Ohio Will Lift COVID-19 Restrictions On June 2

Thursday, May 13, 2021 at 9:17 AM

All restrictions will be lifted except for at nursing homes and assisted living centers.

(Columbus, Oh.) - Ohio Governor Mike DeWine says, “it’s time to end the health orders.”

At a media briefing Wednesday, the governor said that he will lift all pandemic health orders, except for at nursing homes and assisted living centers, on June 2.

DeWine says the June 2 date will give anyone not vaccinated time to get the one-time J&J vaccine or the first dose of the Pfizer or Moderna shot and be well on the way to immunity.

“It’s been a year," said DeWine. "You’ve followed the protocols. You’ve done what we’ve asked. You’ve bravely fought this virus. And now, our cases are down, and we have a tested and proven weapon in the vaccine that all Ohioans 12 and under can utilize."

“Now, lifting these orders does not mean the virus is gone. It does not mean we are all safe. Each Ohio citizen will make their own decisions about wearing a mask and social distancing -- and when, for them, that’s appropriate.”

DeWine added that businesses and schools will also make their own decisions on how to best keep customers, employees, and students safe. The expectation is that many stores and businesses will continue requiring social distancing and masking.

“The number of Ohioans who get the vaccine will determine what our future looks like, particularly this coming winter. Everyone has a stake in more Ohioans getting vaccinated.”

To date, DeWine says 42 percent of the population has received the vaccine.

For more information, visit Overview | COVID-19 (ohio.gov).