OHIO — Saying Ohio needs to “kick the virus in the stomach” Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine Tuesday announced a mandatory mask order for Montgomery, Butler, Hamilton, Franklin, Huron, Cuyahoga and Trumbull counties.
Those counties were selected for the new restriction because they have the highest rate of new coronavirus cases.
Under the order, anyone over the age of 10 will have to wear a mask or face covering if they are going to be in public and within six feet of people.
“The order is that it will be necessary for individuals who are out in public to wear a mask, primarily when they are in a public place inside. Restaurants, bars, jewelry stores, some other place in public,” DeWine said.
Back in April, when the crisis was just weeks in the making, DeWine issued an order requiring masks for shoppers when they go into grocery and other stores.
The following day he removed the order, saying people convinced him that it was too restrictive. This new order takes effect at 6pm Wednesday evening.
The order states masks are required for people who are:
-In any indoor location that is not a residence
-When outdoors and unable to consistently maintain a distance of six feet or more from individuals who are not members of their household.
-While waiting for, riding, driving or operating public transportation, a taxi, a private car service, or a ride-sharing vehicle.
Noting that previous health restrictions during the pandemic had been challenged in court, DeWine said he expected this latest order to be challenged as well and survive the test in court. “It is a public health crisis. Historically speaking, governor in Ohio and other states have been able to take action that needed to be taken on an emergency basis when there is a public health emergency,” DeWine said.