Contacts:
Joint Information Center: JIC@cuyahogacounty.us; 216-443-5245


CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH — Today the Cuyahoga County Board of Health held their daily media briefing regarding COVID-19 at their offices at 5550 Venture Drive, Parma, Ohio 44130 at 4:00 p.m. The briefings will continue until the COVID-19 situation no longer merits daily messaging.

Below are points discussed by Cuyahoga County Board of Health Medical Director, Dr. Heidi Gullett:

Cases

• The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases as of today is 24, 21 in the Cuyahoga County Board of Health’s jurisdiction. The date of onset ranges from February 29-March 15. There are currently two hospitalizations and zero deaths.
• No information on the names or locations of the individuals who test positive will be released to protect their health information.

Testing

• Testing is recommended for people who are symptomatic. We are currently not at the point to test those that are asymptomatic.
• If your doctor’s office is closed, still try to call the office as they may have a call line set up so they can advise you if you need to quarantine.

Social Distancing

• It’s important to limit exposure—this way you are less likely to contract or spread the virus. Limiting exposure also helps protect vulnerable populations such as seniors or those with compromised immune systems.
• While this infection seems to be affecting people that are older and those with compromised immune systems, anyone can get this virus. Young people can have a less significant infection but can still pass it on to others.
• Many employers are now allowing their employees to work remotely.
• Restaurants are closed for in-person business but can still do carry-out and delivery.

Flattening the Curve

• Working to flatten the curve means taking public health measures and developing strategies to decrease the potential number of people who contract the virus so that public health services are not overwhelmed by patients requiring critical aid.

Closures

• The Governor of Ohio has issued the closure of public places that make social distancing difficult, including gyms and movie theaters.
• All events or gatherings of 50 or more people will be cancelled for the next 8 weeks.

Non-Essential Community Activities/Appointments

• Seniors should not attend non-essential medical appointments and should stay home unless they have a medical emergency.

Humanity

• We are all in this together—no one is immune from this. It is important that we take this time to be kind to one another.
• Remember the public health staff that are putting their lives at risk—it’s important that they have our respect.

For more information from the Board of Health, visit https://www.ccbh.net/.

For information from the CDC, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html.

For information from the Ohio Department of Health, visit https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/ or call 1-833-4-ASKODH.