• Only leave home to go to work, school, or essential needs
• Limits meetings and social events to 10 individuals.

Residents of Columbus, Ohio and Franklin county have been advised to stay at home for 28 days beginning from Friday, November 20 to Friday, December 18, 2020 due to the rapid rise of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in the city and county.

“The City of Columbus and Franklin County are experiencing a rapid increase in COVID-19 cases from a seven-day average of 143 on October 1 to 742 on November 15,” said Health Commissioner for the City of Columbus, Dr. Mysheika W. Roberts, and the Health Commissioner for Franklin County Public Health, Joe Mazzola.

According to the advisory order signed by the two health commissioners, “Residents are advised to only leave home to go to work or school, or for essential needs such as seeking medical care, going to the grocery store or pharmacy, picking up food, or receiving deliveries.”

Additionally, residents are strongly advised to:

• Avoid traveling in and out of the state; and
• Forgo having guests in their homes during the upcoming holiday season.

This advisory shall remain in place for two consecutive incubation periods of the SARS-CoV-2 virus (28 days), or until such time as both health departments determine a change to the guidance is appropriate.

Adherence to All Current Orders

All orders set forth by Governor R. Michael DeWine, the Ohio Department of Health, Franklin County, and the municipalities of Franklin County shall continue to be enforced and adhered to by all Columbus and Franklin County residents.”

Advisory on Indoor and Outdoor Meetings and Social Events

From the effective date of this advisory, residents of Columbus and Franklin County are urged to limit meetings and social events to 10 individuals.

The advice applies to both indoor and outdoor events that may occur at a residence, banquet hall, event venue or other similar space.

Per the Ohio Department of Health Director’s Order Re: Revised Order to Limit and/or Prohibit Mass Gatherings in the State of Ohio, with Exceptions issued November 15, 2020, weddings and funerals are exempt; however, this advisory discourages these gatherings.

Allowing People in Your Home

Residents are strongly advised to not have any guests in their homes unless they are essential to health and safety.

Response to Illness and Exposure – Isolation and Quarantine

Residents of Columbus and Franklin County that are exhibiting any signs and symptoms of COVID-19 must shelter in their place of residence. They should not go to their workplace or congregate settings and should only leave their place of residence to seek necessary clinical care, or for essential life sustaining needs, such as obtaining medicine or food.

COVID-19 symptoms include, but are not limited to, new onset of fever, cough, shortness of breath, congestion or runny nose, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, body aches, or unusual fatigue.