'Alter Holiday Plans': Shaker Heights Mayor

SHAKER HEIGHTS, OH — Mayor David Weiss is urging Shaker Heights residents to limit Thanksgiving celebrations to their own households and avoid gathering with friends and families.

"Data is showing that even small gatherings of friends and family are causing infections to spread rapidly and as these gatherings move indoors, there is even more risk for spread. I know how difficult it is to reconsider and alter holiday plans, but if we do so this year, I believe that soon, especially with promising vaccines on the horizon, we can again gather and begin to return to normal," Weiss said in a message to the community.

In recent weeks, Gov. Mike DeWine has issued a curfew (in place from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.) and Cuyahoga County implemented a stay-at-home advisory. Both moves come as Ohio's hospitals strain under an unprecedented statewide surge of COVID-19 cases.

"We are really at an inflection point as we head into the winter. Our hospitals and front line workers, many of whom are neighbors, are at risk of being overwhelmed by this surge. Let’s protect them and each other by doing all we can to mitigate the spread of the virus," Weiss said.