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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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?

Enjoy Oxford's small but mighty team continues to work hard despite the cancelation of some of our larger summer events such as the Uptown Concert Series and the Porsche Car Show.

We continue to brainstorm and implement new, exciting ideas to engage the town, such as our Summer Photo Challenge and our newly released self-guided Black History Tour.

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.

Do I have to wear a mask in Oxford?

Oxford City Council voted on Tuesday, July 14th to require Oxford residents and visitors to wear masks indoors (as well as outdoors if physical distancing is not possible). This is due to the fact that Butler County is nearly at the highest level of the Coronavirus advisory (level 4).

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.

Are all events in Oxford canceled?

Many events in Oxford have been canceled or postponed due to the Governor's Stay Home order. 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.

What about the Uptown Concert Series this summer?

While Enjoy Oxford had an amazing lineup scheduled this summer, we have unfortunately had to cancel all concerts through the end of July. Please keep an eye on this blog post for any updates concerning the possibilities of August concerts, whether in-person or virtual.

Is it safe to walk around outside?

As of June 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. (Check out our latest blog about outdoor dining options!)

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?

Beginning Saturday, June 20th, the Oxford Aquatic Center is reopening with limited capacity (max 200) and a consistent cleaning schedule. Read more here.

Beginning Monday, July 6th, the Miami University Recreational Center will reopen 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.

Public Health Resources

City of Oxford - Local Community Response to COVID-19
Miami University - Healthy Together Plan
Butler County Visitor Bureau - Travel Advisory & Updates
Center for Disease Control and Prevention

Updated 10:35 AM (EST), Thursday, July 16, 2020