Columbus mask mandate staying in place, mayor says

What he's saying: "The virus is here to stay."

• "We're going to continue to do everything we can to keep each other safe, make informed decisions and follow the science, wherever the science takes us," Ginther said.

State of play: The mayor outlined local goals of maintaining in-person learning, keeping local businesses open and preventing the healthcare system from becoming overwhelmed.

• He credited the city health department with passing out tens of thousands of free at-home testing kits ahead of Thanksgiving.
• The department continues to offer $100 in "vax cash" for those receiving their first dose at a number of local vaccine clinics.

By the numbers: Franklin County continues to record hundreds of new COVID-19 cases each day, per Ohio Department of Health statistics, a slight rise from mid-October.