Cuyahoga County executive warns that violators of mask mandate could be punished; COVID-19 case ages trending younger

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish and members of the Board of Health addressed the area’s latest increase in COVID-19 cases.

The virtual briefing, which also included Health Commissioner Terry Allan and Medical Director Dr. Heidi Gullett, was held on Friday afternoon.

The address from local officials comes as cases of the coronavirus continue to climb in Cuyahoga County.

County Executive Armond Budish said violators of the state-ordered could be punished, especially if multiple complaints are made.

Individuals who witness a violation of the county’s mask mandate can call a phone line established to register complaints: 216-698-5050

Romona Brazile, prevention and wellness coordinator, says the Cuyahoga County Board of Health saw a median age of 44 years old in reported cases this week.

She also noted seeing people becoming sick after traveling out of state and people working multiple days while sick.

“In our communities, in our workplaces, each one of us must operate as if we may have COVID,” added Commissioner Allan.

As of Friday afternoon, Cuyahoga County was under a “Red Alert Level 3″ according to Ohio’s public health advisory system; one level below the highest level on the color-coded system.

According to the Ohio Department of Health, most of Cuyahoga County’s recent cases stem from non-congregate settings.

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