COLUMBUS, Ohio — Governor Mike DeWine announced Wednesday that he has asked the Ohio Department of Health to remove most pandemic health orders on Wednesday, June 2. The timeline will allow any Ohioan who has not yet received a COVID-19 vaccine to obtain one to protect themselves and others before the lifting of coronavirus mitigation protocols.
“It is time to end the health orders. It’s been a year. You’ve followed the protocols. You’ve done what we’ve asked. You’ve bravely fought this virus,” Gov. DeWine said. “And now, our cases are down, and we have a tested and proven weapon with the vaccine that all Ohioans 12 and over can utilize.”
Measures being removed will include facial covering protocols, social distancing guidelines, and capacity restrictions for indoor and outdoor events.
Gov. DeWine announced that any pandemic health orders that would remain solely relate to either nursing homes and assisted living facilities, which will also to have federal safety protocols, and data collection related to the pandemic.
Gov. DeWine also announced Wednesday that COVID-19 Pfizer vaccinations will now be available to Ohio’s youth, age 12 years and older, following members of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommending use of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for this age group. This follows the FDA’s update of the emergency use authorization (EUA) on Monday to include youth ages 12-15.
“This is promising news for Ohioans, making vaccine available to more people will help us return to the life we want to live. The COVID-19 vaccine is incredibly powerful, and by protecting more individuals, we make everyone safer,” Gov. DeWine said. “We have worked proactively with the American Academy of Pediatrics – Ohio Chapter, children’s hospitals, and other providers to make sure they would be prepared to begin offering this vaccine to Ohio’s youth. I appreciate all they have done to prepare for this next phase.”
Children under age 18 who are not emancipated must have parental consent for any vaccine. A parent or legal guardian generally should accompany the minor to receive the vaccine, unless the administration of the vaccine occurs in a physician’s office, school-based or school-associated clinic setting or similar setting.
Vaccine Incentives/Statewide Drawings
In an effort to increase the number of Ohioans who currently have not taken a COVID-19 vaccine to get vaccinated, Governor DeWine announced a series of statewide drawings to help incentivize vaccinations.
Ohioans under the age of 18 who are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine will be entered into a drawing for a four-year full scholarship to any of Ohio’s state colleges and universities, including full tuition, room, and board.
Ohioans aged 18 and older will be entered into a weekly drawing with a prize of up to $1 million.
A total of five weekly drawings for each prize will take place, with the first winners being announced on May 26th. Winners must have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by the date of the respective drawing.
The drawings will be administered by the Ohio Department of Health, with technical assistance from the Ohio Lottery Commission, and will be funded through existing allocations to the Ohio Department of Health of unexpended coronavirus relief funds.
Vaccination Status
In Preble County, there are five current vaccination sites:
Camden Village Pharmacy, 75 W. Central Ave., Camden. Call 937-453-1263 or visit http://www.camdenvillagepharmacy.com/covid-vaccine.
CVS Pharmacy 6145, 1300 N. Barron St., Eaton. Call 888-300-4419 or visit http://www.cvs.com/immunizations/covid-19-vaccine.
The Gym at Eagles Point, 307 N. Cherry St., Eaton. Call 937-472-0087 or visit http://vaccinatepreble.com.
Walgreens, 1213 N. Barron St., Eaton. Call 937-456-2694 or visit http://www.walgreens.com/findcare/vaccination/covid-19.
Walmart, 100A E Washington Jackson Rd, Eaton. Call 937-456-7720 or visit https://www.walmart.com/cp/1228302.
