AKRON, Ohio -- Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro announced Wednesday that only county employees deemed essential will report to work, effective immediately and until further notice, in response to the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak.

About 150 non-essential employees have been placed on paid administrative leave, the county said in a news release. About 100 essential employees will work from home beginning on Thursday, and about 450 essential employees will report to work.

The county has ordered 135 digital work stations to help employees work from home, according to a county spokeswoman.

“The health and safety of my staff and the public we serve is my number one priority," Shapiro said. “It is my intention to continue all county services while providing options for my employees that allow for social distancing, telecommuting, and work from home capabilities . . .”

The announcement came one day after Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan announced that only essential city employees would report to work starting Friday, and that they may work remotely, if possible.

Akron did not place its non-essential workers on paid leave, however, and instead said they could use personal paid leave or apply for unemployment benefits. The city will continue to provide health care for all eligible employees.

Summit County has maintained a list on its website of departments and offices that have restricted public access or changed operations in response to the virus.

Residents can apply for unemployment benefits at www.unemployment.ohio.gov or by calling 1-877-644-6562 or 1-614-387-8408 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The requirement to come into an OhioMeansJobs Center to begin a job search once a claim is filed is being suspended until further notice by the state.

For Job and Family Services, documents and correspondence can be uploaded to www.summitdjfs.org, faxed to 866-351-8292, dropped in the exterior drop box at 1180 South Main Street in Akron, or mailed to the Main Street location, Suite 102. To apply for, renew or update cash, food, medical or child care assistance, call 1-844-640-6446 or apply online at www.Benefits.Ohio.gov. To report abuse, neglect or exploitation of seniors, call 330-643-7217.

Residents can pay their sewer bill online at summitoh.firstbilling.com/ or use the drop box at 1180 South Main St in Akron. Only checks may be deposited in the drop box. In case of an emergency, staff can be reached 24 hours a day at 800-828-2087.

The Building Standards office will continue to accept permit requests, inspection requests, and plan submittals through www.BSAonline.com, mail or email.

Volunteer services for Animal Control are suspended until further notice, and only law enforcement can drop off animals. Residents who wish to be reunited with their animal should call 330-643-2845 to schedule an appointment.

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