Coronavirus: Gov. DeWine issues statewide mandatory mask mandate

OHIO — Gov. Mike DeWine announced a mandatory mask order Wednesday that will go into effect for the entire state as coronavirus case numbers continue to rise daily.

>> Coronavirus: What you need to know today

The announcement comes after several counties, including Montgomery and Butler, were already required to wear masks under the Ohio Public Health Advisory System. Counties at the Level 3 Red category have required face coverings or masks in public buildings and some other situations.

• Starting Thursday at 6 p.m., the mask order will be in place for all Ohio counties, DeWine said.
• Masks must be worn at all times when: At an indoor location that’s not a residence, Outdoors, when unable to keep 6ft social distance from those not in your household, when waiting for, riding, driving, or operating public transportation -taxi, car service, private rideshare.
• Those under the age of 10 are not required to wear masks, DeWine said.

The following are excluded from the statewide mask order:

• Those with a medical condition or a disability or those communicating with someone with a disability.
• Those who are actively exercising or playing sports.
• Those who are officiants at religious services
• Those who are actively involved in public safety
• Those who are actively eating or drinking

Ohio joins a growing list of states requiring face coverings. Kentucky, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Michigan all have orders in place. Indiana has not issued a statewide order.

“Wearing masks will make a difference,” DeWine said. “It will determine what our fall looks like. We want kids to go back to school, we want to see sports -- to do that it’s very important that all Ohioans wear a mask.”

Several retailers, including Target, Walmart and Kroger, in recent days also have announced plans to require customers and employees to wear a mask of face covering while shopping.

Cox Media Group