Ohio mandates masks in public starting tomorrow in red counties

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“Gov. Mike DeWine on Tuesday ordered that anyone in Ohio in a public space in the "red" counties must wear a mask when in public spaces starting at 6 pm Wednesday.

That includes Trumbull County, which was one of seven coded "red" on a newly released color-coded map to show where COVID-19 is infecting an increasing number of residents. The other counties included on the list are Butler, Franklin, Hamilton, Huron, and Montgomery.

The order will mandate wearing face coverings in public in all counties that are designated as a Red Level 3 Public Health Emergency Alert.

The governor said enforcement by local law and officials will be a misdemeanor charge but is not looking to make this about the enforcing, but cooperating to help reduce the spread of the disease.

In these red-alert counties, people will need to wear a mask when in any indoor location that is not a residence; when outdoors and unable to consistently maintain a distance of six feet or more from individuals who are not members of their household. A mask is also needed when 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 ten or any other minor who cannot safely wear a face covering.

This order will stay in effect as long as these counties are in a red level, or if the counties increase to the Purple Alert Level 4. If a red counties drop to a Level 2, the mask mandate requirement will not be required.“