City of Cleveland Provides General Updates on Coronavirus & Safety - Update #136

Wednesday, July 15, 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.

104 New Confirmed Coronavirus Cases Reported in Cleveland

The Cleveland Department of Public Health (CDPH) has been notified of 104 more confirmed cases coronavirus in city residents and no new fatalities. This brings the total to 3,394 confirmed cases in the City of Cleveland and 77 fatalities. The new confirmed cases include males and females whose ages range from under 1 year old to their 90s. An additional 40 probable cases were identified bringing the total probable cases to 527. CDPH is working to identify their close contacts who would require testing or monitoring for COVID-19 symptoms.

As of today, there are 65,287 confirmed cases and 2,819 fatalities in the State of Ohio. There are more than 3.46 million confirmed cases and 136,940 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. 

Mask Ordinance Amended & Approved by Cleveland City Council

Today, Cleveland City Council amended and approved the mandatory use of masks in public spaces as well as certain penalties for individuals and businesses that do not comply. On July 3, Mayor Jackson signed an amended order mandating the use of masks in public in the City of Cleveland to slow the spread of the highly contagious coronavirus. This includes mandatory use in bars, restaurants, shared office settings, rideshares and other shared spaces.

Citations may be issued with fines for the following:

  • Any business or person violating the mask or safe-seating order (which maintains social distancing of at least six feet between patrons) is subject to civil penalties. Following the issuance of a warning, there is a $25 fine per violation. 
  • Any City business with an employee who becomes ill with the coronavirus, is required to immediately disinfect and sanitize the premises. Following the issuance of a warning, a $1,000 fine may be issued for each violation.  If that fine is ignored, the business could face a $3,000 fine for each violation.

Mayor Jackson Swears in New Commissioner of Water Pollution Control

Today, Mayor Jackson swore in Ramona Lowery as the Commissioner of Water Pollution Control (WPC). Lowery has 24 years of public service experience. She previously served as Deputy Commissioner for WPC, the sewer maintenance division of the city of Cleveland’s Department of Public Utilities. Click here to view her headshot.

Prior to joining WPC in 2015, Ramona served as Manager of Operations & Maintenance for the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District. Before that, she was Sewer Superintendent/Project Manager for the City of Shaker Heights.  In 1996, Ramona started her career at WPC as the first female and first Black Engineer.

Ramona received her Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Cleveland State University in 1996 and a dual Masters in Business Administration/Public Administration from the University of Phoenix in 2009.

City Announces Neighborhood Street Improvements in Ward 12

During the week of July 20, 2020 the City of Cleveland’s Residential Resurfacing will begin in Ward 12. 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 September 2020.

  • Baxter Avenue (East 65th Street to Broadway Avenue)
  • Crete Avenue (Interstate-77 Ramp to End)
  • Hurley Avenue (West 21st Street to West 23rd Street)
  • Oak Avenue (East 71st Street to End)
  • Claasen (East 67th Street to East 71st Street)
  • Sykora Road (Independence Road to East 46th Street)
  • East 59th Street (Park Avenue to Harvard Avenue)
  • Irma Avenue (East 71st Street to E 74th Street)
  • Dercum Road (Jones Road to Worley 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’ approaches 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 rating to streets that are fair condition.
  • The City estimates it will employ this method on 13 residential streets.

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

*Editor’s Note: Road construction invariably presents hazards to the public. All travelers are urged to use caution in construction zones. Public safety and the safety of workers is a top priority.

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 15,165 meals distributed from when the service began on March 21 through July 11.

City Planning and Other Volunteers Hold 2020 Census Blitz​

On July 14, more than 100 volunteers participated in the 2020 Census Blitz, which aimed to promote the 2020 Census in low response areas of the City of Cleveland. The Count CLE team targeted 80 hard to count census tracts. Click here to view photos from the event.

The 2020 Census is a critical initiative that will impact the City of Cleveland over the next decade. In times, such as the current pandemic, Census data is especially important in funding programs like SNAP.

Despite the added challenges of this Census due to COVID-19, City employees and partners remain committed to the 2020 Census. The Census deadline has been extended through October 31, which offers a better opportunity to reach a complete and accurate count during the pandemic. The Count CLE Team is planning several initiatives designed to increase the response rate for the City of Cleveland. Census enumerators will be deployed in early August to do door-to-door non-response follow up. We encourage all Clevelanders to “Fill out the Form” by phone, by mail or [2020census.gov]online. 

Bulk Pick-Up to Resume Regular Schedule Beginning in August

Beginning in the month of August 2020 bulk pick-up will operate on its regular schedule. Bulk pick-up will be conducted on the first full week of each month on residents’ regular collection day. Residents should follow regular bulk pick-up guidelines.

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 loose bags are not bulk items. ​
  • Carpet must be cut and rolled into 3-foot long pieces and must not exceed 40 pounds

The Division of Waste also reminds residents of the following waste regulations:

  • Only waste in officially issued City carts will be accepted and loose trash or bags outside City roll carts will not be accepted
  • The following will be not be accepted in or outside of roll carts: construction materials, paints, hazardous waste, bricks, dirt, concrete, cinder blocks, auto parts, loose metal items, medical waste or fluorescent tubes
  • Do not place hot charcoal ashes in roll carts
  • Do not place ammunition or explosives in City cart. Contact the Division of Police for instructions
  • Roll cart lids must close
  • Do not place carts behind parked cars
  • Place black cart and blue three feet apart on tree lawn
  • No more than 20 bags of yard waste per collection

For more info about waste collection, please call Cleveland’s Division of Waste Collection at (216) 664-3711.

The West Side Market Announces New Hours of Operation

Effective August 3, 2020, the West Side Market will be open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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 134 total customers
  • CWD has reconnected 1,613 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 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/

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:

07.15.2020COVID19Update.pdf