City of Cleveland Provides General Updates on Coronavirus & Safety Protocols - Update #128

Wednesday, July 8, 2020

CLEVELAND –The City of Cleveland continues to take numerous precautions across multiple departments and divisions amid increasing cases of coronavirus (COVID-19). Below are some important updates. Mayor Frank G. Jackson signed an order on June 24, extending the City’s Proclamation of Civil Emergency through July 31, 2020. The order was amended to include a mask mandate on July 3. Click here to view the order.

Essential services such as Police, Fire, EMS, waste collection and Utilities will remain operational.

100 New Confirmed Coronavirus Cases Reported in Cleveland

The Cleveland Department of Public Health (CDPH) has been notified of 100 more confirmed test results for coronavirus in residents of the city and no new fatalities. This brings the total to 2,846 confirmed cases in the City of Cleveland and 77 fatalities. The average age of individuals in today’s new reported cases is 39. The new confirmed cases include males and females whose ages range from under 7 years old to their 70s. An additional three probable cases were also identified bringing the total probable cases to 387. NOTE: The number of probable cases in today’s update is a correction from yesterday’s total probable case count. One previously reported case was transferred to the County from the City, as it was discovered the individual was not a Clevelander. CDPH is working to identify their close contacts who would require testing or monitoring for COVID-19 symptoms.

“This is the first day that Cleveland has seen the number of new coronavirus cases reach triple digits,” Mayor Jackson said. “Wearing masks is no longer optional under my order and Governor DeWine’s. And the spike in number illustrates why it is important that individuals wear masks and take extra precautions to stay safe.”

The Mayor added, “The average age of those infected is below 40 which demonstrates something all young people need to hear – this virus does not discriminate by age. Even if you catch the virus and show no symptoms, you can pass it on to others. The chance of infecting others goes up even more if you encounter them without wearing a mask.”

As of today, there are 56,384 confirmed cases and 2,737 fatalities in the State of Ohio. There are more than 3 million confirmed cases and 131,960 deaths in the U.S.​​​

The City of Cleveland COVID-19 Dashboard displays the most recent preliminary data from the Ohio Department of Health about COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, deaths and recoveries in Cleveland by selected demographics. View the dashboard here. For individuals’ privacy, CDPH will not be releasing any additional demographic info related to COVID-19 cases aside from age range and gender.

Update on Utility Shutoff Moratorium

While the Ohio EPA’s order suspending water disconnections expires on July 10, the Department of Public Utilities’ (DPU) moratorium on both water and electric disconnections remains in effect until further notice.

The City of Cleveland suspended utility disconnection as part of Mayor Jackson’s Proclamation of Civil Emergency on March 13, well in advance of Governor DeWine and the Ohio EPA’s order on March 31. Because Mayor Jackson has extended the Proclamation of Civil Emergency until July 31, the City will continue its moratorium beyond the July 10 date.

City staff is currently in the process of evaluating policies and procedures for when disconnections for non-payment are reinstated. This is being done with great concern and awareness for the financial difficulties and other vulnerabilities many of our customers are currently facing due to the pandemic.

Considerations include having financial relief tools in place in addition to current affordability programs, coordinating with outside agencies to refer customers to for additional relief, and offering extended payment plan options. Also being evaluated are efforts to ensure customers receive plenty of notice prior to any shut-off occurring in addition to the current multi-notice procedures.

A date when the moratorium will be lifted and any corresponding changes will be communicated to customers via multiple methods, including brochures included with bills and City and department websites and social media. Customers should watch these outlets for updates.

Grab and Go Meals for Youth at Recreation Centers
The City of Cleveland continues to work with its partner, the Children’s Hunger Alliance, to offer grab and go meals outside of the recreation centers. There have been 14,444 meals distributed from when the service began on March 21 through July 4.

City Announces Street Improvements in Ward 9

During the week of July 13, 2020 the City of Cleveland’s Residential Resurfacing will begin in Ward 9. Advance notice signs will be posted to advise the public of road improvements. The following streets will be resurfaced and completed by the end of August 2020.

  • East 123rd Street (Oakland Avenue to Wade Park Avenue)
  • Oakland Avenue (East 120th Street to Lakeview Road)
  • Park Lane (East 105th Street to East 107th Street)
  • Orville Avenue (East 110th Street to East 115th Street)
  • Tacoma Avenue (East 111th Street to East 114th Street)
  • East 93rd Street (Adams Avenue to St. Clair Avenue)

One lane of traffic will be maintained for local traffic for the duration of each project and no detours are expected. Access to all businesses, residences and side streets will be maintained during construction. On-street parking will not be allowed during construction.

2020 Road Resurfacing Project Description:

  • This work represents an investment of $12 million in the City’s Residential Roadways.
  • With the completion of the Pavement Management Study in 2017 and the continued evaluation of the City’s roadway network, the City has a grading system that allows streets in the greatest need of resurfacing to be selected for repair. The City is using the ‘worst first’ approach for road resurfacing.
  • The City estimates it will resurface approximately 91 residential streets in 2020.
  • The City will also be using the ‘fix-it-first” approach to restore a high pavement condition rating to streets that are fair condition.
  • The City estimates it will employ this method on 13residential streets.

Questions? Contact Cherita Anglen at (216) 420-7605.

City Announces Neighborhood Street Improvements in Ward 11

During the week of July 13, 2020 the City of Cleveland’s Residential Resurfacing will begin in Ward 11. Advance notice signs will be posted to advise the public of road improvements. The following streets will be resurfaced and completed by the end of August 2020.

  • Desmond Avenue (West Boulevard to West 95th Street)
  • West 125th Street (Grimsby Avenue to Firsby Avenue)
  • West 123rd Street (Sobieski Avenue to Grimsby Avenue)
  • West 106th Street (Madison Avenue to Western Avenue)
  • West 128th Street (North Avenue to Worthington Avenue)

One lane of traffic will be maintained for local traffic for the duration of each project and no detours are expected. Access to all businesses, residences and side streets will be maintained during construction. On-street parking will not be allowed during construction.

Questions? Contact Cherita Anglen at (216) 420-7605.

REMINDER: City Excise Tax Payment Extension

The City of Cleveland is extending payment deadlines for the following excise tax returns to alleviate administrative burden for businesses that are facing operational impacts from the coronavirus public health emergency:

  • Admissions tax due April 30, May 30 and June 30
  • Motor Vehicle Lessor (rental car) tax due April 30, May 31 and June 30
  • Parking tax due April 20, May 20 and June 20
  • Transient Occupancy (hotel or lodging) tax due April 30, May 31 and June 30

The Commissioner of the Division of Assessments and Licenses is authorized to extend excise tax (admissions, parking, motor vehicle lessor and transient occupancy) payment deadlines to July 20 in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Federal, state and local governments use various strategies to propose due date relief to businesses through tax guidance and legislation. This proposal extends the April, May and June excise tax payment due dates to July 20 without incurring interest and penalties. The goal is to provide cash flow flexibility to taxpayers that cannot timely pay their excise tax obligation and provide guidance to individual taxpayer(s) through administrative rulings to address issues resulting from the national pandemic on a case by case request including statutory timing deadlines of administrative processes.

Federal, State and Local Tax Deadline Extension Reminder

The Ohio House voted to extend the state’s income tax return deadline to July 15. This is the same date for local and federal taxes. View the bill summary with additional provisions here.

Department of Public Utilities Customer Reconnection Updates

While business is operating as normal, the Public Utilities Building is closed to the public.  Cleveland Water and Cleveland Public Power have temporarily stopped disconnection of residential services for non-payment. Cleveland Water customers should call (216) 664-3130 and Cleveland Public Power customers should call (216) 664-4600 for service restoration.

Cleveland Water Pollution Control (WPC) Customer Service lobby remains open to the public to purchase permits and review maps. The WPC office at 12302 Kirby Ave. is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Report emergencies 24/7 by calling (216) 664-2513. To date:

  • CPP has reconnected 131 total customers
  • CWD has reconnected 1,554 total customers

Cleveland Water customers can make payments and manage their account at myclevelandwater.com or by calling (216) 664-3130. Questions can be submitted via the inquiry form at clevelandwater.com/ask-a-question. CPP customers can make payments and manage their account at cpp.org. Inquiries and questions can be submitted via www.cpp.org/Contact

Cleveland Water and CPP customers may also use the dropbox located at 1201 Lakeside Ave. Please include name and account number along with payment. Multiple accounts must be on separate checks.

Other Important Reminders

Mayor Jackson Announces Restart CLE

Mayor Frank G. Jackson has unveiled his strategic plan for the recovery of Cleveland’s economy amid the coronavirus pandemic. As the city began this recovery planning process, it engaged experts from Cleveland State University and local medical institutions and made a deliberate choice to build from a health and medical perspective in order to protect those at risk from the coronavirus and then incorporate economic and social support to help the people and businesses who need assistance.

View Mayor Jackson’s full plan here.

View Mayor Jackson’s Facebook Live announcement here.

List: Cleveland COVID-19 Testing Sites

Testing for those with COVID-19 symptoms or who have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 is available at the local federally-qualified health centers (FQHCs) below:

Neighborhood Family Practice

  • W. 117 Community Health Center – 11709 Lorain Ave.
  • By appointment only
  • Tests are available regardless of one’s ability to pay
  • Call (216) 281-0872 for information or to schedule an appointment
  • Results are back in one to three days

Care Alliance

  • Central Clinic - 2916 Central Ave.
  • Drive-thru and walk-up testing, by appointment only
  • Tests are free of charge to the patient
  • Call the COVID-19 Nurse Line at (216) 535-9100 and press 6
  • Testing done Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Results are back in 24 to 48 hours

The Centers

  • East Office – 4400 Euclid Ave.
  • Drive-thru and walk-up testing, by appointment only
  • Tests are free of charge to the patient
  • Call (216) 325-WELL (9355) to talk with an access specialist, be triaged by a nurse, and schedule your telehealth visit with one of our providers for screening for a test
  • Testing takes place on Wednesdays, following a Tuesday telehealth visit (required)

Check out ODH’s website for a map of testing sites: https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/testing-ch-centers/

COVID-19 Rental Assistance Program Applications Now Available

CHN Housing Partners and EDEN, Inc. announced today the details of the COVID-19 Rental Assistance Program funded by the City of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County. The program is designed to help residents of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County who are having difficulty making rental payments due to the economic impact of the pandemic and who meet income eligibility requirements. Those interested can apply at www.neorenthelp.org.

Cleveland Mayor Frank G. Jackson’s administration allocated $11.3 million as part of the Mayor’s Restart CLE plan aimed at helping the City’s residents and businesses recover from the adverse effects of the coronavirus pandemic. In addition, County Executive Budish’s administration allocated $6.8 million. The funds are a mix of Community Development Block Grant dollars and dollars from the Coronavirus Relief Fund provided by the CARES Act. 

“The rental assistance program is intended to alleviate the burden on Clevelanders needing assistance as a result of the coronavirus pandemic,” said Mayor Frank G. Jackson. “It is our intent that this assistance helps ease renters’ worries by providing resources during these stressful and uncertain times.”

CHN is the entry point to access rental assistance as well as a broad array of housing, financial counseling and referral resources. Depending on the nature of the financial hardship, Cleveland residents may be referred to EDEN for longer-term assistance.

Eligible households are those earning 120 percent of Area Median Income or less, which is up to $90,000 in annual income for a family of four.

Eligible applicants will receive up to three months of rental assistance which will be paid directly to the landlord. Priority is given based on criteria such as eviction status, accurate information and complete documentation.

Residents should go online to www.neorenthelp.org in order to apply. They must have specific documentation in order to quality.

Required documents include:

  • Verification of COVID-19 related hardship (loss of income, illness or increased expenses)
  • Photo identification for all adults in the home
  • Social Security cards for all household members
  • Proof of income (tax returns, paystubs or fixed income benefit award letter)
  • Lease agreement
  • Proof of citizenship
  • Copies of utility bills

CHN will also screen applicants for utility assistance programs that may help make their electric, gas and water/sewer bills more affordable. Those who qualify for rental assistance may be required to attend more in-depth financial counseling, provided by CHN, as a condition for rental assistance.

A hotline has been set up to answer questions. That number is 833-377-RENT (7368). No applications can be taken over the phone. Residents are encouraged to apply online at www.neorenthelp.org and can be completed with a mobile phone. A paper application can be printed out, completed and emailed to info@neorenthelp.org or left in the rental assistance drop box at CHN’s offices located on the first floor of 2999 Payne Ave.

Modified Bulk Pick-Up Schedule 

Bulk pick-up has been rescheduled for the weeks of July 6 and July 13. Residents should follow regular bulk pick-up guidelines. We appreciate residents’ patience as we adjust our plans to keep our workers safe through the coronavirus pandemic. As a reminder, residents are permitted to up to three bulk items on tree lawns. More info on proper disposal:

  • Residents may leave out for collection items such as appliances, tables, chairs, mattresses, box springs, couches and furniture.
  • All mattresses, box springs and cloth furniture must be wrapped in plastic.
  • In addition to the three items, residents may leave out up to four tires.
  • The city does not accept construction material.
  • Boxes and bags are not bulk items.

City of Cleveland Now Accepting Applications for Recovery Response Fund

On Thursday, June 11, Mayor Jackson announced a grant program available for businesses impacted by the civil unrest of May 30, 2020. The City of Cleveland has been engaged with Cuyahoga County, the Greater Cleveland Partnership, Downtown Cleveland Alliance (DCA) and the Cleveland Foundation to provide assistance to re-opening businesses and developed a one-stop application. Impacted businesses looking for financial assistance should apply through DCA at the following link: https://form.jotform.com/201656956665064. Impacted businesses throughout the City are encouraged to apply.

County, State & Federal Updates and Reminders

CodeRED

Sign up for CodeRED alerts to receive calls and emails from the administration with important info regarding Coronavirus. To sign up online, visit https://bit.ly/CLECodeRED, get mobile alerts by downloading the CodeRED app via the Apple or Google Play stores. Seniors who need assistance signing up are welcome to call the Department of Aging at 216-664-4383 for periodic phone call messaging.

Previous COVID-19 Updates from the City of Cleveland

Click here to view previous updates.

For more information about COVID-19, visit the following:

About the City of Cleveland

The City of Cleveland is committed to improving the quality of life of its residents by strengthening neighborhoods, delivering superior services, embracing diversity and making Cleveland a desirable, safe city in which to live, work, play, and do business. For more information on the City of Cleveland, visit online at www.clevelandohio.gov, Twitter at @cityofcleveland, Facebook at www.facebook.com/cityofcleveland, or on our blog at clecityhall.com.

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07.08.2020COVID19Update.pdf