CLEVELAND — Editor's Note: The above video is from a previously published story
With new guidance from both the CDC and the state of Ohio in place, a pair of popular local attractions have announced mask mandate updates.
The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo will no longer require visitors to wear masks, provided they are fully vaccinated. You can read their statement to 3News below:
"Based on the Ohio Department of Public Health order, fully vaccinated guests to Cleveland Metroparks Zoo will not be required to wear masks. Guests who are not fully vaccinated will continue to be required to wear masks. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo continues to encourage social distancing of at least six feet between groups. Several exhibit areas continue to operate in one-way directional flow to allow for social distancing."
Meanwhile, the Akron Zoo has also taken a similar approach.
"In response to the Governor’s health order – effective today, May 18 – fully vaccinated visitors to the Akron Zoo will not be required to wear masks. Visitors who are not fully vaccinated must continue to wear face coverings throughout the park. The zoo still encourages following social distancing. Timed ticketing will remain in place and admission tickets must be purchased online in advance, including Akron Zoo members," the zoo wrote on its Facebook page.
On Monday, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine officially issued a new health order adopting guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that no longer requires individuals who have been vaccinated for the coronavirus (COVID-19) to wear masks or facial coverings.
A statewide mask mandate in Ohio had been in effect since July 22, 2020.
In a press briefing on Monday, DeWine stressed that the new order's guidance will also reflect the CDC's guidance that masks should still be worn in healthcare settings and when traveling on public transportation (including airplanes). Additionally, businesses are still permitted to enforce the wearing of masks on their premises if they choose to do so. Also, masks will still be required in classrooms until the current health order expires.
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Editor's Note: The below video is from a previously published story