New mask advisory issued for Columbus, Franklin County

With COVID-19 cases again on the rise, the Columbus Public Health Department has officially issued a new mask advisory this morning. Unlike a mandate, the new advisory does not require Columbus residents to wear masks.

According to a statement from the Columbus Public Health Department, the advisory comes after the Centers for Disease Control marked Franklin County as an area with high rates of COVD transmission on its community level map yesterday.

This morning’s announcement advises Columbus residents to do the following:

-Wear a mask indoors and in crowded areas.

-Stay up-to-date on all COVID-19 vaccines, including boosters.

-Get tested if you have symptoms and before you gather.

-Talk to your healthcare provider about additional precautions if you are at a high risk for severe illness.

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In a statement posted this morning, the Franklin County Public Health Department is now also recommending the use of masks.

“On July 21, 2022, the CDC identified Franklin County as orange community level (high). This has changed from yellow (medium). Community levels are determined by level of new cases and new admissions in hospitals. Cases and hospitalizations in Franklin County are spiking because of the highly-contagious Omicron BA.5 variant,” the Franklin County Public Health Department statement reads. “Because Franklin County is at the highest community level, it is important that everyone takes precautions. Everyone, regardless of vaccine status, should wear a mask indoors in public places (including schools).”

Want to read more? Check out our print publication, (614) Magazine. Learn where you can find a free copy of our new July issue here!

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