COLUMBUS, Ohio — Four central Ohio hospitals issued a joint statement Wednesday to reduce confusion surrounding mask mandates.
While many places are loosening COVID-19 restrictions like baseball stadiums, amusement parks and more, masks will still be required for patients and visitors at Mount Carmel, OhioHealth, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and Nationwide Children's Hospital until further notice.
"Earlier this month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicated that 'fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing,' but these recommendations do not apply to health care settings," health officials from the hospitals wrote in a press release.
The state plans to lift most health orders on June 2 with the exception being nursing homes and assisted-living facilities. Gov. Mike DeWine said May 14 that the state will comply with CDC guidance.
"The CDC still recommends everyone wear masks when they are in a health care setting, when they are travelling on public transportation, including airplanes, and when they are in a business or employer that chooses to require masks," DeWine said.
Ohio's current health order requires masks for those who are not fully vaccinated in indoor public settings through June 2. DeWine said school students will need to wear masks until June 2.
According to state data, 126 people were hospitalized with COVID-19 Tuesday, which is slightly above the 21-day average. The state confirmed 727 cases of COVID-19, bringing the total to 1,098,593.