COLUMBUS, Ohio — During his COVID-19 briefing on Wednesday in Columbus, Governor Mike DeWine spent much of his time talking about the state's new mask mandate which will go into effect on Thursday.
Part of the reason why DeWine says he decided to make wearing masks mandatory for all counties is that he is finding examples across the state where failure to wear face coverings is leading to a spike in cases.
Some of the examples DeWine pointed to come from Northeast Ohio.
"In Ashtabula, a 70-year-old hosted a party on the Fourth of July for his co-workers. Three people got sick, including the host who is tragically on a ventilator," DeWine said.
The governor also referenced a similar gathering in Mansfield where seven people came down with COVID-19.
Closer to home, a group of young people got together on July 4 in Cleveland. "None of them wore masks," DeWine said. "Well why? Because they had already been spending time together and thought it was okay. Unfortunately, six people were symptomatic within three days and have tested positive for the virus."
DeWine's order mandates that masks be worn during the following occasions:
- At an indoor location that’s not a residence
- Outdoors, when unable to keep 6ft social distance from those not in your household
- When waiting for, riding, driving, or operating public transportation -taxi, car service, private rideshare
Exceptions have been made for those younger than 10 years old, as well as those who suffer from health conditions, are actively exercising or playing sports, are officiants at religious services, involved in public safety or are actively eating or drinking.
"The virus is real. We certainly cannot let our guard down," DeWine said.