Painesville and the Covid-19 Coronavirus

As the country and world prepares for the Covid-19 pandemic, it is important for us as a community to practice healthy illness prevention habits to avoid the spread of diseases. This is an ever-changing situation that we are working with the Lake County General Health District on. While we cannot predict what tomorrow holds, we can help in prevention. Please take the following steps seriously: 
 
1.     Practice proper illness precautions
    • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
    • Cover your mouth with a tissue or sleeve when sneezing or coughing
    • Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands
    • Practice proper hygiene, get plenty of sleep, drink water and have a healthy diet
 
2.     Stay home if you are sick
We cannot emphasize this enough, if you think you may be ill, stay home. You are doing more harm to your friends, coworkers and neighbors than good by going out when you are sick and infecting those around you.

 
3.     Clean “high-touch” areas at work
High-touch surfaces include counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets or any surface that may come into contact with body fluids. Make sure there is proper ventilation when using these products.

 
4.     Limit Social Interaction
Please practice social distancing. Live your normal life but try to keep your distance from others. The health district recommends six feet between people. Avoid handshakes, hugs and other forms of contact.
 
The CDC and Ohio Governor recommend avoiding mass gatherings and to maintain your distance at all times. Evaluate the risks when going to parks, libraries and fitness centers.
 
And finally, avoid unnecessary travel. Order online, cook at home, take advantage of curbside pick up, watch movies on a streaming device, call a friend, etc. Now is not the time for unnecessary trips to the store or visiting friends and family in other areas. Stick close to home and utilize technology to help combat the spread of illness.
 

Because the city wants to be as transparent as possible with our residents and businesses, below are some answers to questions you’ve been asking.

Who is making decisions locally and how will I know about them?
The city and all communities in Lake County are following the Lake County General Health District’s direction. For the most up-to-date information, go to https://www.lcghd.org/2019-novel-coronavirus-ncov/
 
There is also an internal crisis team doing daily (sometimes hourly) updates between city staff and residents to ensure safety. This team includes the City Manager, Assistant City Manager, Police Chief and staff, Fire Chief and staff, Communication Coordinator and Human Resources. All relevant updates will be posted on the city’s social media sites (@CityofPainesville) and online at www.painesville.com.
 
Along with the LCGHD, we are collaborating with the Lake County Emergency Management Agency, the Governor of the State of Ohio, the county Police Chiefs, the county Fire Chiefs, and all the Mayors/Managers of Lake County to make informed decisions.
  
Will the Coronavirus come to Painesville?
It is quite likely that we will see cases of Covid-19 in Painesville. It is important to note that just getting sick is not a death sentence. Those at high risk, however, should take extra precaution.
 
Who is at the highest risk?
At this point, it appears people in their fifties (50s) particularly in the 58-59 age group seem to be the highest risk when they have a chronic medical condition like heart disease, diabetes and lung disease. The elderly and immune deficient seem to be particular vulnerable to complications of Covid-19 which could be deadly.
 
Will city services be affected?
Painesville plans to continue to provide all services to its customers as is. However, we evaluate our staffing numbers daily. In an event that there is a serious outbreak, essential personnel will still be here to provide essential services to our residents like fire, police, water, sewer, electric and communication. Non-essential personnel will be sent home. We will continue to use open communication via social media, our website and press releases to keep you informed.
 
How can you help our staff? You can take simple steps to help our staff stay healthy. Pay your utility bills online or via phone to avoid contact in City Hall. Call or email questions to the proper department rather than showing up in person. And finally, have a little patience in the coming weeks. If we do need to call off non-essential personnel, it may mean delays in our normal office processes.

 
Thank you for your patience and understanding. Our number one goal is the safety and well being of our residents and community.
 
- Painesville City Council & Painesville City Staff