City of Lakewood Response to Coronavirus/COVID-19 Crisis: Water Shut-off Amnesty and COVID-19 Drive-through Testing

Mayor George announced today that no water shut-offs will occur in the City of Lakewood during the coronavirus/COVID-19 crisis.

“Access to clean water is critical to our fundamental strategies to protect public health during the coronavirus crisis. Those that are experiencing financial difficulties should not have to go without running water.” Mayor George said. “Proper hand hygiene is essential to stopping the spread of coronavirus.  If someone’s water is shut off, no matter what the reason, we can’t expect them to stay home and avoid spreading this contagious disease. We have to provide the maximum opportunities for residents of Lakewood to protect themselves and stop the spread to or from others. Keeping clean water flowing is one simple step City Hall can take during this crisis, so we will not be shutting off anyone’s water.”

Also, the Cleveland Clinic announced today that drive-through testing for COVID-19 will be available, starting today, in a University Circle garage.  Please see the link below for more information.

https://newsroom.clevelandclinic.org/2020/03/13/university-hospitals-and-cleveland-clinic-partner-to-provide-drive-through-covid-19-testing/

Mayor George said, “The availability of rapid testing is essential to containing and combating this public health crisis. The drive-through aspect makes an inadvertent spread of the disease in a waiting room less likely.”

From the Cleveland Clinic’s Preparing for Coronavirus/COVID-19 website:

Do you think you may have Coronavirus/COVID-19?  Take these steps:

• Start with a virtual visit using Cleveland Clinic Express Care Online https://my.clevelandclinic.org/online-services/express-care-online or call your primary care physician. You will be advised what to do next.
• Call ahead before going in person to any Cleveland Clinic location.
• Don’t go to your local emergency department for COVID-19 testing. The emergency department is only for those who need the most critical care.*

* If you have chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, a severe headache or other potentially life-threatening problems, go to the nearest emergency department or call 911.

As a reminder, the City asks that residents take common-sense precautions such as:

• Wash your hands with soap and water every two hours, and always for at least 20 seconds each time
• Practice social distancing (stay at least six feet away from people whenever possible)
• Avoid contact with people who are sick.

The City has advised all employees that they should stay home if they are experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness, including temperature over 100.4 degrees. In addition, the City has ordered hand sanitizer, cleaning wipes, and disinfectant sprays for all departments to assist with keeping surface areas clean, especially those that are public-facing.

Residents should check www.onelakewood.com and follow us on social media for further alerts regarding the cancellation of City meetings or events.

For the most up to date information on COVID-19, residents should visit the following websites:

• Centers for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov
• Ohio Department of Health: https://odh.ohio.gov
• Cuyahoga County Board of Health: https://www.ccbh.net/coronavirus/

The Ohio Department of Health has also set up a call center to answer questions regarding the Coronavirus. The call center is open seven days a week, from 9am to 8pm and can be reached at 1-833-427-5634.