Protect Yourself & Others

Prevent Getting Sick

Here are some steps you can take to slow the spread of COVID-19:

Post-vaccination advisement

Even after you are vaccinated, it takes some time for your body to build an immune response to the vaccine. CDC advises that the vaccines offer strong protection starting two weeks after completing the vaccination series.

Once you get vaccinated, you will have a lower risk of getting sick from COVID-19. According to the CDC, fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask outdoors, except in certain crowded settings. It is important to remember no vaccine provides 100% immunity and many people around you are likely to be unvaccinated. To protect others, particularly in high-risk situations, it is important to continue practicing the 3 W’s: wearing a mask, washing your hands and watching your distance until enough people are vaccinated to stop the spread of the virus.

The CDC has provided this graph to help choose safer activities.

CDC advises that if you are fully vaccinated and have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, you are not required to quarantine or get tested unless you have symptoms. There are exceptions, such as people living or working in a congregate setting. More details are available here.

Cloth Face Coverings/Masks

To align with the recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance, the Franklin County Board of Health rescinded its mask order originally adopted on July 14, 2020. Those who have been vaccinated no longer need to wear masks or social distance, while those who have not been vaccinated should still wear a mask and social distance. To maintain consistency and model safe behavior for Ohio’s students, these changes do not affect the existing orders and guidance from the State of Ohio requiring the use of facial coverings and other health protocols in our K-12 schools.

None of these actions should signify that the pandemic is over. We advise businesses, schools, and organizations to request all employees, visitors and customers continue to wear masks inside their facilities to the greatest extent possible.

The CDC still recommends everyone wear masks when they are in a healthcare setting, when they are traveling on public transportation, including airplanes, and when they are in a business or employer that chooses to require masks.

Face Covering Tips

The use of simple cloth face coverings slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. DO NOT place cloth face coverings on children under age 2 or anyone who has trouble breathing.

Cloth face coverings should be routinely washed depending on the frequency of use. If you are in a private setting and do not have your cloth face covering on, remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.

The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators. Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders.

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