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

Franklin County Board of Health Order, July 14, 2020

As of July 14, 2020, Franklin County residents and visitors are required to wear face coverings when out in public. As part of a new order issued by the Franklin County Board of Health in conjunction with the Ohio Department of Health Order mandating face coverings. The complete order is available here.

Face Coverings Required in the State of Ohio

Per on order issued by the State Health Director on July 23^rd all Ohioans including Franklin County residents must wear a facial covering/mask when:

- In any indoor location that is not a residence;
- When outdoors and unable to consistently maintain a distance of six feet or more from individuals who are not members of their household; or
- Waiting for, riding, driving, or operating public or private vehicles conveying persons, baggage or freight, or used for such purposes, including but not limited to: public transportation; a taxi; a private car service; or a ride sharing vehicle.

More information about this order can be found on the Ohio Department of Health’s website. The complete order is available here.

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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