Keep up with regular news updates regarding Columbus and Ohio’s response to COVID-19 here.
The Numbers
COVID-19 cases — As of Tuesday, May 19, 3,706 cases and 149 deaths from COVID-19 have been reported or are probable in Columbus and Worthington. Countywide, 4,870 cases and 199 deaths from COVID-19 have been reported according to data from Columbus Public Health and Franklin County Public Health.
Statewide, 28,952 cases and 1,720 deaths have been confirmed or are probable.
Travel Order Becomes Travel Advisory
On Tuesday, Governor Mike DeWine announced that an Urgent Health Advisory would replace travel restrictions laid out in previous orders, including the Stay Safe Ohio order announced on May 1.
The new order, which the governor has called Ohioans Protecting Ohioans, now simply recommends residents refrain from travel outside of essential activities. Now under an advisory, people traveling or returning to Ohio are no longer being asked to self-quarantine.
In his Coronavirus Update remarks, the governor explained the reason for the change to an advisory comes as additional travel exceptions from the original order are put in place and businesses reopen, such as restaurants, bars, salons and soon gyms.
The official language of the revised order is not yet available.
The restriction on mass gatherings, which limits private gatherings of more than 10 people, is still in place.
Pelotonia Cancels Annual Group Ride
On Tuesday, Pelotonia announced its annual group cycling event has been canceled. The three-day group ride, which was to take place beginning August 7, 2020, will instead become a virtual event.
On June 2, the organization will launch “My Pelotonia,” an online platform allowing for riders to participate in both fundraising and riding aspects of the event, however individually.
For more information, visit pelotonia.org.
Masks Required as Courts Reopen
The Franklin County Common Pleas Court has announced new restrictions and policies as courts reopen on June 1. All Franklin County courts ceased hearings in mid-March.
Beginning in June, court hearings will resume, and stays for foreclosure cases will be lifted.
All individuals entering the courthouse are required to wear a protective mask, unless one has a documented reason preventing them from doing so. The court will provide masks if someone doesn’t have one.
The court will also operate on a variant schedule that will limit the number of people in court at any given time.
View the full text of the order here.
For more information on COVID-19 in Ohio, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH.
