YOUNGSTOWN - The time has come. Ohio is lifting all COVID-19 health restrictions on Wednesday, June 2.

Face masks, social distancing and capacity limits will not be required in most situations.

"Whether you think we're moving too fast or not, it is what it is," Valley Infectious disease expert Dr. Dee Banks said, "And I think everybody has been looking forward to this day tomorrow."

For Valley businesses, this is the relief they've been longing for.

"Getting the updates on TV... and then the health department would call us and say you're not aloud to do this... you're not aloud that... There were a lot of restrictions, but we followed the guidelines and did what we had to do," Executive Chef and co-owner of Scarsella's in Youngstown said, "Very lucky to make it through and looking forward to welcoming everybody back."

Many area grocery stores and restaurants said they do plan on lifting restrictions. Some will continue requiring staff to wear masks, while others plan to leave it optional.

Some, like Scarsella's in Youngstown, ask those not fully vaccinated to wear a mask and plan to keep some barriers up in their establishment. Scarsella's also plans to lift capacity and social distance restrictions. 

"It's still out there," Kushma said, "So it still can be spread, so we want to still make our guests feel comfortable, but we're happy to be able to accommodate more guests and let more people in."

Dr. Banks said Ohio has come a long way, but now, the honor system is key.

"I don't think that anybody thought last year we'd be where we are not," Banks said, "I mean this is revolutionary...Within a year.... The numbers have gone down, but we are not at zero yet."

Banks said if people are in large crowds, masks should be worn. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine also said those who are not fully vaccinated should wear masks indoors.