COLUMBUS — Weeks ahead of plans, Gov. Mike DeWine on Friday announced that Ohio will lift his face mask and physical distancing orders in most settings immediately for those who have been vaccinated.
The move brings the state in line with guidance recently issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which determined that fully vaccinated people have little risk of contracting and spreading coronavirus.
The orders will remain in place for unvaccinated Ohioans until the end to most orders for everyone on June 2 as the governor previously announced.
“The June 2nd date I announced for the removal of health orders provided time for those who had not yet gotten their vaccine to get it,” Mr. DeWine said. “While our order will be amended to reflect the new CDC guidance, it will remain in place until June 2nd.
“Further, we must remember that we still have Ohioans who are not eligible to be vaccinated, including those younger than 12 years of age,” he said. “Individuals who have not been vaccinated should continue to wear masks pursuant to CDC recommendations. Businesses also have every right to continue to use masks and to require them for employees and customers.”
Ohio reported 1,014 new coronavirus cases on Friday, below the 21-day average of 1,307.
The state has reached a total of 1,089,538 cases and 19,441 deaths, with 87 new deaths reported Friday, according to the Ohio Department of Health.
The statewide rate of vaccination starts has reached 4.9 million people started on the two-shot vaccine, or 42.22 percent of the state. The percent vaccinated locally is 41.40 percent in Lucas County and 47.21 percent in Wood County.
First Published May 14, 2021, 6:34 p.m.
