March 16, 2020
Dear Neighbors;
Chances are, you have all been watching the local and national news pertaining to the COVID-19 virus, also known as the coronavirus. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has been providing frequent updates to the Mayors and Managers of Cuyahoga County as it relates to preventive measures the state is taking to address this evolving situation. According to the Governor, “This is a matter of life and death. We have to do this to save lives.”
While the situation our nation is experiencing is rather concerning, we maintain that there is no need for alarm. The Village of Woodmere is following the directions of the Cuyahoga County Board of Health, the Ohio Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Village is taking an abundance of care to protect our residents and mitigate “community spread.” Although preventive measures are increasing, and many will encounter an increased disruption in ordinary life, these decisions are being made to keep our community safe, as well as other people in nearby cities, and states.
- Woodmere Village Safety and Service personnel will periodically provide residents with literature on hygiene and social distancing as recommended by the CDC.
- Orange Senior Center will be cancelled through April 3, 2020.
- Village employees will continue to respond to residential calls; however, Woodmere Village police officers may not enter residents’ homes unless the emergency necessitates.
- Village Hall will be cleaned regularly but the Administration reserves the right to limit access to the public as recommended by the Cuyahoga Chiefs Association.
- Residents are encouraged to avoid in-person visits to Village Hall and instead use the website where possible, www.woodmerevillage.com, U.S Postal Service, email, or call respective departments for needs or questions.
- For further assistance, please call Village Hall at (216) 831-9511.
To slow transmission of the COVID-19 and other infectious respiratory diseases (including the flu), we encourage everyone, especially older adults and those susceptible to:
- Stay at home when you are sick.
- Avoid contact with people who are sick.
- Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds or longer and then dry hands with a clean towel or air dry.
- Cover your mouth with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands or after touching surfaces.
- Clean and disinfect “high-touch” surfaces often (counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables.
- Call before visiting your doctor.
The Ohio Department of Health has also set up a call center for questions surrounding the COVID-19 virus. The call center is open seven days a week from 9am to 8pm and can be reached at 1-833-427-5634. United Way 2-1-1 Help Center provides free and confidential 24-hour access to a professional who will review your options, develop a plan, and act as your advocate. In an effort to educate ourselves with facts not fear, please visit www.coronavirus.ohio.gov.
As a community, we will get through this situation. The Village stands ready to provide assistance where possible. Thank you for your cooperation, understanding, and partnership during these unprecedented times.
Sincerely,
Benjamin I. Holbert, III
Mayor
Village of Woodmere