• Exempts those below 10 years old and those medical conditions

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has ordered a mandatory statewide face covering by all residents while in public to curtail the spread of the covid19 pandemic from 6PM on Thursday, July 23, 2020. This order only requires those who are 10 years old or older to wear a mask.

“Beginning tomorrow (07/23/2020) at 6:00pm, citizens in all Ohio counties will be under a mandatory mask order while out in public,” said Governor Mike DeWine.

“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 and private rideshare.”

According to Governor DeWine, “this order only requires those who are 10 years old or older to wear a mask.”

Others that do not need to wear a mask include “those with a medical condition or 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; or those who are actively eating or drinking.”

“Wearing masks will make a difference. 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,” said Governor DeWine.

“We’re seeing more and more outbreaks happening from informal gatherings: house parties, sleepovers, bridal showers.”

Also speaking at the briefing, Lt. Governor Jon Husted  disclosed that Governor DeWine has signed onto a letter to Congressional leadership with 20 other Governors calling for reasonable limited liability protections for businesses, schools, healthcare workers, and governments as they are reopened during the COVID19 global pandemic.

“The letter calls for predictable, timely, targeted liability protections to shield employers from legal risks associated with the spread of the novel coronavirus, so long as they are following the appropriate standards of care to protect their employees, customers, and students,” said Lt. Governor Husted.