Officials log 8 new virus cases

Lorain County reported May 4 eight new cases of novel coronavirus as the state of Ohio continues a process of gradually reopening.

According to Lorain County Public Health, there currently are 455 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and deaths remained stable at 37.

An additional 51 cases are listed as probable, bringing the total number to 506.

On May 3, Avon Lake Mayor Greg Zilka announced the death of a 69-year-old female, the city’s ninth fatality from COVID-19.

Prior to the announcement, Zilka said the city had recorded only five new cases in the previous 10 days, a marked improvement.

In the 10 days period prior to that, the city had experienced 20 cases.

The city is at 58 total cases.

Avon Lake is preparing for the re-opening of certain businesses, Zilka said.

On May 4, Ohio businesses in construction, manufacturing and distribution, along with general office environments, were eligible to re-open under Responsible RestartOhio.

Retail establishments can re-open May 12, but Zilka said it is not clear that everyone business will re-open at the same time.

“We’re working through this, but we’re certainly not all the way home,” he said.

Zilka added the city will monitor cases and the impact of re-opening.

Avon Lake City Hall is scheduled to re-open after Memorial Day and other cities could follow a similar timeline.

Erie County

The Erie County Health Department is reporting 59 confirmed COVID-19 cases and three deaths as of May 4 for an increase of two cases.

There are an additional 15 probable cases, the department said.

According to the Ohio Department of Health, there are 20,474 confirmed cases and 1,056 deaths across the state.

SHEFFIELD VILLAGE