Residents in counties shaded in orange or red are encouraged to wear masks indoors, according to new CDC guidance. Source: CDC
OHIO — Based on updated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance, universal masking is now recommended in Ohio’s three largest cities of Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati.
Overall, universal masking is recommended in 64 out of Ohio’s 88 counties. Masking is recommended for those who have not gotten a COVID-19 vaccine in the 24 Ohio counties where the spread of the virus is not considered high or substantial.
In recent days, many Ohio counties, including Cuyahoga, Franklin and Hamiton, have seen an increased spread of COVID-19 cases, based on CDC data. The number of Ohio counties that have high or substantial spread of the virus has nearly tripled within the last five days.
Last week, the CDC issued updated guidance recommending to those who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to wear a mask in indoor public spaces where coronavirus spread is considered high or substantial.
“In recent days, I have seen new scientific data from recent outbreak investigations showing that the delta variant behaves uniquely differently from past strains of the virus,” CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said in a briefing Tuesday.
According to Ohio Department of Health data, the number of hospital patients positive with COVID-19 has increased from nearly 300 on July 19 to roughly 600 on Aug. 1.
State of Ohio data indicates a small rise in the rate of COVID-19 vaccinations in recent days.
