City of Lakewood: Coronavirus/COVID-19 Response Update

Pursuant to the direction of state and federal officials in response to COVID-19, on March 18^th, Mayor George closed Lakewood City Hall to the public until further notice unless you have an appointment with a city department.    The operations of Lakewood Municipal Court will continue to operate on a limited basis within City Hall.   Those with business before the Court will be permitted to enter as usual.  All other visitors must have an appointment.

While City Hall is unavailable for in-person transactions, all departments and divisions are working and can be reached by their normal telephone numbers and email addresses.  Click here for a list of city department contact information.  While we do have staff working from home, phone calls and emails are being answered and voicemail messages are being returned.

If you are scheduled to appear in the Lakewood Court in the near future, contact your attorney for further instructions.  If you do not have an attorney, you may submit a written request for a continuance by fax, (216-529-7687), email (lakewoodcourt@Lakewoodoh.net), regular mail, or by personal delivery to the court. Payments can be made on-line through the court website.

Here is a listing of the most recent updates:

• The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio has issued a moratorium on electric & gas disconnects for non-payment through May 1^st. Late last week, the City announced that there would be no water shut-offs for non-payment during this crisis.
• The IRS tax filing deadline has been extended until July 15, 2020. The Lakewood Tax Office will also extend their deadline to July 15, 2020 but encourages people to get their returns in early, if possible.
• The Division of Refuse & Recycling Drop-Off Facility will be closed on Saturday, March 21, 2020. It will reopen on Monday, March 23, 2020 at 7:00 AM.
• Governor DeWine ordered all senior centers and senior citizen day care centers to close at the end of business on Monday, March 23^rd. Lakewood’s Lawther Senior Center and the congregate meal site at Fedor Manor have been closed since March 16^th.

Cuyahoga County has established a Coronavirus hotline.  Individuals can call 1-855-711-3035 with questions about the Coronavirus.  This hotline is in addition to the Ohio Department of Health’s call center (216) 1-833-427-5634 and MetroHealth’s help line (440)-592-6843.

As a reminder, the City asks that residents take the following precautions:

• Wash your hands with soap and water every two hours, and always for at least 20 seconds each time
• Practice social distancing (stay at least six feet away from people whenever possible)
• Avoid contact with people who are sick

For the most up to date information on COVID-19, residents should visit the following websites:

Centers for Disease Control: https://coronavirus.gov
Ohio Department of Health: https://coronavirus.ohio.gov
Cuyahoga County Board of Health: https://www.ccbh.net/coronavirus/