Category: Health/Safety

Mayor Ginther declares State of Emergency, including mask requirement.

Mayor Andrew J. Ginther today signed an executive order declaring a State of Emergency in the City of Columbus and requiring that face masks be worn by individuals age 6 and older while in indoor spaces accessible to the public, including but not limited to city buildings, office buildings, retail establishments, bars and restaurants, and public transportation.

“New cases are on the rise, hospitalizations are on the rise, and the strain on our medical and public health professionals has reached a critical point,” said Mayor Ginther. “It is vital that we act now to protect the health and well-being of our community while keeping our economy, our schools and our city open for business.”

The order takes effect immediately (as of September 10, 2021) and remains in place until it is rescinded by Mayor Ginther. Exemptions to the order include those younger than 6 years of age; individuals with medical or behavioral conditions that preclude them from wearing a face covering; and anyone actively eating and drinking, engaged in sports and recreational activities, and giving a speech or performance before a live audience.

Columbus Public Health will issue citations to businesses and organizations that fail to comply or enforce the order among their patrons or employees. The public may report violations to the city’s 311 Customer Service Center.

Columbus Public Health Update

Here are the latest updates on COVID-19 and Columbus Public Health’s response.

Situation Update

As of October 26, 2020, there are 24,953 cases of COVID-19 and 489 deaths in Columbus Public Health’s jurisdiction. For the most up-to-date COVID-19 case numbers in Columbus and Worthington, view the case summary report or follow Columbus Public Health on social media.

Other News to Know

New CDC Guidance

The CDC issued new guidance that expands the pool of people considered at risk of getting COVID-19 by changing the definition of who is a “close contact” of an infected individual. The CDC had previously defined a “close contact” as someone who spent at least 15 minutes within six feet of a person with COVID-19. The updated guidance now defines a close contact as someone who was within six feet of an infected individual for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period. Several months ago, the Ohio Department of Health clarified that the 15 minutes are cumulative and do not need to be consecutive, which is consistent with the new CDC guidance. The time frame of 15 minutes within 24 hours is new guidance which Columbus Public Health has now implemented in evaluation of close contacts.

COVID-19 Testing

COVID-19 testing at Columbus Public Health has moved to the Ohio Expo Center & State Fair Celeste Center at 717 E. 17th Ave. Testing is available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. through a partnership with The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, OhioHealth and Mt. Carmel Health System. To make an appointment to get tested, call 614-645-1519.

Flu Shot Clinics

Getting a flu shot is more important than ever this year to protect health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Columbus Public Health is offering drive-thru clinics to get a flu shot at no cost. Visit www.columbus.gov/flu to see a list of clinic dates and locations. Flu vaccines also are available by appointment through the Immunization Clinic at Columbus Public Health, and at many health care providers and retail pharmacy outlets.

Help Stop the Spread of COVID-19

COVID-19 cases are going up across the state. Please help prevent the spread of COVID-19:

  • Always wear a face covering in public.
  • Practice social distancing by staying 6 feet apart from others.
  • Wash your hands often.
  • Stay home if you are sick.
  • Avoid gatherings and large groups.

Learn More about COVID-19

Please use only credible and reliable sources for information and updates on COVID-19. See the latest here: