COLUMBUS, Ohio (WTVN)--Ohio's COVID-19 health orders will end on June 2nd.
Governor Mike DeWine addressed the state on Wednesday, saying the effectiveness of the vaccines and the declining rate of cases and hospitalizations led to the timeline to let the orders expire.
The date allows Ohioans who are hesitant on getting the vaccine ample time to start the process, either with the first dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or the single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
DeWine says the orders for social distancing and mask-wearing will continue for nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
He adds that businesses can still set their own rules for social distancing and wearing a mask, even after the state health orders end.
According to the CDC, Ohio is averaging a lower number of new cases per 100-thousand people than all neighboring states.