• 1300 full-time workforce to stay at home
• Police and essential services workers to continue to work

City of Columbus, Ohio Mayor Andrew Ginther has declared a State of Emergency for the City by signing a declaration drafted by City Attorney Zach Klein with the guidance and counsel of City Council President Shannon Hardin and City Auditor Megan Kilgore.

“This is necessary both for the city to continue to operate and for the protection of our employees and, ultimately, our residents,” said Mayor Andrew Ginther.

He said that, “74% of our employees work on the frontline: police, fire, public health nurses, utility plant operators, refuse collectors, just to name a few. They will continue to work, and the critical city services delivered by these dedicated men and women will continue”.

Starting Wednesday, March 18, 2020, “the city’s remaining full-time workforce – approximately 1,300 people – have been asked to remain at home. Many will be able to work remotely,” said Mayor Ginther.

“All full-time city employees will continue to be paid. Part-time employees will be paid for hours they work”.

He said, “there is no doubt that this is a difficult time. We have little in history to compare it to. But I believe in this city and the resiliency of its residents. We can and will get through this together.”