Our Spectrum News app is the most convenient way to get the stories that matter to you. OSU announced Tuesday that it would end the mandate on Friday in general-purpose buildings, residence halls, dining facilities, classrooms, offices and the Ohio Union. I see that the cases are going down, but for the moment being, I dont think I would change anything, because nobody can really go outside, said resident Ricarda Sarkar. According to WBNS-10TV, Worthington's mask requirement will lift Thursday. In the past two weeks, there have been a little more than 200 COVID-19 cases reported in Bexley. Columbus City Council voted unanimously Mondaytorescind the city's COVID-19 mask mandate, after a city health official confirmed that the risk level to the community continued to drop over the last week. The immunocompromised and unvaccinated are still recommended to wear masks in crowded situations, and some areas of the region still require masks. Drexel Theatre: The theater will no longer mandate masks or proof of vaccination. According to CDC data, Franklin County has a case rate of 82 per 100,000 residents over the last seven days. Last years flu season was basically nonexistent due to masking and social distancing because of COVID-19 concerns, said Dr. Joseph Gastaldo, an infectious disease doctor at OhioHealth. Explaining the department's recommendation during a council meeting Monday evening, Roberts said that the omicron variant is mild for most people, especially those who are vaccinated. That order is comparable to one imposed in July 2020, covering any indoor building space accessible to the public. Columbus City Council voted unanimously Monday to rescind the city's COVID-19 mask mandate, after a city health official confirmed that the risk level to the community continued to drop over . The ordinance requires residents over the age of three to wear That includes: It depends on the venue, and the performer, who can still make their own rules at most venues. Vaccines and face coverings are the best tools we have to Reach her at mhenry@dispatch.com or (614) 559-1758. Natalie Chalet on Twitter: "RT @QasimRashid: Today in Columbus, OH "What we have gone through collectively over the last two years has been difficult," Council President Shannon Hardin said. If youre vaccinated, boosted, whatever, and you want to wear a mask, go ahead, said resident David Dietz. Do I have to wear a mask at museums and the zoo? Ohio reported 2,121 new COVID-19 cases Tuesday, a dramatic decline from one month ago. Despite the recommendation, Columbus and a handful of communities in Franklin County have public mask orders in place, but mayors have indicated that they are in the process of being reviewed.. That city council voted to follow the agency's recommendations Monday like Columbus. OSU announced Tuesday that it would end the mandate on Friday in general-purpose buildings, residence halls, dining facilities, classrooms, offices and the Ohio Union. There were 363 people hospitalized with COVID-19 in the15-county hospitalization region that includes Franklin County as of Wednesday, according to the Ohio Hospital Association. Studio 35 Cinema & Drafthouse and Grandview Theater and Drafthouse: Mask mandates have ended. The Wexner Center for the Arts:The venue is looking at its policy and will offer more information in the coming days. There was no letdown in the severity of omicron.. To get to the low level, the county needs to have new COVID-19 hospital admissions and staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients be below theCDCs targets. The People who live in cities like Columbus where masks are required indoors might be slightly less likely to catch the flu this year, but local health experts doubt a citys mask mandate will make that much of a dent in the overall number of flu cases. The federal Transportation Safety Administration is still requiring masks on public transportation until Friday, March 18. Reach her at, Possibility of a COVID and flu 'twindemic' depends on the actions of Ohioans, Columbus order to require masks for all publicly accessible indoor spaces, Restaurants, other shops support Columbus mask mandate, but feel burdened by enforcement, Columbus mask mandate probably won't stop flu season, experts say. Health Commissioner Dr. Mysheika Roberts explains recommendation to end Columbuss mask mandate on March 7. CAPA, the area's largest operator of entertainment venues, is keeping its mask and vaccine requirement in place until April 4. COVID-19 Community Levels and Masking Requirements by Location The advisory however does not require that masks be worn indoors and Columbus Public Health said there are no plans for a mask mandate at this time. Columbus' mask mandate had covered all indoor public spaces in city limits and applied to everyone, regardless of vaccination status. With. But mask mandates vary by municipality. That applies toCOTA buses and rideshare services, like Uber and Lyft. Masks in schools: Is your school district requiring masks? According to the Ohio Department of Health COVID-19 dashboard, there have been a total of 3.43 million cases since the pandemic began in 2020, including 139,828 hospitalizations and 42,073 deaths . 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School mask requirements are also still up to individual school boards. Vanderhoff said case rates vary substantially from county to county, and he also stressed that high-risk individuals are encouraged to continue wearing masks, even as communities in Ohio ease their guidance. We continue to emphasize that the vaccine and boosters are the best tool we have in the fight against COVID-19 and encourage all who are eligible to get vaccinated.. On Feb. 16, the mayors office announced that mask requirements could be lifted in the coming weeks if virus levels continue to decline, sharing the update after a meeting with officials who represent Bexley, Whitehall and Worthington. Combined with last week, the state has reported more than 50,000 cases during the two most recent reporting periods, the first time thats happened since last winter. Roberts told The Dispatch in November that there aretwo ways thecurrent mandate could be relaxed in Columbus. The requirement had also applied to Worthington, which is covered by Columbus Public Health. trespassing laws if a resident refuses to comply with the mandate on the But whether it's a school district or a local health district that's looking at this, the masking policy, or the masking recommendations really need at this time to be a local decision.. Kessler, Ginther andothers included in the joint statement alsoreiterated the separation of cities and local school districts in their responses to the pandemic. Learn More. Top US doctor on future of masks, mental health, As the omicron wave of the coronavirus subsides and some U.S. states ease mask mandates, the nation's top doctor says slowly "pulling back" blanket requirements is to be expected, but that policies should still prioritize equity and safety. @SpectrumNews1OH pic.twitter.com/aZhgVlTIDF. protect health and prevent the spread of disease in our community. Dr. Mark Herbert, infectious disease specialist at Mount Carmel Health in Columbus, said Friday that his advice to city officials is to continue requiring masks. COVID and flu: Possibility of a COVID and flu 'twindemic' depends on the actions of Ohioans. In short, while numbers are trending in the right direction, officials say we aren't there yet. Columbus City Council and the mayor could take action to lift the mandate in the city. The CDC has released new mask guidelines for the U.S. Here's where families and children," said Council President Shannon G. Hardin. State of play: Mandates are dropping in a domino effect. The lifting of local mask mandates comes as states across the country also consider pulling back their requirements, including both New York and New Jersey. At the time, the mandates were in response to the delta variant as Franklin County averaged 493 COVID-19 cases per day. Dublin and Westerville will Tuesday. Think outside the box this Mothers Day and opt for gifts other than flowers and chocolate. A sign requiring masks as a precaution against the spread of the coronavirus is posted on a store front in Philadelphia, Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2022. Nationwide Arena and Value City Arena will continue to follow local and Ohio State University mandates. Columbus, Ohio, area schools start removing mask mandates again - Axios At the time the mask mandate was issued, Columbus Public Health recommended that the county's positivity rate needs to be between 5% and 7.99% and the case rate has to be 10-49 per 100,000 in order to move to the yellow level. Most Columbus-area schools have removed their mask mandates in recent weeks. The mask mandate is required for both vaccinated and unvaccinated residents. Abbey Theatre of Dublin: Masks are now optional. File an Ethics Financial Disclosure Statement, Citizens' Commission on Elected Official Compensation. Athens, Bexley, Gambier, Whitehall and Yellow Springs, among . The requirement has been in place since September 2021, nearly 6 months. Columbus mask mandate: Columbus order to require masks for all publicly accessible indoor spaces. @ColumbusCouncil voted to lift this requirement based on new CDC mask guidelines & public health recommendations. Brown > Rob Dorans > Shayla Favor > Shannon G. Hardin> Emmanuel V. Remy, .style1 { text-align: center; }, Columbus City Council News Releases Council Votes to Reinstate Mask Mandate, Contact Info The immunocompromised and unvaccinated are still recommended to wear masks in crowded situations, and some areas of the region still require masks. My recommendation to continue masking would apply to all schools and would apply to all public events, sporting events, entertainment events you name it. As of July 18, the positivity rate in Franklin County is 19.8%. Columbus, OH 43215 It is time to turn our efforts to minimizing the impact COVID-19 has on our health, our health care systems and our community.. Nationwide Arena andValue City Arenawill continue to follow local and Ohio State University mandates. Last week, the county health agency rescinded its universal guidance to schools and municipalities to require masks. The requirement had also applied to Worthington, which is covered by Columbus Public Health. Yes. Columbus City Council votes to end mask requirement | 10tv.com The TSA requirement also applies to airports and airplanes. New CDC map shows Greater Columbus mostly medium COVID risk, masks may Bittersweet honor: Columbus airman helps hospital workers during COVID-19, 'Hero pay': Columbus first responders were promised $1,000; they haven't seen a dime. As we prepare to adjust restrictions, we continue to support our educational leaders and recognize that classroom restrictions may vary from public space restrictions due to the unique challenges or maintaining a safe and inclusive learning and teaching environment," Whitehall Mayor Kim Maggard said. Columbus issues indoor mask advisory as COVID cases rise People with COVID-19 who never get sick or have mild Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. They might live or work in the suburbs and go out to eat or partake in other entertainment in Columbus or vice versa. The major attractions in Columbus have dropped their mask mandates, making them optional. More than 60% of U.S. counties are at at low or medium transmission. Studio 35 Cinema & Drafthouse and Grandview Theater and Drafthouse: Mask mandates have ended. A spokesperson for the city of Columbus told 10TV Franklin County is still in the CDCs red category for high community transmission. During a press briefing, Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff has called this decrease good news, referencing a potential light at the end of Ohios pandemic tunnel. COLUMBUS, Ohio Columbus Public Health is recommending city leaders in Columbus and Worthington wait until March 7 to end mask mandates. Whether its a short vacation or theyre jetting off to begin their career, show the future traveler you care with a meaningful graduation gift. For sure I think as numbers decrease, and hopefully as we see that being a long-term trend, I would imagine that people would become frustrated with it, said Bexley Mayor Ben Kessler. The requirement which must be removed by Worthington City Council and Columbus City Council through legislative action and by Columbus Mayors executive order will be lifted in seven days to ensure the community maintains the new current level of disease burden and to give public and private entities time to adjust their policies and prepare for the shift, a statement from Columbus Public Health said. As of Wednesday, the positive test rate was 8.9% andFranklin County wasreporting 163cases per 100,000 residents,according to the CDC. status of COVID-19 in our community, among other legislative changes. City council passed an ordinance last year, requiring both vaccinated and unvaccinated people to wear masks in indoor public spaces. Columbus Public Health recommended that the mask mandate end Monday. Follow her on Twitter @megankhenry. (February 11), Most Columbus businesses complied with mask mandate, inspection reports show. CAPA, the area's largest operator of entertainment venues, is keeping its mask and vaccine requirement in place until April 4. They Refused to Fight for Russia. Columbus and other local cities may lift indoor mask mandates soon Mysheika Roberts. We're updating this file with information on the policies in local schools, at Ohio State, on buses, in theaters, at museums and more. Masks are no longer required in indoor public places in Columbus. COVID-19, there exists a need for a face covering (mask) requirement in the City of Columbus. By, Classical 101 Playlist & Program Schedule, Columbus City Schools keeps mask mandate in place for now, It's safe to unmask in many places, says the CDC. Columbus mask mandate is over: What to know about mask policies at Yes. The cities of Columbus, Bexley, Whitehall and Worthington all plan to rescind their mask mandates in the coming weeks if trends continue, their leaders stated in a news release yesterday. State leaders have cited declining COVID-19 infection rates and rising vaccination rates as the reason behind the decisions. warnings and citations for residents and businesses. 2 killed, 4 wounded in Mississippi shooting; man arrested, 150 years later, Dixon bridge tragedy among nation's worst, Presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy says he wants to 'shut down the FBI' and replace it with something that sounds a lot like the FBI, Sanders: Biden could win in a landslide, Broad Street Run participants picking up badges at Convention Center, Body of man found as firefighters put out flames in Nassau County, Fort Worth man mistakenly identified as gunman in Cleveland, TX mass shooting. In Ohio, state health officials reported a steady decrease in COVID-19 hospitalizations over the course of one month. As we move from a pandemic to endemic, there may be times in the future when mask advisories or mandates could become necessary as new variants come to our community. The requirement has been in place since September 2021, nearly 6 months. Nick Houser leads the digital media team and oversees all things digital, including wosu.org, columbusneighborhoods.org, digital content, the WOSU Public Media Mobile App, social media, enewsletters, podcasts and on-demand video. We appreciate the latest insights from health officials who have helped our communities navigate this challenging pandemic.. .style1 { text-align: center; }, Returning Protecting ourselves and our community from COVID-19 takes a multi-layered approach said Columbus Health Commissioner Dr. Mysheika Roberts. Yes. Most Greater Columbus residents dont just solely stay in the city. End of the COVID era? Akron-area hospitals make masks optional for most There are mask mandates here in Columbus, but Im still very concerned that the cold and flu season in 2021-2022 will not be as mild as it was last season, said Columbus Public Health Commissioner Dr. Mysheika Roberts. !" They targeted a drag event. Columbus's mask mandate could be lifted soon, officials say each subsequent violation. Stay connected with our daily stories, in-depth reporting and more by clicking Subscribe at the top of the page. Columbus mask mandate 2022: Where do I still have to mask. If you have an at-risk condition, regardless of your medical status, you should talk to your healthcare provider about recommendations individually for you on mask wearing indoors in public, he said. Columbus Public Health recommends lifting mask requirement on March 7 No. Columbus isn't the only Ohio city to require masks. the disease if our businesses and residents do their parts to mask up and get We continue to watch guidance provided by the CDC as well as the cases in our community. How is this not incitement to terrorism?? council there could be an update on CCS's mask . So bring your mask and card to those venues, which includethe Ohio Theatre, Palace Theatre, Southern Theatre, Lincoln Theatre, and the Riffe Centers Davidson Theatre and three studio theaters. COLUMBUS, Ohio States across the country are easing their mask mandates for indoor settings as coronavirus cases nationwide have slowed down. [COLUMBUS, OH] In response to the rise of the delta variant of > Parks> Golf> Hiking and Biking Trails> Events> Summer Fun Guide, > Events> Things To Do> Neighborhoods> Hotels> Restaurants> Visitor Maps, > Nicholas J. Bankston> Lourdes Barroso de Padilla > Mitchell J. Last week, the county health agency rescinded its universal guidance to schools and municipalities to require masks. Columbus is wearing masks again this fall. Will it stop flu season? More education news: Get updates on Columbus schools, Ohio State and more with new education newsletter. Upper Arlington does Feb. 28. Leaders in Columbus, Bexley, Whitehall and Worthington announced Wednesday they could consider lifting mask mandates in the coming weeks. Abbey Theatre of Dublin: Masks are now optional. However, the Ohio Health physician said he expects another COVID variant to come on the scene. He disputed the idea that masking rules ought to be loosened based on the omicron variant being less severe than previous strains. The federal Transportation Safety Administration is still requiring masks on public transportation until Friday, March 18. The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from hospitalization and death from COVID-19 is to get vaccinated and boosted. There were six flu-related hospitalizations the week of Oct. 3-9 and no flu-related hospitalizations the week of Oct. 10-16, according to the Ohio Department of Health. Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther announced in September that face masks must be worn again indoors, three months after the city's previous mandate was lifted. COLUMBUS, Ohio The city of Columbus could soon end its mask mandate after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention releasedupdated mask guidanceFriday that opens the door for the city to relax protocols. So the lifting of the requirement will mean thatrestaurants, movie theaters, grocery stores and other businesses will be able to set their own mask policies. Columbus isnt the only Ohio city to require masks. 5 min read. Why do white supremacist terrorists get to threaten terrorism w/o consequence???Horrific. Columbus officials re-implemented an indoor mask mandate in mid-September as cases of the delta variant began popping up. Updated: 6:30 PM EST February 25, 2022 FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ohio The Center for Disease Control and Prevention launched a new system for determining what COVID safety measures to use in counties. Yes, but: Columbus City Schools, the first district to announce a mask mandate for all students last summer, has no plans to change its policy, spokesperson Jacqueline Bryant . As face-covering requirements for public spaces are lifted by various local governments, businesses, organizations and venues will have the flexibility to determine the appropriate protocols for their facilities, said Worthington City Manager Matt Greeson. During the past three seasons prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the proportion of specimens testing positive for flu peaked between about 26% and 30%, according to the CDC. symptoms can spread it to others, including those who are at high risk of Columbus last had a mask mandate in place from September 2021 until March 2022. Sponsors: Attachments: . Announcing the possible end date, officials encouraged residents to get vaccines and boosters and noted that the city councils for Columbus and Worthington will need to take action to remove the mandate. Your subscription to the Dispatch helps support local journalism. We will continue to seek the guidance from our Health Commissioner, Dr. Mysheika Roberts, spokesperson Robin Davis said. Our Spectrum News app is the most convenient way to get the stories that matter to you. Public health officials are advising masks should be worn indoors and in crowded areas regardless of vaccination status. On Feb. 16, the mayors office announced that mask requirements could be lifted in the coming weeks if virus levels continue to decline, sharing the update after a meeting with officials who represent Bexley, Whitehall and Worthington. PDF City of Columbus That will soon be going away in most indoor spaces. Flu season typically runs from October to late May. because of the delta variant and we must do everything we can to protect our community Now, the COVID-19 vaccine is readily available in Columbus and many previous restrictions have been lifted, except the mask mandate causing people to return to normal activities, Roberts said. COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Ohio Supreme Court has re-implemented a mask mandate for visitors, hours after health officials in Columbus and Franklin County issued a mask advisory in. The CDCs new guidance bases mask recommendation on three transmission levels low, medium and high, which are determined by cases, hospitalizations and hospital capacity. Council Votes to Reinstate Mask Mandate - Columbus The next letter in the Greek alphabet is pi, there will be a pi variant. Dr. Mark Herbert, infectious disease specialist at Mount Carmel Health in Columbus, said Friday that his advice to city officials is to continue requiring masks. Drexel Theatre: The theaterwill no longer mandate masks or proof of vaccination. The COVID crisis is compounding right now, affecting too many Do Columbus-area schools still require masks? Health experts are also concerned about seeing a rebound in flu cases this year since people didnt get exposed to the flu variants last year.