Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has reiterated the need to wear face masks at all gatherings including when with friends and family.

“Our health commissioners tell us they are seeing less and less mask compliance when people are out, and that people aren’t wearing masks when they are with friends and family,” said Governor Mike DeWine.

“Our local health department officials have told us this week that our schools are doing a good job. But what they are seeing is spread from social gatherings.”

“These are not times to be complacent or comfortable. It is the time to be vigilant to protect yourself, your family, your friends and your neighbors.”

He said “the virus is coming back very strong. We can see the end. We have done it before, and we can do it again.”

“The virus is the biggest threat to our health and economy. This is the third big challenge we’ve faced. We can overcome because we have overcome before.”

Governor DeWine warned that “yesterday we reported 2,039 cases. Today we have 2,178 cases reported. As of today, Ohio has 29 red counties. That is 65% of Ohioans who are living in red counties.

We also now have 52 counties that are high incidence as of today. This means the county has seen more than 100 cases per 100,000 residents during the past two weeks.”

“The consequences of closing down the state will be devastating to people. We know what works. Each one of us has the opportunity to change the future. It will be tough November, December, January or maybe February. We’ve got to wear masks, keep the distance at public. We all have the power to live with this. This is real. We have within our capacity to change the future and outcome.”