OHIO, USA — On Thursday, July 23 at 6 p.m. Governor Mike DeWine's mask mandate took effect in all of Ohio's 88 counties.
This mandate comes as Ohio's Coronavirus numbers are once again on the rise, months after DeWine's comprehensive "stay-at-home" orders helped to flatten Ohio's COVID-19 curve.
DeWine has repeatedly stated the importance of wearing masks and face-coverings in public, but until now, masks have only been required in certain counties with increasingly high numbers.
The mandate specifically outlines certain situations in which individuals are required to wear a mask, including:
- At an indoor location that’s not a residence
- Outdoors, when unable to keep 6 feet social distance from those not in your household
- When waiting for, riding, driving or operating public transportation -taxi, car service, private ride share
There are, however, exceptions to Dewine's mask order. Those 10 years old and under, as well as though with serious health conditions are considered exempt from the mandate. Also included in the exemptions are those actively exercising or playing sports, officiants at religious services, those involved in public safety or are anyone actively eating or drinking.