Over 4.2 million Ohio residents, roughly 36% of the state population, had been fully vaccinated as of June 1, 2021 while 42% had received a single dose. With mass vaccination underway, most Americans can expect to return to normal soon. In Ohio, Gov. Mike DeWine announced in May that most COVID-19 regulations would be lifted starting June 2.
So what does this mean for you and your family?
Most COVID-19 regulations have been lifted, including
- Social distancing
- The statewide requirement of wearing masks or face coverings inside public buildings
- Capacity restrictions for both indoor and outdoor events regardless of who has and hasn’t been vaccinated
- Gatherings of 10 people of fewer
However, residents in Columbus and select parts of the state will remain under local mask ordinances past June 2. City Council members weren’t expected to repeal the mask mandate until June 7 though some establishments had already ceased requiring face coverings for customers and staff. Click here to see mask requirements in your city.
There are also other exceptions based on sector and COVID-19 risk:
Assisted care facilities and transportation
Gov. DeWine said that extra safety precautions and other requirements will remain in place for assisted care facilities like hospitals and long-term care facilities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) still advises American to wear a mask or adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) in health care settings and while on public transit.
The largest health care system in Ohio, Mercy Health, announced June 1 that it will continue to require masks and face coverings past June 2.
As such, employers and operators in the healthcare and transportation sectors are expected to continue to require masking for the foreseeable future.
Schools
K-12 school and child care providers no longer require face masks or social distancing. Although the state has encouraged schools to continue to require the use of face masks until at least the end of the school year, schools were given the freedom to lift mask mandates effective June 2. Some schools have already announced that they will be relaxing mask requirements in the last days of the school year.
Businesses
Businesses like shops and restaurants will still be allowed to continue to require masking at their own discretion, although many establishments have already eased face mask mandates and social distancing requirements.
As the United States emerges from lockdown, Ohioans can look forward to some semblance of normal if COVID-19 transmission remains low. If moving to Cleveland, OH and the surrounding areas appeal to you, you can contact me, Michelle McQuade, a top Realtor in Cleveland, for more information on real estate.