Ohio to lift most COVID-19 restrictions June 2

Ohio is set to lift most of its coronavirus restrictions in less than a month, the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Republican Gov. Mike DeWine announced the new guidelines Wednesday, saying that the mask mandate and remaining coronavirus health orders will be lifted on June 2. Social distancing and capacity restrictions will no longer be required, although schools and businesses will have the ability to put their own rules into place.

The only exception will be for nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

“‘It’s time to end the health orders. It’s been a year,” DeWine said, according to WBNS.

He added, “You’ve followed the protocols. You’ve done what we’ve asked. You’ve bravely fought this virus. And now, our cases are down, and we have a tested and proven weapon in the vaccine that all Ohioans 12 and over can utilize.” 

Ohioans now have two weeks to get vaccinated before restrictions lift, DeWine warned.

“The vaccine is here. It’s stronger and better than medical experts ever imagined,” DeWine said. “Everyone can now control their own health. Everyone can now control their own destiny.”

As an added incentive, Ohio is offering a lottery to anyone whose been vaccinated against COVID-19 is eligible to enter. For five weeks starting on May 26, one winner a week will be given $1 in federal funds, DeWine announced Wednesday.

DeWine’s new guidelines come as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that kids as young as 12 can now receive the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine.