CLEVELAND — All of the updates on the coronavirus and the impact it's having on our way of life can be hard to keep up with. To help you stay on top of it all, we'll post this daily blog on our homepage. You can find all of our stories, and a map of Ohio cases, on our coronavirus page.
10:24 PM
Gov. Mike DeWine says polls are public health threat and the health director will be ordering for them to be closed. More here.
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10:04 PM
Social Security offices announce they will be closed starting Tuesday. More here.
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9:46 PM
News 5's Caroline Sweeney spoke to several poll workers who are getting conflicted messages about Tuesday's primary election. More here.
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8:02 PM
News 5's Jonathan Walsh looks into how families are changing the way they are visiting loved ones in nursing homes. More here.
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7:13 PM
A Franklin County judge denies Gov. DeWine's lawsuit to move the primary election. More here.
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7:04 PM
An RTA spokesperson says that three employees are being tested for COVID-19. More here.
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6:56 PM
The Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals announce a second COVID-19 testing location. More here.
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6:30 PM
News 5's Tracy Carloss speaks to parents about schools being closed for the next three weeks. More here.
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5:23 PM
News 5's Courtney Shaw has a list of local restaurants providing delivery and takeout. More here.
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4:52 PM
News 5's Emily Hamilton reports that more than 500,000 Ohioans have been hit by the state's restaurant, bar closure order. More here.
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4:49 PM
Catholic Diocese of Cleveland suspending mass through Easter due to coronavirus concerns. More here.
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4:30 PM
We are Cleveland! Local businesses hit hard by closures amid coronavirus pandemic continue to show up for the community. More here.
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3:09 PM
Gov. DeWine files lawsuit to extend election, issues additional orders to slow coronavirus spread. More here.
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2:29 PM
Can we make this permanent? Asking for ... everyone. Cleveland Heights offers free parking to encourage take-out at local businesses. More here.
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2:29 PM
Hitting home. Hudson shuts down city hall, city buildings to public following coronavirus case. More here.
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2:21 PM
Play ball! Later. Much later. MLB pushes back Opening Day to at least mid-May, following CDC guidance. More here.
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2:05 PM
Time to reschedule. Gov. DeWine asks dental offices to reschedule elective procedures, identify surplus medical supplies. More here.
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1:05 PM
Something to keep an eye on. Coronavirus vaccine testing begins in Seattle. Volunteer given experimental shot. More here.
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11:59 AM
A Lorain police officer has tested positive for COVID-19. Read more here.
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11:35 AM
News 5 created a guide for how to apply for unemployment benefits from the State of Ohio if your eomployment was affected by coronavrus. Find it here.
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11:32 AM
The NFL announced the draft will still take place April 23 to 25, but canceled all related public events. More here.
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10 AM
A news conference from Secretary of State Frank LaRose on Primary Election Day safety and coronavirus was postponed and will be part of Governor Mike DeWine's 2 p.m. news conference. More here.
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9:48 AM
News 5's Katie Ussin reports on how small businesses in Ohio affected by the coronavirus pandemic can apply for low-interest loans. More here.
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8:38 AM
The Baltimore Department of Health issued a pointed PSA aimed at younger people to encourage social distancing. Via Facebook.
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8:37 AM
Platform Beer says it will offer to-go beer and growlers during regular business hours. Beer ... always finds a way. More here.
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7:58 AM
The first positive case of Covid-19 has been confirmed in Geauga County. More here.
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7:44 AM
The first positive case of Covid-19 has been confirmed in Geauga County. More here.
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7:24 AM
News 5's Jessi Schultz reports on household products that kill Covid-19. Jessi talked to Dr. Amy Edwards, a pediatric infectious disease doctor who works in conjunction with University Hospitals Roe Green Center. More here.
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5:09 AM
If you want to get out of the house and take a walk today, it's going to be cold, but there will be tons of sunshine, says News 5's Trent Magill. More here.
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Yesterday's major developments:
CDC: Cancel or postpone all events with more than 50 people for next 8 weeks
Gov. DeWine says an order to close day care centers will happen soon
Gov. DeWine shuts down all bars and restaurants, issues unemployment assistance
COVID-19 cases in Italy have doubled in last 24 hours
Gov. DeWine shuts down all bars and restaurants, issues unemployment assistance
Additional Coronavirus information and resources:
Below you can find information and resources on novel coronavirus, COVID-19, from local, state, national and international organizations, including the Cuyahoga County Board of Health, the Ohio Department of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the World Health Organization.
News 5 will continue to update this section with new information, resources, links, and more as it is made available.
COVID-19/2019 Novel Coronavirus Overview from the CDC:
What is coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)? Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.
Can people in the U.S. get COVID-19? Yes. COVID-19 is spreading from person to person in parts of the United States. Risk of infection with COVID-19 is higher for people who are close contacts of someone known to have COVID-19, for example healthcare workers, or household members. Other people at higher risk for infection are those who live in or have recently been in an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19. Learn more about places with ongoing spread here.
Have there been cases of COVID-19 in the U.S.? Yes. The first case of COVID-19 in the United States was reported on January 21, 2020. The current count of cases of COVID-19 in the United States is available on CDC’s webpage here.
How does COVID-19 spread? The virus that causes COVID-19 probably emerged from an animal source, but is now spreading from person to person. The virus is thought to spread mainly between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It also may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads. Learn what is known about the spread of newly emerged coronaviruses here.
Download and read the CDC's full "What you need to know about coronavirus disease (COVID-19)" information sheet here.
How does COVID-19 spread? The virus that causes COVID-19 probably emerged from an animal source, but is now spreading from person to person. The virus is thought to spread mainly between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It also may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads. Learn what is known about the spread of newly emerged coronaviruses here.
Global case numbers are reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) in their coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) situation report.
Download and read the CDC's full "What you need to know about coronavirus disease (COVID-19)" information sheet here.
Coronavirus in Ohio:
Coronavirus in Ohio:
As of Sunday, March 15, there were 37 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Ohio —14 are in Cuyahoga County, 6 in Butler County, 3 in Stark County, 3 in Franklin County, 3 in Stark County, 2 in Lorain County, 2 in Belmont County, 2 in Summit County, 2 in Trumbull County, 1 in Lucas County, 1 in Medina County, and 1 in Tuscarawas, . A total of 361 persons were under investigation for the disease. See the Coronavirus information page on the Ohio Department of Health's website for the latest numbers of confirmed cases and persons under investigation.
According to the governor, two of the confirmed cases are from a married couple that went on a cruise on the Nile River. The third Cuyahoga County case is from a person that went to the AIPAC conference in Washington D.C. According to a cantor from the Jewish Temple in Beachwood, 160 people from Cleveland attended the conference. The three patients are between 54 and 56-years-old, according to officials. Read more on those cases here.
On Wednesday, health officials announced a fourth case in Ohio - a man in his mid-50s in Stark County. This case is the first example in the state of "community spread," meaning the man had not traveled out of the country, and had no known contact with an international traveler. Read more on that case here.
The fifth case, announced Thursday, was in a 55-year-old Trumbull County man.
On Wednesday, DeWine announced some measures to stem the spread of coronavirus: limiting visits to nursing homes and holding sporting events without spectators.
On Thursday, DeWine took the state's response to the next level with two orders representing major, wide-ranging steps to stop the spread of the disease: an order prohibiting "mass gatherings" of over 100 people, with exceptions, and an order to close all Ohio K-12 schools for three weeks beginning at the end of the school day on Monday, March 16.
During that news conference, ODH Director Amy Acton also revealed that their department believes that at least 100,000 Ohioans are currently carrying the disease, a claim that has made national headlines.
On Friday, DeWine announced several new steps the state is taking to prevent the spread of coronavirus and provide relief to Ohio's residents, including an order stopping visitations at county jails, providing free breakfasts and lunches to Ohio's K-12 students, and a request to the Trump administration for regulatory and other relief as necessary.
Coronavirus' Impacts in Northeast Ohio:
Since the announcement of confirmed cases in Ohio, a number of local events, schools, facilities and more have announced closures, cancellations, postponements and changes as a result of coronavirus. News 5 is working to keep this information updated in the links below:
Here's a list of things in Northeast Ohio closed due to coronavirus concerns
Multiple Ohio colleges suspend in-person classes due to coronavirus concerns
The City of Cleveland has canceled its St. Patrick's Day Parade and the Cleveland International Film Festival, and issued a civil emergency in response to COVID-19.
More resources from News 5 and affiliates:
News 5's Coronavirus continuing coverage page
Worldwide Coronavirus Tracker from Johns Hopkins University
EPA releases list of approved disinfectants to use against COVID-19
How to protect yourself from coronavirus when flying
Think you may have the coronavirus? Here’s what to do
A state of emergency was issued in Ohio following 3 positive COVID-19 cases. Here's what it means.
A state of emergency was issued in Ohio following 3 positive COVID-19 cases. Here's what it means.
Cuyahoga County Medical Director answers your questions about coronavirus
Cuyahoga County Medical Director answers your questions about coronavirus
Symptoms
Symptoms
The symptoms of coronavirus are fever and lower respiratory tract issues, such as cough and shortness of breath, according to the Cuyahoga County Board of Health.
The symptoms of coronavirus are fever and lower respiratory tract issues, such as cough and shortness of breath, according to the Cuyahoga County Board of Health.
Symptoms
Symptoms
The symptoms of coronavirus are fever and lower respiratory tract issues, such as cough and shortness of breath, according to the Cuyahoga County Board of Health.
The symptoms of coronavirus are fever and lower respiratory tract issues, such as cough and shortness of breath, according to the Cuyahoga County Board of Health.
Travel
Travel
Anyone traveling internationally should review plans in advance of their trip, and check the CDC’s COVID-19 Travel Information Page for daily updates and travel alerts.
Click here for the CDC COVID-19 Travel Information Page
Practice Good Hygiene
Practice Good Hygiene
The CCBH recommends the following good hygiene practices to prevent coronavirus, as well as the flu, colds and other illnesses:
The CCBH recommends the following good hygiene practices to prevent coronavirus, as well as the flu, colds and other illnesses:
Sneeze or cough into the bend of your elbow to keep germs from spreading
Regularly wash your hands with soap and water/use alcohol-based hand sanitizer in between
Don’t share cups, spoons, forks, etc. with anyone
Don’t make food for anyone if you are sick
Don’t go to work or school if you are sick
Visit a doctor, urgent care or emergency department if you are sick – don’t take chances
Please contact your medical provider with any questions.
Don’t make food for anyone if you are sick
Please contact your medical provider with any questions.
Visit a doctor, urgent care or emergency department if you are sick – don’t take chances
Guidance for those with compromised immune systems
Click here for specific guidance from the CCBH for anyone at higher risk for becoming ill.
Additional Resources
Additional Resources
Additional Resources
Cuyahoga County: See the CCBH page on coronavirus here.
Additional Resources
Cuyahoga County: See the CCBH page on coronavirus here.
Cuyahoga County: See the CCBH page on coronavirus here.
Ohio Department of Health:
Click here for the Ohio Department of Health’s Coronavirus information page.
It is updated daily at 2 p.m. with the current number of confirmed cases, persons under investigation and persons under investigation who tested negative for the disease.
More resources from ODH:
Click here for the Ohio Department of Health’s Coronavirus information page.
It is updated daily at 2 p.m. with the current number of confirmed cases, persons under investigation and persons under investigation who tested negative for the disease.
More resources from ODH:
It is updated daily at 2 p.m. with the current number of confirmed cases, persons under investigation and persons under investigation who tested negative for the disease.
Fact sheet
Prevention infographic
Resources and information
Fact sheet
Prevention infographic
Resources and information
Corona Facts: Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose has launched a web page dedicated to providing facts about coronavirus' impacts on voting and the Primary Election in Ohio.
Ohio Secretary of State:
Corona Facts: Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose has launched a web page dedicated to providing facts about coronavirus' impacts on voting and the Primary Election in Ohio.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The CCBH has created this list of coronavirus-related resources from the CDC:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Homepage for COVID-19 materials and information
The CCBH has created this list of coronavirus-related resources from the CDC:
Fact sheet – Chinese
Fact sheet – English
Fact sheet – Spanish
Fact sheet – Chinese
Guidance for businesses
Guidance for colleges and universities
Guidance for communities and mass gatherings
Guidance for healthcare facilities
Guidance for healthcare professionals
Guidance for people with elevated risk for illness
Guidance for pregnant women
Guidance for risk assessment
Guidance for schools
Guidance for travelers
Guidance for risk assessment
What you can do to stop the spread of COVID-19 – Chinese
What you can do to stop the spread of COVID-19 – English
What you can do to stop the spread of COVID-19 – Spanish
What you can do to stop the spread of COVID-19 – Chinese
If you are sick with COVID-19 – Chinese
If you are sick with COVID-19 – English
If you are sick with COVID-19 – Spanish
If you are sick with COVID-19 – Chinese
Preventing spread of COVID-19 at election/polling/voting locations
Prevention and treatment
Symptoms – overview
Preventing spread of COVID-19 at election/polling/voting locations
Prevention and treatment
Symptoms – overview
Coronavirus information
Mythbusters – the truth about food, packages, pets and other things related to COVID-19
Video – What is COVID-19?
Video – What is my risk of getting COVID-19?
Video – How can I protect myself from COVID-19?
Video – What is COVID-19?
Video – What is my risk of getting COVID-19?
Video – How can I protect myself from COVID-19?
