COVID-19 pandemic in Columbus, Ohio

[5] On March 18, DeWine ordered nail and hair salons, barbershops, and tattoo parlors closed.

[8][9] Events:[10][11][12][13] Franklin County has been rated for COVID-19 severity under Ohio's Public Health Advisory System and the CDC's COVID-19 community transmission map.

[14][15] On the 18th, hundreds protested the state "infringing on personal rights", with signs also against vaccinations, abortions, postponing Ohio's primaries, and closing businesses.

Cars and trucks circled the Statehouse while honking, and protesters lined High Street for about one and a half hours.

[42] On May 3, about 35 physicians, wearing face masks and lab coats, quietly stood in support of Amy Acton.

[47] Unlike many large cities in Ohio and elsewhere, Columbus has not shut down any streets for outdoor dining or otherwise, with the mayor deeming it irresponsibly increasing the likelihood of further coronavirus spread.

[51] Franklin County issued a 28-day stay-at-home advisory on November 17, warning residents to only leave their homes for work, school, or essentials.

Following news of the advisory, the Columbus Metropolitan Library system returned to only offering curbside and walk-up services.

[56] The city's health commissioner explained that the data used was for all of Central Ohio, including large outbreaks in prisons outside Franklin County.

[12] Cancelled, rescheduled, or made-virtual events in 2020:[62] Movie theaters, including drive-ins, were ordered closed on March 17.

With all restaurants and bars closed to dining in, many in the area have stayed open for carryout and delivery services.

Downtown Columbus still has a small residential population of under 10,000, while upwards of 100,000 people regularly commuted to around the Statehouse for office work.

[75] Other permanently closed foodservice operations include Juniper in the Smith Bros. Hardware Building, The Sycamore, Cosecha Cocina, Little Eater in North Market, Phenix Bistro, Plantain Cafe, Belly Burger, Winking Lizard, two White Castle locations, and three locations of the Max & Erma's chain.

[77] The pandemic has also caused temporary restaurant and bar closures in the city as employees have tested positive for the virus.

Dock 580, a Columbus-based wedding and event company, permanently closed due to losses in the pandemic.

[80] This decision was reversed on September 16 when the Big Ten Conference announced that each team would play eight games in eight weeks beginning on October 24.

Its public transit agency COTA began by introducing thorough cleaning measures, followed by reducing several rush-hour services on March 17.

On March 19, it suspended fare collection, making all rides temporarily free, and required passengers to board and depart buses from the rear doors.

[87] On April 27, following further route reductions and a third COTA worker testing positive, it announced all late-night and early hours would be cut, making all services only run from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Ridership is down about 65 percent from before the virus.

Services at most houses of worship will require registering online, wearing masks, and social distancing.