Masks are now optional. The governor and Ohio Department of Health’s decision to end most public health orders begins today in Ohio.
“Individuals will make decisions based on their comfort level moving forward. You may see private businesses or restaurants maintaining certain safety protocols while others take a different approach,” said Krista Wasowski, Medina County Health Commissioner in her final weekly news release. “The Health Department asks citizens to be understanding of others over the next several months as people make those adjustments. Medina County still has one of the highest COVID-19 vaccination rates in the state, reinforcing our confidence in moving away from restrictions and back into the normal rhythm of life. ”
The infection rate remains low, but is still circulating, Wasowski said. COVID-19 shots are still also available and able to be scheduled through ArmorVax.
As of Friday, more than 45 percent of Ohio residents had received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose, while 39.71 percent are fully vaccinated, according to health department statistics.
If you’re a business, church or other type of organization and have an interest in having a clinic at your location, for either your staff or congregation, you can call the Medina County Health Department or connect via email: vaccine@medinahealth.org.
“If you find yourself sick or think you may have been exposed to someone who is sick, please seek testing. Medina County Health Department offers at-home test kits, rapid testing on-site, and PCR testing depending on your needs,” Wasowski explained. You can call 330-723-9688 and select option 1.
“Medina County should be very proud of the ways we worked together to support our community through all of this. The fall could bring additional challenges with variants from other parts of the world, but so much more is known at this point about COVID-19. We have also been through so much already that I am confident we will be able to address anything that comes,” Wasowski said.
She continued by saying it’s been a long 15 months of adjustments, worry and hope. “I hope you and your loved ones take time for yourselves this summer. My wish for all residents is that you are able to reconnect with friends and family, whether that is on vacation, in your backyards, or at one of the many planned area events this summer. Getting back to a favorite hobby or activity is possible at this point, and you should have confidence that these can be done safely during these summer months.”
Face coverings are now optional at Wadsworth City Schools for both students and employees. The Medina County Health Department has also changed rules regarding quarantine and contact tracing beginning today.
Masks will also be optional for all patrons at the Wadsworth Public Library. Quarantining returned items will be discontinued. You can also now return items inside to staff members and use the drive-up window. Meeting rooms are now available for public use, without COVID capacity or arrangement restrictions. The Early Literacy play area will be reopened!
