Masks Made Mandatory In 7 Ohio Counties

COLUMBUS, OH — A mandatory mask policy is being implemented in seven Ohio counties, Gov. Mike DeWine announced Tuesday.

"We're seeing a serious situation, and we have to take action," DeWine said after announcing the mask order.

The seven impacted counties are Butler, Cuyahoga, Franklin, Hamilton, Huron, Montgomery and Trumbull. Those seven counties are classified as "red," or Level 3, meaning there is severe spread of COVID-19 in the area.

In those seven counties, residents and visitors will need to wear masks inside any public businesses or spaces, offices, on public transportation or ride-sharing services and outside (if distancing is impossible). The order does not apply to children 10 and under.

The order officially goes into effect at 6 p.m. Wednesday.

"This order will stay in effect as long as these counties are in a red level or if they increase to the Purple Alert Level 4. If the counties drop to a Level 2, the requirement will drop off," DeWine said.

State Rep. Juanita Brent, whose district is impacted by the new mask law, said she was disappointed by the governor's narrow response.

“Mandating masks for certain counties is not enough if Ohio wants to stop/slow down the spread of COVID-19," Brent said in a statement. "Ohio must align its policy with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) which recommends that all, not just some, wear masks in public.”

Compliance with the mask law falls to counties, Lt. Gov. Jon Husted said. Businesses are not required to force customers to comply, but staff must be in compliance. Failing to wear a mask will be a misdemeanor, DeWine said.

The governor said if 80 to 85 percent of Ohioans would wear masks while in public, it would give COVID-19 a "kick in the stomach."

"If we're not able to successfully do this, and carry this out, we'll see this virus take command again," DeWine said. "Working with local mayors, working with local officials, we think this [mask mandate] will help."

DeWine said anxiety and fear over the spread of the virus could cripple Ohio businesses. The governor urged Ohioans to wear masks to stymie the spread of COVID-19 and encourage safe environments.

The governor also advised Ohioans to consider canceling trips to states seeing spikes in COVID-19 cases, such as Texas and Florida.