The COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect all our lives here in Sylvania. Governor DeWine has extended the Stay-At-Home Order for Ohio until May 1 together with ordering the schools closed through April. There are many virus cases in Lucas County and some right here in Sylvania, but our efforts at social distancing are definitely helping to slow the spread of the disease through our community.
During the duration of the pandemic, I will be providing regular updates about how Sylvania is responding to this crisis.
Here is my latest update as of April 6:
Sylvania’s first responders continue to provide police, fire and EMS services. They are takingspecial precautions and so far have avoided any major exposures. The city of Sylvania Police are working with a new schedule of platooning all personnel to multiple eight-hour shifts in groups that do not physically interact with the rest of the force. A plan is also in place to move to 12-hour shifts if some officers do need to be quarantined.
All other city employees have also been platooned into alternate day shifts to limit the amount of exposure to each other and provide more social distancing.
● Water, sewer, streets, parks and trash/recycling collection continue on schedule.
● City Hall and other city buildings are locked, but employees are on the job and still available every work day via telephone and internet. I encourage you to use the secure lockbox at the front door of City Hall to deliver utility payments, tax forms, etc.
● City Council will be meeting as usual on the first and third Monday nights of each month at 7:30 pm. However, starting on April 6, the meeting was livestreamed and council members had the option to attend electronically or in person. Public viewing information will be posted on the city’s website.
● Shred Day scheduled for April 9 is cancelled
● The Arbor Day Ceremony on April 24 cannot be held as planned.
● Our trash collection contractor, Republic Services, has suspended large item pickup service, to have just one employee in their collection trucks, and the unlimited pickups this spring will likely be postponed for the same reason.
● Many Sylvania restaurants are open for carryout and curbside pickup even though their dining rooms are closed. I have enjoyed several meals from around town and encourage you to do so as well. They need our business and the variety is excellent to enjoy.
Unfortunately, many community gatherings have been cancelled or postponed due to the pandemic:
● First Friday Night Red Bird Art Walks have been suspended for now.
● The Chamber Expo had to be cancelled
● The Olander Park Easter Egg Hunt is cancelled.
● The Sylvania Maple and Main Arts and Music Festival scheduled for May 30 and 31 has also been cancelled by the Sylvania Community Arts Commission.
● The Tree City Film Festival, however, is proceeding virtually April 17- through April 30.
The State of Ohio and Lucas County are providing excellent leadership and coordination during the pandemic. I and other city officials are in daily communication with them and with neighboring communities. There is a daily phone conference and situation report with the Lucas County Emergency Operations Center. I have been participating in weekly phone conferences with area mayors and was invited to a virtual meeting with Governor DeWine last Friday.
Local efforts to lower the curve of the pandemic infection are working, and we need tocontinue our social distancing efforts. Parks and the River Trail remain open, but please do not congregate into groups where the virus can spread. Limit trips away from home and be careful to protect yourself and others when you visit grocery stores, gas stations and other businesses that remain open.There are a lot of resources available and being publicized in the media to help those in need, but be sure to lend a hand to seniors and families in your neighborhood.
We are all in this together!
Be safe! Be healthy! Best wishes to all!
— Mayor Craig