Public Health, city of Dayton resolve coronavirus complaint, one of 200-plus in county

STAFF FILE

STAFF FILE

The city of Dayton’s finance department was one of more than 200 workplaces under investigation by Public Health - Dayton & Montgomery County.

The health department notified the city earlier this week that a complaint was made alleging that the city had not made necessary precautions to counter a coronavirus outbreak. However, the city said the agency determined that no action was needed.

The finance department is one of 216 workplaces listed by the health department. The list also includes fitness centers, a post office, veterinary clinic, warehouses, restaurants and a luxury car dealership.

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Health Commissioner Jeff Cooper said during a Thursday afternoon call-in press conference on the coronavirus situation that 12 businesses, such as smoke shops and dog groomers, would immediately be issued cease and desist orders for “clearly” not meeting the definition of an essential business. For other entities, he said a complaint does not mean it is valid.

“We have to make sure the review is thorough,” Cooper said.

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City Manager Shelley Dickstein said the city was notified of the allegation and issued a statement Thursday night.

“Our focus from the start has been to ensure the safety and health of our entire workforce and to do our part in limiting the spread of the disease,” Dickstein stated in the release. “We have put in place heightened cleaning and precautionary measures as well as provided information from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention on how to avoid getting sick.”

Before city offices were closed, gloves, masks and other cleaning supplies were provided to employees who had public interactions, additional cleaning routines were established for common spaces and to follow social distancing guidelines, work spaces were moved throughout City Hall so workers could remain at least six feet apart. Since the stay-at-home order, several employees are working remotely, according to the city’s release.

Public Health discussed the allegations with the city’s Fire Safety Officer and determined that no further action was needed, the city stated.

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