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During these challenging times, we at First Year Cleveland want to be sure you are informed of resources and information available to you and your family.
Cuyahoga County is currently vaccinating those in Phase 1A (learn more about this group) and 1B (learn more about this group). People in Phase 1C and 2 may be vaccinated beginning Thursday, March 4, 2021. (Learn more about Phase 1C and 2 here.)
These groups include:
You must directly contact the provider of your choice from this list to schedule a vaccine appointment.
If you have signed up at www.ccbh.net/vax to be notified when spots are open at one of Ohio's COVID clinics, you will still be able to receive a vaccine from the county, but you may wait longer than if you choose a provider from this list.
City of Cleveland COVID-19 Dashboard
Cuyahoga County Board of Health - County Tracker
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): The Basics
Cleaning and disinfecting your home
The MetroHealth System has partnered with Cuyahoga County to create a multilingual website with pandemic resources
People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
Children have similar symptoms to adults and generally have mild illness. However, CDC and partners are investigating cases of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) associated with COVID-19. Learn more about COVID-19 and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C).
This list is not all-inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.
The virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly from person to person, mainly through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Spread is more likely when people are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community (“community spread”) in many affected geographic areas. Community spread means people have been infected with the virus in an area, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected.
The Ohio Department of Health maintains a comprehensive website with information and resources related to COVID-19, including vaccination information: https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/home
Health Policy Ohio provides regularly updated Ohio and federal resources that provide the latest reputable information on the ongoing coronavirus outbreak: https://www.healthpolicyohio.org/coronavirus-covid-19-in-ohio/
Every day, the cleveland.com team covering the coronavirus will send three to four updates about the progress of the virus – confirmed cases of the virus, major cancellations, the latest medical advice, relevant scientific information and more. Learn more and sign up
As of July 8, 2020 at 6pm, face masks became mandatory in high-risk counties, including Cuyahoga County:
Other restrictions apply. Please see information at top of page or visit https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/resources/news-releases-news-you-can-use/face-coverings-required-in-high-risk-counties
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has recommended that Americans wear face masks in public to help slow the spread of COVID-19. The recommendation is being made based on studies that show a significant proportion of people with COVID-19 lack symptoms and can transmit the virus to others in close proximity through speaking, coughing, sneezing or other means. COVID-19 checklist for cloth face coverings (masks)
Some stores in Ohio are REQUIRING customers to wear face masks. See the list here.
Includes recommendations, instructions and FAQs for cloth face coverings: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html
Why shouldn’t my infant use a mask?
How can I protect my infant?
If you have questions or concerns about COVID-19, or suspect you may have COVID-19 symptoms, please call the following support lines:
If you are struggling with mental health concerns due to the ongoing stress of the pandemic, call the COVID CareLine for Ohioans at 1-800-720-9616. Trained staff will be available 24/7 to provide emotional assistance, and all calls are confidential. After 8:00 PM, the calls will be forwarded to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
If you are experiencing stress or anxiety: Call the Cuyahoga County's 24-hour Warmline at 440-886-5950 to talk through things with a peer. Here are some OhioMHAS tips for managing Coronavirus-related stress.
If you think you may have been exposed to COVID-19 and begin to develop symptoms such as a fever, coughing, or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for medical advice. Do not visit a doctor's office, emergency room or medical facility without calling first. Patients with a fever over 100.4 and/or a cough are asked to self-quarantine.
Cleveland Clinic: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/landing/preparing-for-coronavirus
University Hospitals: https://www.uhhospitals.org/healthcare-update/covid-19-testing-locations
The MetroHealth System: Over the last several months, MetroHealth has partnered with the Cuyahoga County Board of Health and others to ensure under-resourced neighborhoods and individuals in our communities had access to safe and reliable COVID-19 testing – at no cost to patients. In order to receive the COVID-19 community testing service, you must register in advance at the links below or by calling 216-957-3939. Registration by phone is available 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., Tuesday-Friday. More info here
If you don't have a primary care physician and you have serious symptoms of coronavirus, use the CDC’s Self-Checker to see if the website recommends seeking medical care. You can also call a hotline, such as the one at MetroHealth – 440-59-COVID – which is available to everyone, 24/7.
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act made coronavirus testing free for everyone—provided states use their Medicaid programs to cover the uninsured. Restrictions apply.
People under the age of 61 who have a temperature higher than 100.4 degrees are asked to self-isolate and contact their doctor.
Learn more about testing and treatment if you have no health insurance.
For a list of testing sites, visit https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/testing-ch-centers/
Please refer to this information from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
As we learn more about COVID-19 it’s normal to experience a number of emotions. There are ways to manage your anxiety and help you better cope with the feelings you may be experiencing. Some tips from the Cleveland Clinic: How to Protect Your Mental Health During COVID-19. Also see Mental Health Services above.
We are sharing this information from Babycenter.com to help parents-to-be get answers to questions about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and their pregnancy, like "Is it still safe to deliver in a hospital?" "How might Coronavirus affect my pregnancy?" and more ...
Coronavirus (COVID-19) pregnancy FAQs: Medical experts answer your questions
Our friends at PregnantInCLE.com have compiled this list for pregnant moms-to-be, including visitor restrictions for each hospital and information on CenteringPregnancy and other prenatal programs.
Having a baby at home seems to be an appealing option for pregnant women who don’t want to face the uncertainties that come along with having a baby during a pandemic. But home births aren’t just about birthing pools, candles and being surrounded by loved ones. There are some risks that come along with them as well. Full story
Information on virus symptoms, postpartum recovery and wellness, dealing with emotions, tips for connecting with others while maintaining social distancing, staying safe at home, and more: https://newmomhealth.com/coronavirus-for-new-moms
Interim guidance from the Centers for Disease Control based on what is currently known about how COVID-19 is spread:
Breastfeeding for a mother confirmed or under investigation for COVID-19
Breastfeeding and have concerns due to COVID-19? Please take a few moments to read this important information from HealthyChildren.org.
For daily breastfeeding support from other families, Breastfeeding Medicine of Northeast Ohio offers a PREP+ Breastfeeding Support group that maintains an active online Facebook presence: PREP+ Facebook page. Consider joining if you are not already a part of this group.
They will also offer live Zoom meetings during the regularly scheduled time for the in-person PREP+ group. If you want to sign up for the group, please email your request to lactation@bfmedneo.com and you will be sent you the Zoom meeting link. There is no charge for the support group.
Thanks to Birthing Beautiful Communities for these tips to help you fight infection:
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is warning parents not to feed homemade formula to infants. Babies should be fed only breastmilk or iron-fortified infant formula that has been prepared according to the directions on the package. Homemade formula can harm infants. Learn more
Families in need of baby formula during the COVID-19 pandemic may contact the faith-based Save Our Babies initiative for milk. Please contact Bregina Knuckles at 216-721-0234.
Who is eligible for pandemic child care? Who are the approved providers? Learn more here.
The food assistance program is for individuals, children and families with low income and no assets. Benefits are issued monthly through the Ohio Direction Card, or (Ohio EBT).
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services has received approval to extend the recertification eligibility period from March, April and May by another six months due to the coronavirus epidemic.
Grocery stores and other retailers can offer online "click and collect" grocery shopping and curbside pickup for families in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Learn more here
NEON Health will be distributing food through October, 2021 to families in need. A number of locations are available for food pick-up, and you must clear your vehicle's trunk prior to pick-up for the safety of their staff. First come, first served. If it's raining, distribution is cancelled.
The Greater Cleveland Foodbank is continuing their important work of providing meals to those in need throughout our community. If you are in need, call their Help Center to obtain updated information on where you can turn for food. The Help Center’s phone number is 216-738-2067.
In addition, they have recently released a listing of food resources near Zip Codes 44137 and 44112. Please click below for appropriate listing.
If you or someone you know needs food, have them call 1-216-738-2067.
Calls to the Foodbank's help center have tripled in recent days. If you can help the Foodbank with a monetary donation, please visit www.GreaterClevelandFoodBank.org/Give.
The Hunger Network has a comprehensive map of its Hunger Centers here.
View a community-organized map of free meals and food distributions here. And a link to a map that shows shuttle locations can be found here.
Families in need of baby formula during the COVID-19 pandemic may contact the faith-based Save Our Babies initiative for milk. Please contact Bregina Knuckles at 216-721-0234.
Here you will find stories from across the web related to the Coronavirus and the health disparities that are coming to light. Read the stories here
Because crises like COVID-19 create and deepen existing inequities in society, it’s more important than ever that we prioritize equity and make sure we reach the children and families who need us most. Read the letter from the American Academy of Pediatrics President, Sally Goza, MD, FAAP
During these challenging times, it's especially important to take steps to maintain your health and wellbeing – as well as that of your children, exercise, alleviate stress and anxiety, and simply take care of yourself. Many resources are available with a quick Google search, but we offer a few here to get you started:
Managing stress and anxiety for adults and children
Supporting kids during the Coronavirus crisis
Free physical activity resources for adults and kids
Walk. Run. Dance. Play. What's your move?
YMCA health and fitness videos
Thoughtful ways to help others
Guided meditation video (length 6:43)
Relax with these virtual museum tours
The best national parks to visit virtually
Helpful information including age-appropriate responses to common questions, a guide to self-care, and activities for young children experiencing social distancing: https://www.zerotothree.org/resources/3210-tips-for-families-coronavirus
The Building Strong Families program at University Settlement in hosting an Online Parenting Support group series.
One thing that’s made it tougher to be a good neighbor recently is the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. While good neighbors watch each other’s kids and invite each other to parties and events, those are things no one should be doing right now — in fact, they could put your neighbors at risk, which is the opposite of being a good neighbor.
So, for as long as the pandemic continues (and as it finally comes to an end), consider these neighborly actions.
The holiday season may look different, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still celebrate, including with your loved ones. This is the year for shopping online — which has already seen a huge increase and continues to be the safest way to buy things for yourself and others. Though the U.S. in particular is experiencing a new COVID-19 surge this holiday season, there are ways to create new and safe holiday traditions.
An executive order issued by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine expands flexibility for Ohioans to receive unemployment benefits during Ohio’s emergency declaration period.
Ohioans can apply for unemployment benefits online 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at unemployment.ohio.gov. It is also possible to file by phone at 877-644-6562 or TTY at 888- 642-8203, Monday through Friday 7am to 7pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm, and Sunday 9am to 1pm.
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services has a page devoted to answering your questions and helping you obtain unemployment insurance due to the COVID-19 pandemic: Coronavirus and unemployment insurance benefits
Due to many businesses closing operations, Governor DeWine has signed an executive order to suspend the one-week waiting period so that employees can immediately begin receiving unemployment compensation. The order also allows employees to access unemployment compensation even if their employer does not offer paid leave, as well as those who have been quarantined by a medical professional. These individuals will also be exempt from the requirement that they be actively seeking work.
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services currently has more than 50,000 jobs listed. Click here for job postings.
If you are having difficulty paying your mortgage due to unemployment related to COVID-19 please refer to this document prepared by the Ohio Department of Health
If you’re one of the millions who’ve been laid off due to the Coronavirus pandemic, use these resources and money-saving tips to help you through this time.
If you need internet service for work or school but don’t have access at home or can’t afford to pay your bill, there are options available. In response to the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on society, multiple Internet Service Providers have made updates to their low-cost internet service programs to ensure individuals and families stay connected to the internet during this challenging time.
Below are links to resources that provide detailed information about local organizations that provide discounted distance learning devices, remote learning programs and free wireless internet access in Cleveland for low- and middle-income individuals and families
Keep Ohio Connected (internet service availability)
Learn what Internet Service providers are doing to keep Ohioans connected, including keeping service turned on during the pandemic and waiving late fees:
https://governor.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/governor/media/news-and-media/dewine-husted-praise-internet-providers-for-commitment-to-keep-americans-connected-pledge
A map showing free Wi-Fi locations around the county is available on the Cuyahoga County website.
The deadline for filing federal taxes (both personal and business) is April 15, 2021. Learn more here
Although Ohio BMV locations are now open, citizens are urged to utilize the online renewal site to reduce crowding and wait times at BMV locations: bmv.ohio.gov.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Ohio licenses (including driver licenses, CDLs, identification cards, temporary instruction permits, vehicle registrations, disability placards, and vehicle temporary tags) that expire between March 9, 2020 and April 1, 2021 are now valid until July 1, 2021.
A provision of House Bill 404 extends the expiration date of driver licenses, identification cards and vehicle registrations. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, documents that expire between March 9, 2020 and April 1, 2021 are now valid until July 1, 2021.
Greater Cleveland Foodbank
No matter how long the COVID-19 crisis lasts, hungry neighbors will continue to need our support. Many hardworking families in Northeast Ohio can barely make ends meet – 1 in 6 people in our community struggle to put food on their table.
But you can change that: Every $1 donated to the Greater Cleveland Food Bank can help provide enough food for 4 nutritious meals.
Please give so families in need can have nutritious meals during this challenging time.
United Way 2-1-1 – Free and confidential 24-hour information and assistance
Red Cross - Steps to help you cope
Resource list with meal sites and more (thanks to Pre4CLE)
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Support resources
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