Source: Health Policy Institute of Ohio
Ohio is on track to open access to COVID-19 vaccines to all adults by President Joe Biden’s Saturday, May 1, milestone and could lift restrictions in the next seven to eight weeks, Governor Mike DeWine said on March 12 (Source: “Gov. Mike DeWine: Coronavirus Restrictions Could be Lifted ‘in 7 to 8 Weeks’,” The Columbus Dispatch, March 12, 2021).
President Biden said he wants states to make all adults eligible for the vaccine by Saturday, May 1. President Biden noted that does not mean all Americans will immediately receive a vaccine after that date, but that “you’ll be able to get in line beginning Saturday, May 1.”
“Within a month, it’s going to be pretty open,” Gov. DeWine said.
On March 11, Ohio’s incidence rate was 155 new cases per 100,000 residents during the past two weeks – down from 179 the week before. Gov. DeWine said when that rate reaches 50, he will lift all state health orders including a mask mandate and restrictions on bars, restaurants, entertainment venues, and more.
“We certainly could be out of this in seven or eight weeks,” Gov. DeWine said. “What we don’t really know is the impact this variant is having or will have as it spreads throughout the state.”