DeWine: Ohio Masks Mandatory
Starting tomorrow at 6 pm, masks are mandatory throughout Ohio. Governor Mike DeWine announced the new rule at his Wednesday COVID-19 update. The Governor also issued a travel advisory. He asked folks coming in from certain states to self-quarantine for 14 days.
Previously, the state only required masks in counties under a red health alert status. “I’ve been on the phone regularly to our health commissioners, mayors, and county commissioners. The good news is that in a lot of our red counties the reporting I’m getting, a lot of people are wearing masks,” the Governor said. DeWine said it looks as if masks are slowing the spread of the virus. : Our preliminary data indicate that the rate of increase in new cases in those counties has slowed. We believe this is, at least in part, the result of people wearing masks, so we are cautiously optimistic that things are heading in the right direction.”
DeWine said he hoped this order would prevent orange and yellow counties from going red. Currently, Ohio has a total of 78,742 cases of COVID-19. Of that total, 54,426 are presumed recovered. Deaths stand at 3,235. Currently, 1,098 are hospitalized statewide.
Scioto EMA Director Larry Mullins reported four new positive COVID19 cases for Scioto County. That brings our total to 110 cases. Thirty-seven of those cases are active.
Masks must be worn:
- In any indoor location that is not a residence
- When they are outdoors and unable to consistently maintain a distance of six feet or more from individuals who are not members of their household
- Waiting for, riding, driving, or operating public transportation, a taxi, a private car service, or a ride-sharing vehicle.
- This Order does not apply to children under the age of 10 or any other minor who cannot safely wear a face covering.
Exclusions From Mask Order
- Those with a medical condition or disability
- If you must communicate with someone with a disability
- While exercising or playing sports
- Anyone speaking at a religious service
- First responders and public safety workers
- While you eat and drink.
Travel Advisory
Governor DeWine issued a travel advisory for everyone coming into Ohio from states reporting positive testing rates of 15% or higher for COVID-19. He recommends that those individuals self-quarantine for 14 days. Currently, those states are:
- South Carolina
- Florida
- Georgia
- Alabama
- Mississippi
- Texas
- Idaho
- Nevada
- Arizona