Columbus Public Health and Franklin County Public Health have extended the Stay at Home Advisory until January 2, 2021. The Stay at Home Advisory, which began on November 20, was extended due to high case numbers and community spread and coincides with the Governor’s 10 p.m. curfew.

Residents are advised to stay at home to the greatest extent possible, and to only leave home to go to work or school or for essential needs such as medical care, groceries, medicine and food pick up.

Residents also are strongly advised not to have any guests in their homes unless they are essential workers, including for the holidays. Columbus and Franklin County residents also are urged to limit meetings and social events to 10 individuals both indoors and outside. We urge those who are required to travel out of the state to follow all local and state guidelines.

“While the vaccine gives us long-term hope in our battle against COVID-19, we must do our best today to protect those close to us, slow the spread and save lives,” said Mayor Andrew J. Ginther.

“Case numbers and hospitalizations continue to be at very high levels in our community,” said Columbus Health Commissioner Dr. Mysheika Roberts. “Hope is on the horizon with the COVID vaccine, but it will take time and the next few weeks are critical to reducing community spread and saving lives.”

“As we continue to celebrate the holidays, we recognize not having guests in your home or going to visit others is very difficult,” said Joe Mazzola, Franklin County Health Commissioner.  “We thank our residents for taking those steps which can and do make a difference in protecting their family, friends and even people they will never meet.”

“2020 has been a tough year for all of us, but the end is in sight, and there are still things we can do to lessen the impact of this pandemic,” says John O’Grady, President of the Franklin County Board of Commissioners. “Celebrate the holidays remotely and stay home whenever you can. By staying home, you can keep your family and our community safe, and help keep the hospital system from being overwhelmed.”                                                   

The Stay at Home Advisory supplements all current orders of Governor DeWine, the Ohio Department of Health, Franklin County, the City of Columbus, and the municipalities of Franklin County. The Stay at Home Advisory will remain in place until January 2, 2021 or until both health departments determine a change to the guidance is appropriate.