Coronavirus In Ohio: How Lakewood Is Responding

LAKEWOOD, OH — As schools prepare for a mandatory three-week shutdown, other Northeast Ohio institutions are canceling programs and events due to concern over the spread of new coronavirus, COVID-19. Several Lakewood institutions are canceling or postponing programs due to concern over the virus.

"I recognize the disruption to daily routines and planned events, but health and safety are my highest priority. Any step I can take to slow the trajectory of coronavirus spreading in Lakewood is worth that disruption," Mayor Meghan George said.

Ohio now has five confirmed cases of coronavirus, COVID-19, Gov. Mike DeWine announced Thursday afternoon. As the virus continues to spread in Ohio, officials are banning any gathering of more than 100 people and are giving Ohio students an extended spring break of three weeks, starting Tuesday, March 17.

Here's how life in Lakewood is being impacted:

Police and fire

Police and fire crews are being outfitted with protective gear so they can respond safely to situations involving infected persons.

Voting

The polling location at the Westerly Apartments will be moved to Garfield Middle School.

Beck Center

The Beck Center for the Arts is suspending all lessons and classes until at least April 5. Officials promised an update on other programming soon.

Seniors

The Lawther Senior Center will be closed starting Monday. Dining at Fedor Manor will be suspended through April 3, at the earliest. All of Lakewood's Human Services Department senior programming is canceled.

The city's senior services will continue to provide non-emergency transportation. Residents receiving home-order meals will continue to receive home-order meals. Senior tax clinics will continue as scheduled.

Schools

The Lakewood Schools will be shut down for three weeks starting on Tuesday.

Family events

Early childhood programs offered at the Lakewood Family Room and the East End Family Room at Fedor Manor will be canceled through April 3, at the earliest. All H20 after school programs and service work are suspended through April 3, at the earliest.

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny is canceled.

City hall

City hall's non-essential staff are being prepared to work from home.

The city is canceling several community meetings, including:

• Canceled: Lakewood Community Relations Advisory Commission Meeting
  • Thursday, March 12, 2020
• Canceled: Records Commission Meeting
  • Monday, March 16, 2020

• Canceled: Keep Lakewood Beautiful Meeting
  • Wednesday, March 18, 2020
• Canceled: Animal Safety & Welfare Advisory Board
  • Wednesday, March 18, 2020
• Canceled: Civil Service Commission Meeting
  • Thursday, March 19, 2020
• Canceled: Lakewood Youth Council
  • Thursday, March 26, 2020
• Canceled: Lakewood Heritage Advisory Board
  • Thursday, March 26, 2020