May 2020

The last month has seen immense change, endless information, concern and optimism. As we move through and out of the current COVID-19 crisis, we urge our residents to use the Lake County General Health District and the City of Willoughby websites and social channels as a source for the most accurate information regarding the pandemic. The city receives weekly briefings from Lake County, the Lake County General Health District and the state of Ohio and we relay this information as it becomes available. We will also post information regarding summer events, parks and recreation opportunities, and community/economic development initiatives as we confirm events and programs based on public health protocols to ensure the safety of our community and employees. City employees working remotely will return to work on May 4th; however, city buildings will remain closed to the public, except Police and Fire lobbies which remain open.

The governor’s recent press conference outlined a phased re-entry for our economy. Please note these important dates. As of May 1st, healthcare may provide all procedures. May 4th allows the reopening of manufacturing, construction and general office activities. Finally, May 12th brings the reopening of consumer and retail services. Each of these scheduled phases brings guidelines developed by the State of Ohio. These guidelines are available on www.coronavirus.ohio.gov and our website. The governor also strongly recommends continuing the practices employed to help stop the spread of the virus. These include social distancing, use of facial coverings when in public, frequent hand washing and sanitizing and limits to the number of people for a public gathering.

Over the past several weeks, our city has adapted to significant changes with remarkable strength. We have witnessed community members providing meals for our healthcare workers and anonymous benefactors paying rents for struggling business owners. Additionally, organizations are assisting to ease the social isolation of our seniors and increased support from our local ministers. These are great examples of the community spirit for which Willoughby is known. Stay safe and healthy.