Ohio health department issues new guidance after COVID-19 outbreaks linked to area camps – WLWT Cincinnati

INTERSTATE WERE CLOSED FOR HOURS. 505 AS TWO CAMPS IN OUR AREA DEAL WITH COVID-19 OUTBREAKS THE OHIO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH UPDATING ITS GUIDANCE. THE DEPARTMENT SAYS THEY ARE NOW RECOMMENDING LAYERED PREVENTION TACTICS AT CAMPS THAT HAVE CAMPERS WHO ARE NOT VACCINATED. TH IS MEANS WEARING MASKS SOCIAL DISTANCING WASHING HANDS AND INCREASED CLEANING THE NEW GUIDANCE ALSO INCLUDES ADVICE SPECIFICO T THE CAMP EXPERIENCE INCLUDING HANGING OUT IN GROUPS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON WNHE TWO AND WHEN NOT TO WEAR FACE MASK

Ohio health department issues new guidance after COVID-19 outbreaks linked to area camps

As two camps in the Greater Cincinnati area are dealing with COVID-19 outbreaks, the Ohio Department of Health is updating its guidance.View the new Residential Camps guidance hereThe department says they’re now recommending layered prevention tactics at camps that have campers who are not vaccinated.That means wearing masks, social distancing, washing hands and increased cleaning.The new guidance also includes advice specific to the camp experience– including hanging out in groups and recommendations on when to and not to wear face masks. The new guidance says those who not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 should be wearing a mask when:In any indoor location that is not a residenceOutdoors, if it is not possible to consistently maintain a distance of 6 feet or more between people who live in different homes/households.Riding, driving, or operating public transportation, or a taxi, car service, or ride sharing vehicle.When it comes to group settings, the new guidance says if you are not fully vaccinated you should maintain at least 6 feet of distancing from others when possible, avoid gathering in groups with other unvaccinated individuals when possible.”If not everyone at a residential camp is fully vaccinated, the layering of strategies is critical to protecting campers, staff, and volunteers,” said Bruce Vanderhoff, MD, chief medical officer at ODH. “This is especially important as a new, more contagious strain of COVID-19 settles in our state. Taking these precautions can help reduce the likelihood of spread and allow everyone to safely participate in camp activities.” With the recent outbreaks, Vanderhoff is continuing to encourage all eligible Ohioans who can safely do so, to get vaccinated against COVID-19. “Vaccination is our most effective tool for preventing COVID-19 and putting the pandemic behind us,” Dr. Vanderhoff said. “These vaccines save lives and will help ensure Ohioans are able to enjoy many more summers to come.”

COLUMBUS, Ohio —

As two camps in the Greater Cincinnati area are dealing with COVID-19 outbreaks, the Ohio Department of Health is updating its guidance.

View the new Residential Camps guidance here

The department says they’re now recommending layered prevention tactics at camps that have campers who are not vaccinated.

That means wearing masks, social distancing, washing hands and increased cleaning.

The new guidance also includes advice specific to the camp experience– including hanging out in groups and recommendations on when to and not to wear face masks.

The new guidance says those who not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 should be wearing a mask when:

  • In any indoor location that is not a residence
  • Outdoors, if it is not possible to consistently maintain a distance of 6 feet or more between people who live in different homes/households.
  • Riding, driving, or operating public transportation, or a taxi, car service, or ride sharing vehicle.

When it comes to group settings, the new guidance says if you are not fully vaccinated you should maintain at least 6 feet of distancing from others when possible, avoid gathering in groups with other unvaccinated individuals when possible.

“If not everyone at a residential camp is fully vaccinated, the layering of strategies is critical to protecting campers, staff, and volunteers,” said Bruce Vanderhoff, MD, chief medical officer at ODH. “This is especially important as a new, more contagious strain of COVID-19 settles in our state. Taking these precautions can help reduce the likelihood of spread and allow everyone to safely participate in camp activities.”

With the recent outbreaks, Vanderhoff is continuing to encourage all eligible Ohioans who can safely do so, to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

“Vaccination is our most effective tool for preventing COVID-19 and putting the pandemic behind us,” Dr. Vanderhoff said. “These vaccines save lives and will help ensure Ohioans are able to enjoy many more summers to come.”