City reports zero new virus cases in 5 days

Avon Lake is applauding community efforts to flatten the curve after reporting zero new cases of the novel coronavirus since May 6.

Avon Lake Mayor Greg Zilka said May 11 at the regular City Council session that cases in the city have disappeared over the past week.

“That has us in a good situation and I hope that continues for a number of days, if not all the way through,” Zilka said. “But being realistic, we know that that’s a constant challenge for us and we will be vigilant.

“We’re very pleased that that is our status at this point.”

The city has reported 63 positive cases and 10 deaths.

In consultation with Lorain County Public Health, the city has reopened the dog park, 33401 Webber Road. As long as people continue to respect social distancing and wear masks, it should be safe, Zilka said.

Reopening

In looking forward to the reopening of businesses, Zilka noted the city will rely on people’s good will and common sense in following the rules put in place by the state for business owners and consumers with personal care services set to open May 15 along with outdoor dining, and indoor dining on May 21.

Enforcement will lie with Lorain County Public Health, he said.

“We think this is going to be very, very successful, and we think it’s going to work smoothly,” Zilka said. “And then, as we move into the next phase when we have the restaurants opening outside, the weather is supposed to be nice next week and we anticipate there will be a really good crowd.

“There is a reluctance according to public opinion polls of people actually going to restaurants even though this ban has been somewhat lifted. So, we hope there’s going to be some cooperation on the part of everyone, and we hope that the businesses are going to be responsible running properly.”

The city is examining the possibility of setting up tables for local businesses and is working with bars and restaurants.

Zilka said the city is looking at possibly setting up tables in the walkways in restaurants or possibly in parking lots and will to analyze options to ensure any solutions abide by government regulations.

“We certainly want to give restaurants every chance we can,” he said. “Setting up in the parking lot might be another situation, but the walkways in front of the restaurant might be a viable option to increase the number of people who can be served outside.

“We are beginning to explore that and we are following the directions of the governor and also the county health commissioner David Covell as we take steps forward.”

As of 2 p.m., May 12, Lorain County has 499 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 44 deaths.

DeWine added to the state’s reopening process in announcing massage parlors and tattoo/ piercing establishments can resume business May 15 with proper safety protocols in place.