooks
- Digital play on apps
- Free content on YouTube, which includes channels specifically for kids
- Free content on HighlightsKids.com, which features activities, games, crafts, recipes, science Q&As, the Highlights Hangout podcast and more
- Free crafts and activities to do at home, resources on skill development and articles — all geared toward parents on Highlights.com/Parents
Ohio History Connection
You can now explore Ohio’s history without stepping foot inside a museum. To help families learning from home during the coronavirus pandemic, the Ohio History Connection is offering free online resources.
The online “Learn at Home” content is trying to defy stereotypes about dry lectures and boring textbooks. Instead, researchers, curators, and other experts have designed lesson plans with videos, interactive worksheets, and other activities.