CLEVELAND — Three days after taking the oath of office, Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb announced he has formed a COVID-19 task force that includes many local government and nonprofit leaders.
Bibb’s office said the group “will meet weekly to address the surge in cases, review current data and provide the community with the information they need to stay safe.”
Bibb’s office added that community education on precautions to combat COVID-19, specifically vaccinations, will be a focus for the task force.
"COVID-19 cases are rising across the city and the health and safety of our community is a top priority.” Bibb said, “This task force will advise us on strategies and public policies to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, encourage vaccinations, and promote awareness of available resources.”
City employees will continue to be required to wear face coverings while on the job. The mayor’s office added that he plans on announcing a new COVID-19 policy for the city next week.
The task force will include:
- Mayor Justin M. Bibb (City of Cleveland)
- Terry Allan (Cuyahoga County Board of Health)
- Elise Hara Auvil (City of Cleveland Mayor’s Office)
- Dr. Akram Boutros (MetroHealth Medical Center)
- Armond Budish (Cuyahoga County)
- Nicole Carlton (Emergency Medical Services)
- Dr. Karen Cooper (Department of Public Health)
- Bradford Davy (City of Cleveland Mayor’s Office)
- Eric Gordon (Cleveland Municipal School District)
- Blaine Griffin (Cleveland City Council)
- Mark Griffin (City of Cleveland Mayor’s Office)
- Karrie D. Howard (Department of Public Safety)
- Sarah Johnson (City of Cleveland Mayor’s Office)
- Pernel Jones (County Council President)
- Dr. Larry Macon, Sr. (Mount Zion Church of Oakwood Village)
- Dr. Cliff Megerian (University Hospitals)
- Dr. Tom Mijahlevic (Cleveland Clinic)
- Selina Pagan (Young Latino Network)
- Paul Patton (City of Cleveland Mayor’s Office)
- Ryan Puente (City of Cleveland Mayor’s Office)
- Elaine Tso (Asian Services In Action, Inc.)
- Dr. Bob Wiley (Cleveland Clinic)