COLUMBUS, Ohio — Franklin County's 1,400 employees must show proof of vaccination or evidence of two negative COVID-19 tests per week to work, beginning Oct. 18, the Franklin County Board of Commissioners announced Friday morning.

What You Need To Know

  • Starting Oct. 18, Franklin County Board of Commissioners employees will be required to show evidence of two negative COVID-19 tests per week to work

  • Employees can opt-out by showing proof of receiving a vaccination

  • Last week, the commissioners mandated mask-wearing in county facilities

 

 

"The new requirements are in response to the rapidly increasing number of COVID-19 infections in our community, the diminishing resources available at area hospitals, and updated guidance from public health officials," BOC officials said in a press release.

Employees who show proof of vaccination to the county's Human Resources department can opt-out of the county's COVID-19 twice-weekly testing protocol, officials said.

Last week, the commissioners mandated mask wearing in county facilities and this week, commissioners called on all municipalities in Franklin County to enact mask mandates throughout their jurisdiction.

 

The move by commissioners comes a day after President Joe Biden implemented new vaccine rules for federal employees and large employers. 

Earlier this week, Mayor Andrew Ginther announced he would issue an executive order to require face masks indoors in the city of Columbus. The mask mandate for the city of Columbus went into effect on Friday.

For more information on Franklin County's new COVID-19 protocol, click here.

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