Brecksville and Broadview Heights monitoring changing COVID case frequency

by Laura Straub

As spread of the Delta Variant surges, municipalities are revisiting their COVID-19 policies and procedures.

“With the rapid rise in cases, there is a growing concern throughout the state,” said Broadview Heights Mayor Sam Alai.

Alai and his staff are maintaining the precautions that they implemented as the pandemic progressed, while monitoring the situation. They are continuing to clean and sanitize the city buildings several times a day, and in late August the city shut down the recreation center to better clean and sanitize the entire facility, from the pool deck to the fitness loft.

In addition, Plexiglas shields and permanent dividers are being used in city buildings and social distancing has been implemented.

Alai said he is in communication with health care officials, other cities and the governor’s office to determine the best response to the current pandemic environment.

“As the situation changes, we will follow the mandates issued by the state of Ohio and the CDC,” Alai said. “At this time, we strongly suggest that you wear a mask if you are unvaccinated.”

Brecksville

In Brecksville, Steve Paciorek, director of the human services department, and the rest of his team are taking things day by day as well.

“Historically, researching public health information is very difficult at the local level. Since the pandemic started, I have checked the number of positive cases per zip code, including weekly and cumulative numbers, at the Cuyahoga County Board of Health (CCBOH) and the Ohio Department of Health (ODH),” said Paciorek. “The zip code information is no longer accessible on the CCBOH website. I do, however, continue to monitor positive cases, hospitalizations and deaths within Cuyahoga County with my contacts at CCBOH and ODH as well as the three area hospitals. Since I continue to communicate with these health agencies, I am able to monitor any spikes in our community.”

The city has had an infectious disease policy and a protocol plan that it was updated and revised over the past 18 months to ensure city employees are educated on COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.

“We continue to educate our employees and residents on the importance of self-health assessments and to stay home if you or anyone in your household exhibits any symptoms. We have hand sanitizer, masks and virus killing UV machines in all of our buildings to clean areas on a regular basis,” Paciorek said.

“Mayor Hruby and all of the city department heads meet regularly to discuss this ever-changing issue. I would hope by now people in general know what to do and what not to do to help reduce the spread,” Paciorek added.

He added that while the city continues to educate the public on CDC mask recommendations and encourages individuals to get vaccinated, it is a personal choice to wear a mask or get the vaccine.

In addition, Paciorek said that the city would not interfere with private businesses and their decision to mandate masks for their employees or patrons. ∞