April 2021

April 28 - Mask Guidance Updated for Fully Vaccinated

The Centers for Disease Control has updated mask guidance for people who are fully vaccinated. If you are fully vaccinated, you don't need to wear a mask outside, except in crowded settings. Learn more here

Vaccines are now available with or without an appointment. Learn more about vaccine locations, hours and availability through these health partner links:

CDC 4-27-2021 MASK SAFER ACTIVITIES

April 28 - Updated Quarantine Guidance

Governor Mike DeWine announced on April 27, 2021 that Ohioans who are fully vaccinated no longer have to quarantine if they are exposed to someone with COVID-19. This health order applies to all adults, except those who are in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or other congregate care settings.  Nursing homes and long-term care facilities, including staff and residents, should continue to quarantine following CDC guidance. An individual is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose of Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines or two weeks after the single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.  Read the announcement here 

April 28 - Worthington COVID-19 Cases

As of April 28, 2021, the City of Worthington has 1,123 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Sadly, another Worthington resident has died. There have now been 53 Worthington residents who have passed away due to the coronavirus. 49 of those people lived in long-term care settings. Our sincere sympathies are with the friends and families of those Worthington residents who have died as a result of COVID-19.

As of April 28, 2021, there are 88,457 confirmed cases in the Columbus Public Health (CPH) jurisdiction, which includes Worthington. 1,051 people in the CPH jurisdiction have died. 

See CPH resources and updates here

April 23 - No Appointments Needed for COVID-19 Vaccines

Starting today, April 23, 2021, people can drive through the Columbus Public Health (CPH) vaccine clinic at the Ohio State Fairgrounds to receive the first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine without an appointment. Vaccines are available at the Celeste Center, 717 E. 17th Avenue from Noon to 3pm, Monday through Saturday. 

Beginning Monday, April 26, 2021, first dose Pfizer COVID-18 vaccines will also be available without an appointment at Columbus Public Health, 240 Parsons Avenue. Walk-ins are welcome Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm. Second doses will be scheduled at both locations at the time of the first vaccination. 

CPH no appointment fairgruonds

April 22 - Worthington Update

For the second week in a row, Franklin County remains at the highest level 4, or purple, on the Ohio Public Health Advisory System meaning there is an extreme risk of COVID-19 exposure and spread. Health experts remind us to continue following safety protocols and get the vaccine as soon as possible. 

As of April 22, 2021, the City of Worthington has 1,119 confirmed cases of COVID-19. There have sadly been 52 Worthington residents who have died due to the coronavirus. 48 of those people lived in long-term care settings. Our sincere sympathies are with the friends and families of those Worthington residents who have died as a result of COVID-19.

As of April 22, 2021, there are 87,695 confirmed cases in the Columbus Public Health (CPH) jurisdiction, which includes Worthington. 1,040 people in the CPH jurisdiction have died. 

See CPH resources and updates here

CPH no appointment vaccines
purple CPH

April 15 - Franklin County moves to Purple Level

Franklin County has moved back to the highest level 4, or purple, on the Ohio Public Health Advisory System meaning there is an extreme risk of COVID-19 exposure and spread. The increasing case numbers and COVID-19 related healthcare utilizations, including emergency department, outpatient visits and hospitalizations, are being reported at a concerning rate. The Ohio Department of Health cites COVID-19 variants as major contributors to the increase. Variants are known to be more transmissible and can cause serious illness and potentially death. 

Vaccine appointments are now readily available. People are urged to get vaccinated as soon as possible and help friends and family members schedule appointments. Options for scheduling include primary care providers or hospital systems, pharmacies, or public health agencies: 

The rising case numbers are a reminder to be vigilant and continue following safety precautions, including wearing a mask, avoiding large gatherings, staying six feet apart from others, and washing your hands frequently.

CPH VACCINE OPTIONS (JJ Paused)April 13 - Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Distribution Paused

On Tuesday, April 13, 2021, Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Health directed all Ohio vaccine providers to temporarily pause using the Johnson & Johnson vaccine following a recommendation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The recommendation was made after six people who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine in the U.S. experienced an extremely rare blood-clotting condition.
More information from the CDC

People who are currently scheduled to receive the Johnson & Johnson vaccine should contact their vaccine provider. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines remain available. 

All people age 16 and up are now eligible. Appointments are available using the State's central scheduling portal at gettheshot.coronavirus.ohio.gov or can be made through primary care providers and hospital systems or public health agencies.

What to know before, during, and after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine

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Special Event Decisions

The City of Worthington continues to work with event organizers and our partners at Columbus Public Health to evaluate the feasibility and health protocols required for special events to be held safely and in compliance with State Health Orders and best practices to limit the spread of COVID-19. 

Worthington Farmers Market Returns to Historic District with Expanded Layout and Safety Protocols

farmers market summer 2021The Worthington Farmers Market is returning to the downtown historic district starting May 1. Organizers worked with public health partners to develop an expanded layout and safety protocols to create a safe shopping experience for visitors and vendors. The Farmers Market will also bring a big boost to Worthington's small locally owned businesses.

The Market will look different than in past seasons. The goal is to add space and spread out market vendors and customers so social distance can be maintained. 

  • Space has been added for booths along the Village Green south of 161, as well as additional booths placed on the lawn of the United Methodist Church.
  • E. New England Avenue between the Graeter’s parking lot and Dewey’s Pizza property will be closed to allow for more spacing between booths.
  • Masks will be required for vendors and customers, as the State Order and Worthington ordinance are still in effect. Please be an example to others and wear your mask!
  • Many vendors will be in new spaces this season. Spacing is the main factor and we have been thoughtful in placement to ensure social distancing and customer queuing can be accommodated.
  • Hand sanitizing stations will be available throughout the market.

The Farmers Market takes place in Old Worthington every Saturday in May through October between 8am and Noon. Until May 1, you can visit the indoor Market location at The Shops at Worthington Place, 7227 N. High St. on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon.

Worthington Farmers Market website

April 14 - Worthington COVID-19 Cases

As of April 14, 2021, the City of Worthington has 1,107 confirmed cases of COVID-19. There have sadly been 52 Worthington residents who have died due to the coronavirus. 48 of those people lived in long-term care settings. Our sincere sympathies are with the friends and families of those Worthington residents who have died as a result of COVID-19.

As of April 14, 2021, there are 86,282 confirmed cases in the Columbus Public Health (CPH) jurisdiction, which includes Worthington. 1,033 people in the CPH jurisdiction have died. 

See CPH resources and updates here

April 9 - Franklin County back on Watch List for Extreme Risk of COVID-19 Spread

COVID-19 case numbers, hospitalizations and other indicators are on the rise again, prompting Franklin County to be placed back on the watch list for a risk of severe exposure and spread of COVID-19. If numbers continue to go up, Franklin County could be back to the highest Level 4 "purple" designation next week. 

Our public health partners are reminding citizens to remain focused on vaccinations and preventing the spread, 

  • Wear a mask
  • Avoid large gatherings
  • Stay 6 feet apart from others not in your household
  • Wash your hands frequently or use hand sanitizer

There is more vaccine in the community every day and heath partners are encouraging all residents 16 and older to find an appointment and get vaccinated as soon as possible.  If you are able, we encourage you to reach out to your family, friends and neighbors to see if they need help finding or scheduling an appointment. Options for scheduling appointments include through primary care providers or hospital systems, or these public health agencies: 

ODH County risk map 4-8-2021
hospitalizations as of 4-8-2021

April 9 - New Consolidated State Health Order

This week Governor Mike DeWine issued a new consolidated health order to streamline existing orders into a single order that underscores the most important tenants of preventing the spread of COVID-19. The new order applies to all sectors, facilities and events and focuses on the basics of wearing a mask, social distancing, limiting large gatherings, being outside and practicing good hand hygiene. 

Read the revised health order here

April 9 - Worthington COVID-19 Cases

As of April 9, 2021, the City of Worthington has 1,094 confirmed cases of COVID-19. There have sadly been 52 Worthington residents who have died due to the coronavirus. 48 of those people lived in long-term care settings. Our sincere sympathies are with the friends and families of those Worthington residents who have died as a result of COVID-19.

As of April 9, 2021, there are 85,421 confirmed cases in the Columbus Public Health (CPH) jurisdiction, which includes Worthington. 1,032 people in the CPH jurisdiction have died. 

See CPH resources and updates here

April 2 - CDC Updates Travel Guidance for Fully Vaccinated

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has updated travel guidelines for people who have been fully vaccinated. Because people who have been fully vaccinated are less likely to get and spread COVID-19, the CDC says they can safely travel within the United States. Fully vaccinated travelers do not need to self-quarantine or get tested before or after travel unless their destination requires it. Fully vaccinated travelers should still follow CDC’s recommendations for traveling safely including, wearing a mask over your nose and mouth, staying 6-feet away from other people and avoiding crowds, and washing your hands often or using hand sanitizer. 

More about the CDC Travel Guidance

Other things people who have been fully vaccinated are able to do: 

  • Gather indoors with fully vaccinated people without wearing a mask. 
  • Gather indoors with unvaccinated people from one other household without masks, unless any of those people or anyone they live with is at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19. 
  • In public, you should still wear a mask, stay at least 6 feet apart from others, and avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces. 

People are considered fully vaccinated:

  • 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, like the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or
  • 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, like Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine
  • If it has been less than 2 weeks since your shot, or if you still need to get your second dose, you are NOT fully protected. Keep taking all prevention steps until you are fully vaccinated.

Learn more from the CDC

April 2 - Worthington COVID-19 Cases

As of April 2, 2021, the City of Worthington has 1,085 confirmed cases of COVID-19. There have sadly been 52 Worthington residents who have died due to the coronavirus. 48 of those people lived in long-term care settings. Our sincere sympathies are with the friends and families of those Worthington residents who have died as a result of COVID-19.

As of April 2, 2021, there are 84,092 confirmed cases in the Columbus Public Health (CPH) jurisdiction, which includes Worthington. 1,016 people in the CPH jurisdiction have died. 

See CPH resources and updates here