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DeWine Decisions Bring Support, Criticism From Lawmakers

Almost immediately after Gov. Mike DeWine announced further restrictions on businesses in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus some state lawmakers began voicing their disapproval.

Rep. Jena Powell, R-Arcanum said people in her district do not want to see more restrictions. “We are incredibly frustrated. The data does not support the restrictions that the Governor continues to put on Ohioans. It has both short term and long term negative repercussions to our state,” Powell said.

DeWine said his action is based on data showing a record high number of new coronavirus cases in the state. The latest figure was 7,101 new cases in the most recent 24 hour reporting period. “We have to take action,” DeWine said. At his Thursday briefing DeWine explained how his new mandatory mask order enforcement plan will work. Agents for the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation will check retail businesses to see if they are complying with the state mandate. Signs must be posted and all employees and customers must be wearing a mask in the store. “The first time they come into that store they’re not going to shut anything down. They may, given the facts, give them a warning. If the situation is not good, they may take, at their discretion, actions and shut the store down up to 24 hours. It doesn’t have to be that long but until the store can comply and be that safe environment,” DeWine said. There will be a medical exception for people who cannot wear a mask, according to the governor.

The governor confirmed that he is looking at a possible shutdown of bars, restaurants and fitness centers as early as next week to help slow the spread of the virus, but no decision has been made yet. New limitations on wedding venues could also be coming. Rep. Susan Manchester, R- Waynesfield, said in a written statement that she opposes the moves towards tighter restrictions. “Today I made it clear to the governor that shutdowns are not the answer. We cannot go backward. We must move forward. Ohioans will make the best decisions for their health and safety, armed with the knowledge we now have,” Manchester said.

Still, there are some lawmakers who generally support DeWine’s effort to make changes in the attempt to slow the virus. Most of them are democrats, including Rep. Fred Strahorn of Dayton.  He said DeWine has no good options at this point and is trying to take a measured approach in a way that might help. “I think he is frustrated that the general public, many people, have said ‘I don’t care. I’m not going to listen. I’m going to do whatever I want,’” Strahorn said.

The Ohio Restaurant Association also issued a statement saying that any move to close businesses would have a devastating effect, throwing tens of thousands of people our of work. DeWine is expected to reach a decision on what to do about bars, restaurants, fitness centers and wedding venues within the next week.

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