BEXLEY, Ohio — The City of Bexley lifted its mask mandate for public spaces Tuesday evening as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to drop.
The removal of the mandate goes into effect immediately, according to Mayor Ben Kessler.
The city originally put the mask mandate in place in September 2021 when the delta variant was causing a surge in cases and hospitalizations.
“At the time we instituted the mask mandate we committed to following the guidance of public health authorities. Public health authorities around the country have recognized the lower risk from omicron, particularly in the face of mass vaccination and increasing public immunity, and restrictions around the country are lessening,” Kessler said in a release.
Businesses and institutions are still allowed to require guests to wear masks if they wish.
However, businesses are not allowed to prohibit people from wearing masks.
Recently, the City of Columbus and other central Ohio cities said a removal of its mask mandate could happen "in the coming weeks" if the numbers continue to trend in the right direction.
To read the full announcement from Mayor Kessler, click here.