COVID-19 Update

Our thoughts are with everyone affected by COVID-19 and the strange, uncertain situation we now find ourselves in because of it. We are consistently impressed and inspired by the way the Oxford community has come together during this trying time, from sharing supportive messages online to businesses offering free meals for kids. Our town is a special one and we know that together we're not only going to get through this, but we'll also come out even stronger.

Below we've listed some information to give you a better idea of what Enjoy Oxford is doing during this time and what options are still available to you in town.

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OXFORD SAFETY MEASURES

Mask Ordinance

Oxford City Council voted on Tuesday, July 14th to pass an ordinance requiring Oxford residents and visitors to wear masks indoors (as well as outdoors if physical distancing is not possible).

Businesses will not be allowed to transact with patrons without masks. Patrons who refuse to wear masks could be charged with the ordinance and trespass. There are common-sense exceptions for those with medical conditions, and situations involving eating, exercising, etc. There's a $100 fine, but OPD will enforce only on scofflaw individuals and businesses.

For more details on this ordinance, read the City's webpage here.

Mass Gatherings Ordinance

On Tuesday, August 18th, Oxford City Council passed an emergnecy ordinance limiting "mass gatherings" to 10 people. This ordinance applies to any social gatherings whether indoors or outside, for any individuals who don't live in the same household. The ordinance exempts organized gatherings like businesses, schools, sportings events, weddings and funerals, and other First Amendment assemblies.

For more information on this ordinance, read the City's webpage here.

Fall Semester at Miami University

Upperclassmen and students living off-campus returned to Oxford the week of August 10th. Miami University classes, however, will not be held in-person until Sept. 21st after underclassmen return to campus during a gradual move-in process.

You can read more about Miami's plan for this fall by clicking here.

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OTHER QUESTIONS

Is the Enjoy Oxford office open right now?

Yes! As of Monday, June 15 the Enjoy Oxford office is once again open to the public.

We are staggering our shifts so that there are never more than two staff members in the office at a time. Any staff who is not working in the office will work remotely that day and will be available through email.

Additionally, the precautions in place for both our safety and yours, are as follows:

• Please no more than 4 visitors in the office at a time.
• Please wear a mask (per the mandate issued by City Council as of Tuesday, July 14th).
• Please do not touch the literature we have (welcome guide, maps, etc). We are happy to handle these materials for you! In fact, if you call ahead (513-523-8687) we can gather this information for you and have it ready upon your arrival.
• Please stay within the square of blue tape on the floor to ensure a proper six-foot distance between the visitor space and our workspace.
• We are consistently wiping down/sanitizing touchpoints.

What is Enjoy Oxford working on right now?

As we move from summer to fall, Enjoy Oxford's team continues to promote safe and fun ways for you to enjoy our town, whether that's sitting on the patio of a local restaurant to enjoy a meal, walking one of Oxford's many nature trails, or taking our new self-guided Black History Tour. This fall keep an eye out for more seasonally-themed ideas, such as where to find the best autumnal flavors in town.

Additionally, we have not abandoned our goal to help Oxford's economy thrive, including our hotel partners. Now more than ever we are keeping our ears to the ground in order to share updates from local businesses. We encourage you to follow us on our social media channels in order to see this information as it's shared.

Are all events in Oxford canceled?

Many summer and fall events in Oxford and on the Miami University campus have been canceled or postponed. Some events are being offered virtually, while others continue uninterrupted, such as our Saturday morning and Tuesday evening Farmer's Market. Please feel free to look at our community calendar, which we are doing our best to update daily.

Note: If you go out in public, please continue to practice physical distancing (remaining six feet away from others at all times) while also washing your hands constantly and avoiding touching your face. And remember to wear your mask.

Is it safe to walk around outside?

As of August 18, 2020, it is still safe to walk around outside and is in fact encouraged as a good form of exercise. It is important to remember physical distancing rules and to go out alone or only with the people living in your household. We recommend taking a self-guided walking tour or taking a stroll around the community park.

What dining options are available?

Many of Oxford's restaurants are open for takeout, delivery (many through Oxford to You), and now indoor and outdoor dining as well.

Safety guidelines are being followed in Oxford restaurants, such as maintaining a 6-foot distance between patrons by blocking off certain tables for seating. It is also encouraged that you wear a mask if you are not eating or drinking at your table, and to only eat or drink while seated at your table.

The Butler County Visitor's Bureau has a list of every restaurant in Butler County and the services they're currently offering. With everything changing so rapidly right now, we recommend that you also call ahead to double-check hours and service availability.

Is retail in Oxford open?

Yes! Many retailers in Oxford have reopened, with safety recommendations in place such as wearing masks, minimizing touchpoints (try to only touch what you plan to buy), and maintaining a 6-foot distance from other customers. Some retailers also have a customer limit (example: no more than five inside at a time) that they have posted either on the outside of their doors or immediately inside. Take note of these precautions and please act accordingly to ensure both your safety and the safety of others.

What attractions have recently opened?

The Miami University Recreational Center has reopened with precautions in place that you can read about here.

The Oxford Farmers Market continues to hold markets on both Saturday morning (uptown) and Tuesday evening. For details, check out the Enjoy Oxford calendar.

You're Fired, Oxford's Paint Your Own Pottery Studio, has reopened with both indoor and now outdoor seating! Follow them on Facebook here.

The Miami University Art Museum is set to re-open September 21. They will be launching new exhibitions and related programs virtually beginning August 25. Miami University faculty and staff are welcome to visit the Art Museum by appointment beginning August 17. For more of the museum's updates, click here.

The Oxford Lane Library is once again open to the public during normal hours Monday - Saturday, while being closed on Sunday. The first couple of hours of each day are reserved for seniors and vulnerable populations. Read more here.

The Oxford Aquatic Center reopened this summer but will close for the season on August 23rd.

Public Health Resources

City of Oxford - Protecting Oxford
Miami University - Healthy Together Plan
Butler County Visitor Bureau - Travel Advisory & Updates
Center for Disease Control and Prevention

Updated 2:19 PM (EST), Tuesday, August 21, 2020