Contacts:
Devyn Giannetti, Cuyahoga County: (216) 225-9813; dgiannetti@cuyahogacounty.us 
Nancy Kelsey, City of Cleveland: (216) 857-4503; covid19media@clevelandohio.gov 
Kevin Brennan, Cuyahoga County Board of Health: (216) 313-4227; kbrennan@ccbh.net

Beginning Today, Residents Should Stay Home Due to Rapid Rise of COVID-19 Cases

CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH - Cuyahoga County, the City of Cleveland and their respective Boards of Health have issued a Stay at Home Advisory beginning today, November 18, and ending Thursday, December 17, 2020.

The Advisory encourages Cuyahoga County residents to stay home to the greatest extent possible due to the rapid rise of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in the county. Residents are advised to only leave their home to go to work or school, or for essential needs such as seeking medical care, purchasing essential items from a grocery store or pharmacy, picking up prepared food, or receiving deliveries.

Additionally, residents are strongly advised to avoid traveling in and out of the State of Ohio and to forgo having guests in their homes or residences during the upcoming holiday.

This Advisory aligns with all orders set forth by Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Health. Governor DeWine will also be establishing a statewide curfew expected to go into effect on Thursday, November 19.

“This virus is spreading very fast, and it needs to be taken seriously,” said County Executive Armond Budish. “Positive cases are skyrocketing and we have lost way too many residents to this virus. If we don’t do something and do it now, we are putting everyone at greater risk. We’re putting this Stay at Home Advisory in place to help keep you and your loved ones safe and healthy. We will overcome this, but only if we all work together to make it happen.”

“We knew another surge in COVID-19 cases was headed our way but this is an unprecedented increase that poses a great risk to many Clevelanders,” said Cleveland Mayor Frank G. Jackson. “The pace of the spike outpaced our ramp-up in anticipation of another surge in COVID-19 cases. We join the County in taking these steps to help keep all Clevelanders safe. In addition, continue to do the things we know help slow the spread: maintain social distancing, avoid mass gatherings, wash your hands frequently and above all wear a mask when outside of your home.”

"We are at a critical point in this pandemic," said Cuyahoga County Board of Health Commissioner Terry Allan. "Cases, hospitalizations and fatalities are rising by the day. This advisory reflects the urgent need for us to come together and do all that we can to stop the spread of illness within our communities."

Read the full resolution.

About Cuyahoga County

Cuyahoga County is focused on Economic growth and Opportunity, Fairness and Equity and a Government That Gets Results. We believe that we can create and support a vibrant and prosperous region where everyone thrives and all things are possible. For more information on Cuyahoga County please visit cuyahogacounty.us. Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CuyahogaCounty Twitter: https://twitter.com/CuyahogaCounty Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cuyahogacounty/ and sign up for our newsletter: https://cuyahogacounty.us/county-news/newsletter-registration.

About the City of Cleveland

The City of Cleveland is committed to improving the quality of life for its residents by strengthening neighborhoods, delivering superior services, embracing diversity and making Cleveland a desirable, safe city in which to live, work, play, and do business. For more information on the City of Cleveland, visit online at www.clevelandohio.gov, Twitter at @cityofcleveland or Facebook at www.facebook.com/cityofcleveland.