Latest Ohio Vaccine And Mask Mandates: See Who's Requiring Them

Cleveland OH

03 August, 2021

10:16 AM

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OHIO — The highly infectious delta variant of COVID-19 is spreading throughout the U.S. and Ohio, spurring a surge in new cases and hospitalizations. In response, many companies are issuing new mask policies for staff or customers. The majority of Ohioans should be wearing masks while indoors, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced this week. Of Ohio's 88 counties, 64 have substantial or high rates of COVID-19 spread. However, a statewide mask mandate is unlikely anytime soon. Ohio legislators passed a bill this year that made it extremely difficult for the Ohio Department of Health or Gov. Mike DeWine to issue statewide mandates requiring either mask wearing or vaccines. However, individual companies can require both, and school systems can require masking indoors. We're tracking where Ohioans will need to wear a mask and where they'll need a vaccine to work. Check out the list below and tell us in the comments if you know of other places requiring either masks or vaccines. Here are the latest mandates announced in Ohio: Giant Eagle One of Ohio's most popular grocery chains is now requiring employees to wear masks while working. Customers are strongly urged to also wear masks while shopping. Read more here. Central Ohio hospitals The Columbus-based Ohio State Wexner Medical System, along with other central Ohio hospitals, is mandating all staff and students receive the COVID-19 vaccine, ABC 6 reported. Employees and students have until Oct. 15 to get the first dose of a vaccine. Ohio Schools Individual districts will set their own mask policies for the coming school year, though the Ohio Department of Health has strongly recommended unvaccinated students and staff wear masks while in the classroom. Read more here. Walmart Employees at stores and facilities in areas with substantial or high rates of spread will be required to wear masks while working indoors. The company is also strongly urging all employees to get vaccinated against the virus as soon as possible. McDonald's The fast food giant has mandated both employees and customers wear masks while inside at their restaurants, if they're in an area with substantial or high rates of COVID-19 spread. Home Depot All Home Depot employees must wear masks while working, the company announced this week. Customers will be asked to wear masks and complimentary masks will be available at the door for shoppers. Target Target Unveils New Mask Policy For Stores Target will again require employees to wear face masks if they're in an area with substantial or high spread, the retail giant announced Monday. The new policy will go into effect Tuesday. Read more here. Read more here. Kroger The grocery chain is asking both customers and shoppers to wear masks while inside stores. Employees who received the COVID-19 vaccine will receive a one-time $100 bonus. The Ohio State University Students, faculty and staff will be required to wear masks indoors at any facility, regardless of their vaccination status, the university announced. Unvaccinated people must also wear masks outdoors, if social distancing is not possible. Kohl's Any Kohl's employees working in an area with substantial or high COVID-19 transmission rates (as defined by the CDC) will need to wear masks whiles working. The retailer recommends shoppers also wear masks while inside stores. Employees are encouraged to get a COVID-19 vaccine and the company said it will provide resources to help workers get vaccinated.