7 Avon Lake Residents Have Died From The New Coronavirus

AVON LAKE, OH — Seven Avon Lake residents have died due to complications from the new coronavirus, Mayor Greg Zilka announced this week. City officials said 48 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 since the start of the outbreak.

Three Avon Lake residents died this week, Zilka said. They were all men in their 80s and 90s.

There has been an outbreak of COVID-19 at the Main Street Towne Center Community Campus in Avon Lake. Patients at the nursing home began exhibiting symptoms of the virus early last week.

On Thursday, Zilka also announced there were five new confirmed cases of COVID-19 among Avon Lake residents.

Even as officials grapple with the medical consequences of the virus' spread, state and federal leaders have turned their attention to reopening the economy. Gov. Mike DeWine said this week Ohio would begin a soft open of the state on May 1, with gradual lifting of orders. Ohio also joined a coalition of Midwestern states looking to reboot their economies.

Discussion of how to safely restart business prompted a conference call with mayors from around Northeast Ohio.

"In a conference call today with Dr. Rebecca Stark, head of the Avon Cleveland Clinic, and mayors from Lorain County and several from Cuyahoga County, the possible opening up of some parts of our economy was discussed," Zilka said in a message to the community. "It was stated that there needs to be more testing before businesses can realistically re-open. The governor’s cautious approach was acknowledged. Social distancing and the wearing of masks will likely be required as we move forward."