By Nov. 5, 1918, Cleveland began reopening its downtown businesses with restricted hours. By the first days of November, the epidemic situation had improved enough for Health Commissioner Rockwood to consider lifting the ban. Meeting with school officials, Rockwood announced that he would not oppose the reopening of schools in a week or so, provided the epidemic situation did not take a turn for the worse.

Clevelanders were excited to once again head downtown for evening entertainment. Musicians and actors were happy to be employed once again, and owners and proprietors were thrilled to be back in business as theaters, boxing rings, stadiums, and ballparks opened to capacity crowds.