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'Don't put us in the middle': Bedford Police issue stance ahead of mask mandate taking effect

The mandate goes into effect Wednesday at 6 p.m.

BEDFORD, Ohio — Beginning at 6 p.m. Wednesday evening, anyone in or entering Cuyahoga County will be required to wear a face mask. The mask mandate was issued by Gov. Mike DeWine Tuesday, and applies to seven of Ohio's most at-risk counties for spreading COVID-19. 

However, many have questioned who and how the mandate will be enforced.

On Wednesday, the Bedford Police Department took to social media saying they will not take on the responsibility of enforcing the mandate. 

"All of these Health orders, issued since Covid started, have been enforced by the County Board of Health. During yesterdays news conference they stated that local law enforcement will handle enforcement of this order. That is not the case," the post read. 

According to the department they will not change their stance unless they receive further clarification or direction from city, county and or state officials. 

"Please do not overwhelm our emergency lines with something that we will not respond to," the post continues. 

The department reiterated that businesses have the right to require masks and can deny customers entry into their establishments if not wearing one. While they will not be responding to mask-mandating calls, officers will enforce trespassing at businesses if patron fail to comply with requests. 

"If you refuse to comply with their wishes. Please don't put us in the middle of that. If you choose not to wear one, or can not, do not patronize a business that requires them." 

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