July 1, 2020

Keeping Our Community Informed Throughout a Crisis

The past four months have been a true test for us all. COVID-19 became a major issue as we tried to cope with the mounting numbers from a threat we could not see. At the annual Mayors’ Luncheon hosted by the North Coast Chamber of Commerce on March 12th, the head of a major hospital in our area asked the gathering of over 200 people, “What are you all doing here?” It was then that the severity of the pandemic finally began to sink in.

The Avon Lake community experienced its first positive case on March 18th and the numbers have risen steadily since then. By the time you receive this newsletter, it’s likely our community will have surpassed its 115th case of COVID-19, and 13th death, as reported by Lorain County Public Health.

Throughout the months we have relied on the guidance of Governor Mike DeWine and former director of the Ohio Department of Health, Dr. Amy Acton, along with advice from Lorain County Public Health Commissioner David Covell, and Dr. Rebecca Starck, President of Cleveland Clinic Avon Hospital. We have had to make a number of difficult decisions that have had an effect on everyone in the community in some way. As the governor ordered the closing of schools and businesses, our city government had to decide the safest path forward with regard to parks, playgrounds, the Ellen Trivanovich
Aquatic Center, as well as the Independence Day celebration and many summer events and gatherings. The safety of our residents and community is our primary concern.

We look forward to a time when restrictions can be eased. In the meantime, please do your part for the health of the community – practice social distancing, wash your hands, and wear a mask. Be safe, be well, and be kind to one another. Together we can make a difference.

Gregory J. Zilka
Mayor, City of Avon Lake