COLUMBUS – The state of emergency under which Ohioans have lived for 15 months was lifted Friday morning, even though many of the rules requiring the wearing of facial coverings or limiting large gatherings were rescinded two weeks ago.
Governor Mike DeWine Thursday announced that the state emergency in Ohio caused by the COVID-19 pandemic would be lifted Friday.
State regulations would allow residents in nursing homes and assisted living centers to have more than two visitors, and there is no longer a scheduling requirement, but nursing homes were expected to continue to follow federal guidance from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and both nursing homes and assisted living facilities were expected to follow CDC guidelines.
Staff members who are unvaccinated are still required to be tested for the coronavirus twice per week.
The state on Thursday reported 244 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number of Ohioans being treated for the disease to 9,173, including 335 who were being cared for in hospitals.
The statewide incidence rate had fallen to 26.8 cases per 100,000 residents.
Nearly 5.5 million Ohioans had received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine, equal to 46.98% of the population.