Governor DeWine announced last week that he has asked the Ohio Department of Health to remove most pandemic health orders effective June 2. Measures being removed will include facial covering protocols, social distancing guidelines, and capacity restrictions for indoor and outdoor events. Governor announced that any pandemic health orders that would remain solely relate to 1. nursing homes and assisted living facilities, which will also to have federal safety protocols and 2. data collection related to the pandemic
The Governor also clarified information about isolation and quarantine in regard to Ohio's school students. Beginning on June 2, vaccinated children do not have to quarantine or be tested if they are exposed to COVID-19. Unvaccinated children who are exposed should quarantine if the exposure took place outside of a classroom setting where masks were required to be worn. Unvaccinated children should also isolate if they test positive for the coronavirus. Local health departments should determine if quarantine or isolation should occur. Individual school districts will decide whether or not to continue masking and social distancing in school settings.
The Ohio Department of Health has created a new Frequently Asked Questions document to answer common questions from parents, guardians, and youth about COVID-19 vaccines. The document shares information about the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine, parental consent, where children can be vaccinated, and more.