CLEVELAND, Ohio -- What will Lake Erie vacation destinations look like this summer, amid concerns about the coronavirus?
Will beaches be closed to keep crowds from congregating? What about all those Gold Pass holders that crammed last fall into Cedar Point?
Many destinations are in a wait-and-see mode, at least until Gov. Mike DeWine’s latest stay-at-home order expires May 1. That order has closed campgrounds, swimming pools and sports leagues.
“We want people to come back later this summer, just stay home and safe for the short-term," said Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Peter Huston. “This summer will require visitors to use common sense and maintain social distancing... As a community we will work to keep the public informed on events and enjoying the island.”
The Miller Ferry has reduced its service to South Bass Island during the pandemic, and the island chamber is still evaluating when the season will start. Meanwhile, businesses aren’t ramping up their regular seasonal hiring.
Cedar Point still hopes to reopen in mid-May or as soon thereafter as possible, a spokesman said.
East of Cleveland, Fairport Harbor has put its plans on hold for its Mermaid Out of Water Outdoor Art exhibit until at least May. The first concert for “Live at the Lighthouse” concert May 30 has been canceled, and the Arts and Culture Alliance will visit the rest of the concert series and the Friday Market schedule in May.
Fairport Mardi Gras, with a carnival and fireworks, is still scheduled July 1-5.
“It is really hard to plan events with all the uncertainty with the virus,” said Pat Spivak of the Fairport Harbor Tourism Council. “Everyone is waiting to see what Gov. DeWine says on May 1.”
In Cleveland, Mayor Frank Jackson has said the city will ban festivals and large gatherings this summer, as needed. The Cleveland Metroparks have closed Edgewater and Euclid Beach piers to follow social distancing orders.
Huron Lakefront Market just pushed back its date from June 13 to September.
But what’s to keep families from retreating to their summer cottages, even if stay-at-home measures are extended? One issue is healthcare.
South Bass Island does not have any practicing doctors.
“We do have a top notch EMS department and access to Lifeflight for serious cases of all types,” Huston said. “People should be mindful that any needs that exceed our EMS services (there are no beds or respiratory services here) will have to leave the island for care.”
In Canada, Ontario’s chief medical officer of health urged Toronto-area residents not to flock to northern cottage country during the pandemic because cottagers could put unnecessary pressure on the medical facilities and residents who live in that community year-round.
So far, Lake Erie itself hasn’t been shut down.
The lake temperature is about 41 degrees, so there’s no swimming yet. But walleye anglers are out -- specifically allowed by DeWine in a statehouse news briefing this week. Boat launches are opening, and you can drop your stand-up paddleboard in any time.
For more Lake Erie news, follow RocktheLake on Facebook.
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April 04, 2020 at 11:00PM
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What will Lake Erie tourist destinations look like this summer amid coronavirus crisis? - cleveland.com
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