Cuyahoga County executive Armond Budish spoke at the Board of Health’s press conference. He announced that the county has established a small business “On the one hand I’m happy to see that people are following the governor’s orders, but I’m also very, very sad and concerned about the future of these businesses….When small businesses die it’s almost impossible to revive them.”

"It’s heart breaking to see what’s going on…in other countries and other cities, what’s going on in the hospitals,”

He announced the county created a Small Business Resources Call Center that will go live Tuesday, March 31. Businesses can call and get information about resources from local, state and federal governments. He said most importantly they can get help applying for disaster benefits from the Small Business Administration disaster loans.

He also announced the small business stabilization fund. The county has put in $500,000 to be matched 3 to 1 by the Economic Community Development Institute. Budish said he expected other donations as well and said the fund is currently at $3 million.

Budish announced he has authorized the county to spend $1 million in for personal protective equipment (PPE) including masks, gloves, surgical gowns and face shields.

When small businesses die it’s almost impossible to revive them

"It’s heart breaking to see what’s going on…in other countries and other cities, what’s going on in the hospitals,” said Budish. “We can’t let that happen here and we won’t let that happen here.”

When asked how many pieces of PPE the county can purchase, Budish said “As much as we can get.” He said that the prices vary, and said that the PPE is not easy to find which is why the county is still asking for donations.

Budish said the PPE would be available for everyone – nursing homes, hospitals, first responders. “Across the board there’s just not enough,” said Budish.

“We’re trying to buy ourselves some time. By flattening the curve we’re extending out the peak,” said Cuyahoga County Board of Health Commissioner Terry Allan. He said extending the peak will allow the supply chain to catch up to the virus.

Dr. Heidi Gullett, the county health commissioner said that the county’s Emergency Operations Center will figure out where the PPE is most needed and distribute donations in a very strategic and well thought out process.

Supplies needed for donation: