CLEVELAND — Cuyahoga County will be closing all of its government service buildings to the public in an effort to help stop the spread of coronavirus, Executive Armond Budish announced Tuesday.
The temporary move will take effect Wednesday, and will attempt to assist in the concept of "social distancing" experts say will lessen the amount of people who contract the virus. Multiple county services will still be available online or over the phon, such as:
- Auto Title
- Children and Family Services
- Child Support Services
- Corrections Center
- Fiscal Operations
- Job and Family Services
- Senior and Adult Services
- Witness Victim Services
"We're going through the biggest crisis most of us have ever known," Budish said in a video message. "We're taking these steps so that public heath services such as hospitals and clinics are not overwhelmed by patients requiring critical aid."
While this affects only county-run facilities, other localities are taking similar measures: Cleveland has closes all of its city offices and limited some of its services, while Akron (Summit County) is asking all non-essential city employees to stay home.
"At this time, residents should expect no change in the level of public services we provide, however they are asked to extend patience and understanding as local government navigates this unprecedented situation, and as circumstances change rapidly," Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan said. "These are temporary measures designed to stop the spread of this disease and save lives. Our focus will be on doing what is necessary to keep the City as safe, clean, and healthy as possible."
The vast majority of the 67 confirmed coronavirus cases in the state are in Northeast Ohio, with 31 in Cuyahoga County alone. Of those 67 people, 17 have been hospitalized.
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