Message from the Mayor

Many residents remain concerned about obtaining the COVID-19 vaccine.

The supply remains limited for now with promises that it may ramp up in the near future. The State of Ohio has increased the number of sites where vaccinations can be administered to include local pharmacies. 

Unlike the flu shot, where we could just walk into a drug store and get one, the COVID vaccine requires a reservation. You can register online or call to get on a waiting list.

Cuyahoga County operates 2-1-1 through United Way as a support for various community issues. It now can help you register for the vaccine if going online doesn’t work for you. I realize many residents, especially seniors, are not internet savvy and navigating multiple web sites can be daunting. Calling 2-1-1 or the Cuyahoga County Board of Health at (216) 201-2000 might be simpler.

Berea’s Community Outreach Office also is helping seniors to register. There are 800 seniors listed for various Active Senior Network Programs. The Outreach office is contacting them to make sure they have the information they need. If you need help registering or need information about where to obtain a vaccine, please contact Natalie Guzzo at (440) 826-4891.

The Cuyahoga County Board of Health is offering testing for COVID at the Fairgrounds in Middleburg Heights on certain days each month. You must pre-register. Go to ccbh.net or call (216) 957-3939. This is testing only, not for vaccinations.

It is reassuring that Southwest General Health Center is reporting a drop in COVID patients. The hospital keeps a running total of tests administered and COVID patient admissions on its web site – www.swgeneral.com. Last month at this time, Southwest reported 48 patients admitted to the hospital for COVID. In mid-February as The Berean went to press, the number was 13. 

The downward trend is encouraging but the goal is to maintain the decrease. Continuing to fight COVID and its variants by continuing to vaccinate is extremely important. We also must continue to wear masks, social distance and wash our hands. Minimize our contact with large groups. I realize visiting friends and family via Zoom and other social media platforms has gotten stale by now. But we hope very soon we’ll be able to hug grandkids, host block parties and work in the company’s office instead of at home.

On a personal note, I’d like to thank everyone for their kind thoughts and support on the birth of our daughter, Evelyn Rose, on Feb. 16. The baby measured 20 inches and weighed 8 pounds 2 ounces. She was born at 12:37 p.m. at Southwest General. My wife, Melissa, and the baby are doing fine. Me, too.