!["The CDC still recommends everyone wear masks when they are in a healthcare setting, when they are travelling on public transportation, including airplanes, and when they are in a business or employer that chooses to require masks," Gov. Mike DeWine noted in his Friday statement. [Thanumporn Thongkongkaew / Shutterstock]](https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/c08b984/2147483647/strip/true/crop/980x535+0+0/resize/840x458!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Flegacy%2Fimages%2Fnews%2Fnpr%2F2021%2F05%2Fshutterstock_1656432637%20resized%20Thanumporn%20Thongkongkaew.jpg)
Ohio is removing a mask requirement immediately for people who are fully vaccinated, in keeping with new guidance from the federal government.
Republican Gov. Mike DeWine said in a statement Friday that unvaccinated people should continue to wear masks and socially distance, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends.
"Ohio will be amending our remaining health orders to comply with the new CDC guidance, which says that those who have been vaccinated no longer need to wear masks, while those who have not been vaccinated should still wear a mask and socially distance," DeWine said in a statement.
The governor said existing health orders still won't be fully lifted until June 2, as he had announced Wednesday, but their wording will be updated to match CDC guidelines. The June 2 date was chosen to give those who need to be vaccinated ample time to get their shots.
On Wednesday, DeWine said the key to lifting the health restrictions are the vaccines, along with individuals and companies making their own responsible decisions when it comes to preventing the spread of the virus.
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