CLEVELAND — Residents in Cuyahoga County can now use an interactive map to find information about how businesses throughout the county are doing with mask compliance, sanitation practices and enforcing social distancing. The map is generated by reports from the public.
Available starting Friday, residents can fill out a form about their mask experience, good or bad, at a particular business.
Find the website here.
According to the county, the website shows vetted complaints that it has received since Thursday. It displays places that have inspired a comment, regardless of whether it is positive or negative.
As for how the county will guard against businesses being reported for fake violations, county director of communications Mary Louise Madigan said, "We are trusting the integrity of the people who are participating."
When we inquired with the county about whether there is a process for removing complaints, Madigan said, "We will continue to improve the process and make sure the map reflects current concerns."
In a press conference today, Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish said, “This is live now and is available to you to check before you patronize a local store or business. This will give everyone a way to shop comfortably, and, hopefully, it will give establishments an incentive to urge their patrons and staff to wear masks.”
He said a site like this relies on the feedback of residents. So far, the county has sent about 1,400 letters to businesses, conveying the concerns from the public who left feedback on the county hotline.
County officials recommend that businesses post a sign requiring patrons to wear a mask. Cuyahoga County Board of Health Commissioner Terry Allan said they have seen this work because typically people will leave and come back with a mask if they do not have one upon seeing the sign.
As of Friday, Cuyahoga County remains at a Level 3 on the Public Health Advisory System.
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