ROSS COUNTY, Ohio — COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Ohio as schools prepare to start the new academic year. Many districts in the state are still on the fence on whether or not to mandate masks. Businesses across Ohio are also faced with a similar dilemma after new CDC Guidelines were released.
On July 27, the CDC reversed course and issued new guidance supporting universal indoor masking for schools and those individuals in substantial or high transmission areas.
Walmart said in a press release, “We will follow CDC guidance, which includes fully vaccinated people wearing masks in public indoor settings in counties with substantial or high transmission. In these counties and where there are state or local mask mandates, associates will be required to wear masks inside our facilities, including stores, clubs, distribution centers, and fulfillment centers.”
Walmart is just one of many companies bringing masking back. Lowes, Target, Krogers, and Khols join the list of businesses that will require all employees to mask up in high transmission rate areas.
The Ross County Health District issued a statement this week saying,
“Ross County triggered the substantial transmission threshold. Due to the uncontrolled outbreak of the Delta variant across the state and country, we are suggesting that our community follow CDC guidelines. Part of this guidance includes for fully vaccinated people to wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high transmission.”
The Ohio State University announced this week that they will mandate mask wearing for all staff, visitors, and employees regardless of vaccination status. The Columbus City Schools, the largest district in the state, will mandate mask-wearing as well.
Many area residents have taken to social media to vent their frustration on the abrupt reversal in CDC guidance. A “Rally of the Free” will be held on Wednesday, at 6 p.m. on the Ross County Courthouse steps. Organizers said the event is not against masking, but that people should have the right to choose not to wear a mask.
Medical experts have said that large events could become “super-spreader” incidents. With the rapid rise in cases due to the Delta Variant, large gatherings without wearing a mask drastically increase a person’s chances of contracting COVID-19, experts say.
Those who are wanting to be vaccinated can contact their local Health Department to find vaccination locations.
