SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio — The recent rise in coronavirus cases across Ohio has not yet prompted a second statewide shutdown, but some communities have decided to roll back their reopening efforts.
The City of South Euclid on Friday announced it has made the "difficult" decision to once again close its playgrounds, dog parks, and baseball fields (for league play) in an effort to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. The changes will go into effect starting Monday.
The facilities had been permitted to open last month, when cases of the virus across Ohio appeared to be dropping. However, since then infections and hospitalizations have spiked, with the state reporting its largest daily increase in new cases today.
Mayor Georgine Welo issued the following statement:
"These are not decisions we made lightly given the popularity of South Euclid’s recreation and youth programming, as well as our many popular summer programs and events. But due to the continuation of social-distancing protocols and the need to ensure the health and safety of our residents and employees, the closing of these facilities at this time is in the best interest of the health, safety and welfare of our community."
In Cuyahoga County alone, the number of newly reported coronavirus cases per day has tripled in the last month, while hospitalizations have doubled. The entire county remains under a face mark order from Gov. Mike DeWine, while South Euclid has been described as a "hot spot" by city leaders.
The newly closed places join the South Euclid swimming pool and splash park, which have been shut down for the entirety of the summer. City Hall says it will continue "to base decisions on science, data, guidelines, recommendations and orders" as directed by the governor as well as top health experts.