Current News

Cleveland Mayor Frank G. Jackson has signed an order mandating the wearing of masks in Cleveland as well as other safety precautions during a rise in the cases of Covid-19.

Effective immediately:

1. Mandatory masks for all individuals out in public or in public spaces including businesses, restaurants etc. 
2. Maximum capacity at any bar, restaurant, entertainment venue cannot exceed 50% of allowable capacity and must comply with social distancing standards.
3. Any establishment that upon 2 incidents of violating maximum capacity order will be ordered to shut down.
4. Mass Gathering Orders are still in effect. If incidents of more than 10 persons are gathered not wearing masks, enforcement actions will be taken.
5. If an establishment has an employee or a patron, who has tested positive for Covid-19, then the establishment must be sanitized to the standards of the Cleveland Health Department, failure to demonstrate such sanitization will result in the facility being shut down.

Council will propose, discuss and possibly pass legislation dealing with penalties at the next council meeting, Wednesday, July 15.

There are now 65,592 cases of coronavirus infections in Ohio under the new expanded criteria in all counties in the state and 3,058 deaths. Because of limited testing, many more are likely infected.

Unfortunately, a large percentage of those infected are health care workers. As more testing becomes available, the infection rate has continued to grow. 

Everday at about 2 pm Gov. Dewine holds a press conference to give updates. You can watch it here: http://www.ohiochannel.org/. There is also links to previous press conferences.

Of the cases, 8,842 are hospitalized with 2,158 in the ICU. The age range of those infected runs from a baby to a 109 year old. 

There are 3,433 cases in the city of Cleveland including those under the expanded definition, with 77 deaths. In Cuyahoga County there are more than 8,786 cases and more than 346 deaths. (County numbers included the city of Cleveland cases.) A daily updated dashboard of Cleveland, Cuyahoga and Ohio cases is here: www.clevelandhealth.org/

Health care experts have emphasized social distancing to "flatten the curve" of infections to keep it at a managable level so that hospitals aren't overwhelmed. With it, former Ohio Health Director Dr. Amy Acton said Ohioans adherence to social distancing has made sure hospitals weren't overwhelmed. 

The Ohio Department of Health has set up a special website for residents to get up to date information about Ohio cases, as well information for citizens and resources for businesses, schools, community organizatiosn and more.  The state has also opened a call center - 1-833-427-5634 - open 7 days a week from 9 am to 8 pm for residents to call with questions. 

While Governor DeWine has reopened most businesses the virus is not gone. The most effective way to stop the spread is to wear a mask and keep a distance from others.
 
Because there is no treatment right now, doctors and others are telling people to stay at home if you feel sick. If symptoms get worse, especially shortness of breath call the emergency room before you arrive so they are prepared.

 There are some who have minimal symptoms but can still spread the disease.  

Simple steps everyone should take:

•  Stay home except for essential shopping and then keep your distance from others.
•  Wear a mask when out in public. You can make one with rubberbands and any old t-shirt, towel, or cloth.
• Clean things. Disinfect objects and surfaces often. Wash your hands.
• Call first. If you or a family member are sick and plan to seek care, call first. Doctor and other healthcare partners need to prepare for people who are showing symptoms—or direct you to the appropriate resource.
• Stay informed. Follow and share trusted sources of information like the Ohio Department of Health or the CDC.