Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has announced that the state will be working with Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA to distribute two million masks to schools for use by students and staff, while leaving the decisions for in-person classes to schools and parents.

“We’ll deliver these to regional education service centers serving as our distribution partners, so schools and families have access to the resources for the coming school year,” said Governor Mike DeWine.

“Doctors now advise that kids K-12 wear a mask. This morning, the Ohio Children’s Hospital Association and Ohio Pediatricians jointly recommended masks for all kids returning to school.”

Governor DeWine will be “issuing an order that reflects this policy statewide. This gives us the best shot to keep Ohio’s kids and educators safe and physically in school.”

“Schools and parents continue to work to make decisions on how to safely go back to school. I know there is frustration by the uncertainty. We cannot know what the next three weeks will bring, let alone the next three months, six months, or nine months of school.”

He said, “we’ve tried to give schools as much information as possible to help them make decisions on how to move forward. Here, we’ve ranked Ohio’s counties by highest occurrence – this shows what the spread has been like in our counties over the last two weeks.”

On assemblies of faith-based communities, Governor DeWine said, “I am sending a letter to Ohio’s faith-based community to share important health information with our churches, synagogues, and mosques and to share ways to better protect their worshipers.”

“Our religious faiths are at the core of our great state and country.  We thank our faith-based leaders all they do to serve God and His people.”

Governor DeWine said, “It is vital that to control the spread of the virus that any time people gather together, including for religious services, that everyone wear masks, practice social distancing, wash hands, and also while indoors, making sure there is good ventilation and airflow.”

“We understand the uncertainty and anticipation surrounding any forthcoming new guidance and there’s no one who wants to get this accomplished more than me. We are working thoughtfully and aggressively to get these plans finalized.”

“The truth is – it’s easier to be scared of a stranger than a friend.  Maintaining social distance and not gathering together might feel like you are not being friendly, but it’s really a sign of friendship and love. It shows that you want to protect them from getting sick.”

Also, on return to play by Bengals and Browns, Lt. Governor Jon Husted said, “both teams are likely able to return to competition, we are also reviewing their plans as they relate to safely accommodating fans.”

“We have received plans and had phone calls with the Browns and Bengals to discuss their plans for return to play.”

“I know there has been confusion about where things stand for school contact sports. On June 22, we allowed contact sports like football to resume practice. On July 4 a temporary order allowing a return to contact-sport competitions under strict guidelines.”