The holidays are fast approaching. This is a time when we want to gather together with family and friends to celebrate the season. I think we all thought this year would be better, COVID-19 would be behind us, and we would be able to celebrate safely with our family and friends.

Unfortunately, in data comprised by the New York Time, Cuyahoga County is 3rd in the nation for most cases per 100,000 residents in the last 7 days. The cases have increased 170% over the last 2 weeks. Cuyahoga County also has a vaccination rate of 61%.

I have always stressed the importance of becoming vaccinated but today medical experts from Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals hosted a joint press conference to address the current situation. Dr. Daniel Simon, President, Academic & External Affairs and Chief Scientific Officer of University Hospitals, stated “our caregivers are working overtime and are exhausted. We have more COVID-positive patients now in our hospitals than ever before. Currently, there are 394 total hospitalized COVID patients in our system. 19 percent are in the intensive care unit.” Click here to view this very important video.

Cleveland Clinic also sent out a plea to everyone:
Today, we come to you with a plea. Get vaccinated. Please. Whether you are due for your booster shot, undecided about getting your child vaccinated or have been leery of the vaccine all along. The science is clear. Vaccines save lives. Please, get vaccinated.

This past month has been sobering for many of us in healthcare. Nearly two years after the COVID-19 pandemic began, we’re seeing some of the highest volumes of patients with the disease in hospitals throughout the Midwest.

Here at Cleveland Clinic, we’re caring for more than 800 patients with COVID-19 at our Ohio hospitals. Of these patients, more than 200 are in the intensive care unit. The majority of these patients are unvaccinated.

Our Ohio emergency departments are filled. We have people waiting to get into our hospitals. Neighboring hospitals in our communities are facing the same issues.

We’ve had to postpone many non-urgent surgeries in Ohio as we try to leave enough space for patients with COVID-19. Our physicians, nurses and caregivers are working around-the-clock to care for these sick patients. They are exhausted.

Today, we come to you with a plea. Get vaccinated. Please. Whether you are due for your booster shot, undecided about getting your child vaccinated or have been leery of the vaccine all along. The science is clear. Vaccines save lives. Please, get vaccinated.

For those of you who have lost a loved one to COVID-19 this year, we extend our deepest sympathies. We feel your loss. We share in your grief. We, too, are heartbroken.

The only way we can get through this is together. Please do your part for yourself, your family and your community. Get vaccinated. Wear your mask, wash your hands and stay home if you’re feeling ill.

Cleveland Clinic will always be here for you when you need compassionate, high-quality care. The sun will rise tomorrow morning, and with it will bring renewed hope for a better day.

We wish you and yours a joyous holiday season & a happy and healthy New Year.

I echo this sentiment and ask the residents of Orange Village to please do your part and become vaccinated, if you have not already done so. Let’s work together to increase the vaccination rate!

I wish you and your family a joyous and safe holiday season and a very happy and healthy New Year.

Sincerely,
Kathy
Kathy U. Mulcahy, Mayor