GCPH Supports CDC Mask Guidance
Masks Recommended for Everyone Indoors. Due to the rapid increase in the number of COVID-19 cases and the increasing spread of the Delta variant in the region, Greene County Public Health officials are issuing a notice in support of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) guidance that recommends the use of face masks while indoors and near others, for all individuals 2 years of age and older, regardless of vaccination status. In addition we support the White House Executive Order to protect the federal workforce.
Masking is necessary to slow the spread of the virus to prevent surges in new infections which could increase COVID-19-related illness and death, and overwhelm healthcare capacity.
Vaccination and the use of face masks are the two best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Everyone who is eligible to be vaccinated should do so as soon as possible. You may find the vaccination location nearest you by visiting https://gettheshot.coronavirus.ohio.gov.
This is simply a public health recommendation. Healthcare facilities, businesses, military installations, and other organizations may require masks to ensure the safety of their employees and customers based on their individual circumstances.
The passage of House Bill 244 prohibits public schools in Ohio from mandating vaccines not yet approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The three COVID-19 vaccines currently in use each received emergency use authorization from the FDA but so far have not received full approval. HB 244 also says public schools cannot discriminate against those not vaccinated by making them do different activities (i.e. wearing masks) from their vaccinated counterparts.
Schools covered by the bill include all city, local, community and exempted village public schools as well as all
joint vocational school districts, college-prep boarding schools and STEM schools. It also covers state
institutions of higher education, meaning colleges and universities.
Recommendations for both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals include:
• All those who are medically able to do so, should wear a face mask, regardless of vaccination status, in public indoor settings when you are near others
• The use of face masks is recommended for all teachers, staff, students and visitors to schools, regardless of vaccination status
• Get tested if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms
• Everyone with a known contact to someone with confirmed COVID-19 disease should get tested 3-5 days following exposure
• Isolate if you have tested positive for COVID-19 in the prior 10 days or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms
For more information on COVID-19 and the Delta variant, visit https://coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-
ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634). For more information on Greene County Public Health, please call 937-374-5600
or visit www.gcph.info. If you have COVID-19 related questions for Greene County Public Health, please
email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
