UPDATE 9/14/21: Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther signed a city mask mandate approved by the City Council, with potential fines for failing to mask up in most indoor public places. It applies to everyone* — vaccinated or not. Face coverings must be worn in indoor spaces, including office buildings, stores, bars and restaurants, and public transportation. This also includes the 2021 Convention and Expo venue, the Hyatt Regency in downtown Columbus. After an initial warning, the city Health Department can fine businesses $500 for a second offense and $1,000 for subsequent offenses for any customers or staff failing to wear masks. Individuals also can be fined $100 after a warning.  The fines for individuals grows to $250 for any subsequent offenses.

*Exceptions have been made for children under 6 years of age and people with medical or behavioral conditions that preclude them from wearing a face covering, and anyone actively eating and drinking, engaged in sports and recreational activities, and giving a speech or performance before a live audience.

• Columbus-Mask-Ordinance (PDF, 7 pages)

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Sept. 7, 2021 — OLC is moving forward with our in-person 2021 Convention and Expo next month. At this time, masks will be required for all attendees at the 2021 Convention and Expo, October 13-15, at the Hyatt Regency in Columbus. Attendees, regardless of vaccination status, will need to wear masks for all indoor OLC events. Exceptions will be made for people with medical conditions that preclude them from wearing a face covering, and anyone actively eating and drinking, and presenters who are speaking during the event.

This measure is in addition to a number of COVID protocols that have already been put in place, including:

• Enhanced cleaning and sanitizing measures at our venue (see Hyatt’s Global Care & Cleanliness Commitment on the OLC website).
• Hand sanitizing stations available throughout the venue.
• Social distancing in event spaces and additional space in session rooms.
• Reduction of the physical distribution of on-site materials and encouraging participants to use the Convention and Expo app.

In addition, we will follow all local, state and national protocols in place at that time. We will continue to monitor the Delta variant and COVID cases. Watch for more updates on the OLC website.

Message from OLC’s Executive Director Michelle Francis