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STEUBENVILLE -- Jefferson County officials have announced the formation of a new task force aimed at getting county residents back to work.
County Health Commissioner Nicole Balakos said the group will formulate plans for "paving a healthy way back to business."
"The health department already is being inundated with phone calls from businesses questioning the specifics of opening on May 1," Balakos said. "We want to assist the schools who are inquiring about proceeding with graduation plans for the class of 2020. Our focus is on how to ensure that the community feels secure in returning to business."
The purpose of the Jefferson County Public Health and Livelihood Task Force will be to establish parameters and guidelines that the county will implement in accordance with Gov. Mike DeWine's plans to transition the reopening of much of the state.
DeWine's plans are scheduled to be announced Monday.
After getting that information, "We need to assist the business community with guidance on best practices," Balakos said.
Balakos said she wanted the community to know that the guidelines to be developed are aimed at striking a balance between protecting the community against COVID-19 spread, as well as allowing businesses to return to offering their valued products and services and community events to proceed if it is possible with social distancing.
The task force plans to meet regularly to appraise the evolving needs of Jefferson County.
In working with the network of neighboring counties, Balakos has divided the needs of the county into preliminary categories including: Personal care, health care, retail sales/services, restaurants/food services, production/manufacturing, business management services and outdoor recreation. Nonprofit and community events could fall into one of the categories depending on the type of event or might be considered independently.
Members of the task force include: Balakos; Terry Bell, board of health President; Dr. Mark Kissinger, JCGHD medical director; Dr. John Figel, chief medical officer and vice president of medical affairs, Trinity Health System; Dr. Kenneth Woods, infectious disease specialist, Trinity Health System; Dr. Anand Mathew, pediatrician; Thomas Graham, representing the Jefferson County commissioners; James Mavromatis, Steubenville city manager; Chief Clark J. Crago, TEMS director of operations; Anthony Mougianis, president, Apollo Cleaning and Restoration and ex-officio board member/immediate past chairman, Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce; Tricia Maple-Damewood, president of the chamber of commerce; and Carla Gampolo, registered sanitarian, JCGHD.