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Chris' Corner: OABA Joins Coalition to Stop the Spread

Individual action and vigilance encouraged to protect Ohio's agriculture industry

Chris Henney CroppedDear Member,

I am pleased to announce that the Ohio AgriBusiness Association has recently joined the Coalition to Stop the Spread. Led by the Ohio Business Roundtable, the Coalition consists of businesses, nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher learning and other Ohio organizations that recognize the threat COVID-19 presents to our health and our economy.

Coalition members understand that employees are on the frontlines of the fight. The agriculture industry has experienced firsthand the effects of COVID-19 on our personal and professional lives. With surging cases in Ohio, it is more important than ever to Stop the Spread to keep our businesses open.

We know now what we didn’t know in March: COVID-19 is more infectious, lasts longer, causes more serious complications and kills far more people than the flu. While it’s important to protect grandma and grandpa, it doesn’t just affect the elderly; about a quarter of all deaths are among those younger than 65. And it has recently become clear that the virus spreads easily in households, with one study finding that 51% of people living with an infected person also caught the disease.

While Ohioans will soon have access to vaccines, we must remain vigilant to protect Ohio’s businesses and jobs.  

It starts with individuals, as only they can stop the spread. As a role model at work, in your family, among your friends and in our community, your actions speak volumes to others and could save their lives. Please join me and others throughout Ohio to slow the spread of coronavirus by encouraging your friends to:

  • Wear a mask, even where no law or business mandates it.
  • Keep your distance from any person outside of your immediate household, at least six feet apart.
  • Avoid indoor activities where masks are not worn – even with your close family or friends if you don’t live in the same house.
  • Wash your hands often.
  • Get tested if you feel sick and avoid others until the tests come back.
  • Keep up your guard. It’s hard, but necessary to keep our jobs.
  • Encourage others to follow these guidelines.

I am proud of the steps Ohio’s agribusinesses have taken to stop the spread in your communities, while retaining a high commitment to serving your customers. As we head into the winter months, I encourage you to stick to the fight, to keep our businesses open and our employees healthy.

 

Sincerely,

Christopher Henney, CAE

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

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