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. Governor Mike DeWine has also issued mandatory face mask order for all of Ohio.

Effective immediately:

1. Mandatory masks for all individuals (residents and visitors) 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 passed legislation dealing with penalties and the mayor signed it. Individuals could face fines of $25, as could ride-sharing drivers for each passenger not wearing a mask. Council added a provision that individuals first get a warning.

Businesses that don't comply with city rules for dining establishments would first be warned, but then could face an initial fine of $1,000 and subsequent fines of $3,000.

Meanwhile, there are now 93,963 cases of coronavirus infections in Ohio under the new expanded criteria in all counties in the state and 3,539 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. 

Almost 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, 10,992 are hospitalized with at least 2,560 in the ICU. The age range of those infected runs from a baby to a 109 year old. 

There are 4,839 cases in the city of Cleveland including those under the expanded definition, with 89 deaths. In Cuyahoga County there are more than 12,753 cases and more than 477 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. But that is changing.

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.