Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has set up an advisory group comprising the state’s legislative leaders to identify people who work in the sectors such as barbershops and restaurants to come up with ideas to guide them as they reopen to public.

“The goal of this group then is to develop recommendations for their businesses that balance the need to protect the health of employees and customers as they reopen to the public.” Said Governor Mike DeWine.

“I talked with the Speaker Householder, Senate President Obhof, House Minority Leader Sykes, and Senate Minority Leader Yuko to help identify people who work in these fields every day — Ohioans who may not be part of a bigger chain, but may be barbers or local diner owners.”

“The legislative leaders and the relevant business associations are going to ask their members to come up with ideas for individuals to serve on this advisory group.  They will be meeting virtually, but we intend to pull these groups together this week.”

On the wearing of face masks in stores, Governor Mike DeWine said, “though it is not a mandate, it is clearly in the best interest for Ohioans to wear a mask in retail settings.   This gives added protection to others.  When you wear a mask, you are protecting those around you from possibly getting sick.”

“There will have to be adjustments as we go. Within the last 24 hours, it has become clear to me that a mandatory mask requirement for retail customers is offensive to some of our fellow Ohioans.  I understand that. We’ve heard you. We will not mandate that retail customers wear a mask. But we strongly recommend that you do.”

“The reason we initially did mandate masks is because I’ve heard from business employees who are scared – from family members who are scared for their loved ones who are working. Anyone could be carrying COVID19 and not know it – we did the original order to protect these employees.”

“When I go out in public and go into a business, I will wear a mask.  And, I have recommended to my family members that they wear masks.”

“It has been your individual actions – things you have not done – that got us here today. Your individual actions are so much more important than any order the government can issue. So, as we try to get back to work, it’s so important that you continue to be careful.”

“From the very beginning of this battle against this virus. We have truly been in this battle together. As Governor, it is my responsibility to make the tough decisions, but it is also my responsibility to listen and hear and be respectful of the thoughts and ideas of Ohioans.”

According to him, “There is a wise, old saying: “None of us is as smart as all of us.”  And so, as we continue our journey together, to battle our shared enemy, I will continue to listen to your thoughts and ideas as we move through this process.”