MONTGOMERY COUNTY — The Health Commissioner for Public Health Dayton and Montgomery County urged elected leaders in individual towns in the county Thursday to consider their legislative power to issue mandates for masks within their jurisdictions.
“This surge is very concerning. We’re at the point where Public Health is encouraging all Montgomery County jurisdictions, all the political jurisdictions within Montgomery County, to consider executive orders and/or legislative actions to require public indoor masking in all community settings within their jurisdictions, including workplaces, grocery stores, restaurants, and other venues,” Health Commissioner Jeff Cooper said.
>>RELATED: PHDMC calls for governments to require indoor masking amid COVID-19 hospitalization surge
Here’s what local cities are saying their plans are following Cooper’s plea:
- DAYTON: “We are planning to follow the recommendation of Public Health as it relates to masking. However, we are still in the process of working out the details,” city spokeswoman Toni Bankston said.
- CENTERVILLE: “At this time, the City of Centerville has no plans to issue an executive order requiring masks. We continue to monitor guidance from the CDC and Public Health and will make adjustments as necessary,” city spokeswoman Kate Bostdorff said.
- KETTERING: “The City of Kettering encourages those who are medically able to do so wear a face mask, regardless of vaccination status, in indoor settings when near others in common areas. Signage recommending that masks be worn by visitors are placed throughout City facilities,” city spokeswoman Mary Azbill said.
- MIAMISBURG: “While the City of Miamisburg appreciates the difficult work of the County health agency, we are not considering any legislative or executive action to implement a mask mandate in our community. We do encourage unvaccinated individuals and those who are part of vulnerable populations to wear masks in group settings,” the city said in a statement.
- RIVERSIDE: The city is not currently considering issuing a mask ordinance or executive order at this time, however, the city just learned of the health department’s recommendation Thursday, said Interim City Manager Chris Lohr.
News Center 7 has reached out to cities and townships in Montgomery County and will update this story with their responses.