'Toughest Weeks' Ahead, Cleveland Heights City Council Says

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH — The new coronavirus could peak in Ohio in coming weeks and Cleveland Heights City Council is urging residents to stay home. The council sent an open letter to the community, asking for continued cooperation with CDC guidelines.

"We have been cautioned by Gov. [Mike ] DeWine and Dr. [Amy] Acton that we may be entering the toughest weeks since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is more important than ever that we stay at home unless it is essential to go out (e.g. grocery shopping, doctor visits, work in an essential function)," city council said in its letter.

The first COVID-19 cases in Ohio were confirmed on March 9. As of April 13, Ohio has recorded at least 6,975 COVID-19 cases and 274 deaths.

Cleveland Heights has closed its facilities to the public, but essential services — like police patrols and trash collection — continue unabated. The city has also removed parking fees at public lots, with the hope residents will be encouraged to get take-out from local restaurants.

"If you are experiencing financial hardship and need assistance, please call 2-1-1 or visit the Help Center, which provides free and confidential 24-hour access for those who need help the most. Cleveland Heights senior citizens can also call the Office on Aging at 216-691-7377. Our staff are working remotely so you may need to leave a message but please reach out to us if you are in need," council said.

Cleveland Heights City Council meetings are being streamed online for residents.

"We are your elected officials, but we are also your friends, neighbors and fellow community members. We’re here for you. We ask that you continue to look out for each other as we always have. This is a unique and unprecedented time for us all and we are, in some cases, learning as we go. We thank you for your patience and for your continued willingness to practice the safety measures that have been ordered. We are a strong, diverse, and united community – we are #ClevelandHeightsAllTogether," the letter finished.