City to Require Employees and Visitors to Wear Masks in City Buildings
Mayor Andrew J. Ginther announced that starting Monday,
August 16, 2021, all employees and visitors to city buildings must wear masks,
regardless of vaccine status. Earlier this week, the Centers for Disease
Control placed Franklin County in the highest level for COVID-19 transmission.
A large majority of those who have recently contracted the COVID-19 virus have
been infected with the Delta variant. Preliminary evidence suggests that fully
vaccinated people who do become infected (breakthrough cases) with the Delta
variant can be infectious and can spread the virus to others.
“The vaccine remains our best tool in the fight against
COVID-19. Masks add an extra layer of protection to employees and visitors to
our buildings,” said Mayor Andrew J. Ginther. “It is crucial that we all work
together and do all that we can to assure that our city can reopen fully and our
kids can go back to in-person school.”
Evidence suggests that K-12 schools that have strictly
implemented prevention strategies including wearing masks have been able to
safely open for in-person instruction and remain open. Because children under
12 are not eligible for vaccines at this time, it is imperative that all who
can, get the vaccine to protect young people.
Columbus Health Commissioner Dr. Mysheika Roberts strongly
suggests that all who are able get a vaccine and wear a mask.
“The Delta variant is extremely contagious, and we must do
everything we can to limit the spread of COVID-19 and protect health,” said Dr.
Roberts. “The best way to protect yourself is to layer prevention measures. Get
vaccinated and wear a mask when you are indoors or in crowded settings.”
To find a free COVID-19 vaccine near you, visit
gettheshot.coronavirus.ohio.gov.
For more information on COVID-19, visit
columbus.gov/coronavirus, covid-19.myfcph.org or coronavirus.ohio.gov.