CLEVELAND — At least 21 states have instituted some type of mandatory mask or face covering requirement as part of efforts to quell the spread of the coronavirus.
Here’s a look at what’s happening in Ohio and our surrounding states based on information from state government websites and published news articles.
Northeast Ohio:
On Friday evening, Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson signed an executive order requiring all people within the city of Cleveland to wear face masks while out in public.
"The spike in coronavirus cases across the City of Cleveland warrants the mandated use of masks," Jackson said in a statement. "If Clevelanders do not heed these critical warnings and prevention efforts, the effects will be disastrous to the economy and, most importantly, to individuals and families. No one is immune to this virus."
Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish is expected to introduce legislation next week that would mandate masks throughout the rest of the county.
Akron councilwoman Tara Mosley-Samples says she's working to introduce an ordinance that would require people to wear a mask when in public places in that city.
The following Central Ohio cities now have mask requirements:
- Bexley
- Columbus
- Dublin
- Grandview Heights
- Whitehall
Months ago, Governor Mike DeWine had said he would require masks as the state reopened but rescinded the requirements after receiving pushback and instead strongly encouraged citizens to wear masks.
This week, in response to an uptick in coronavirus cases, hospitalizations and infection rates, the city of Dayton announced a mandatory mask requirement. Governor DeWine said he supported the effort.
Elsewhere in Ohio, Cincinnati has passed a mask mandate that begins July 9.
Michigan: has a statewide mask indoor requirement (which had already been on the books) and continues through July 15, per statewide order
Pennsylvania: this week announced a statewide mask requirement for both indoor and outdoors; some exceptions apply, per statewide order
West Virginia: considering a statewide mask requiring after seeing spikes in other states, according to multiple published reports
Kentucky: no statewide order for customers of businesses yet but order had been in place requiring workers in many settings to wear masks.
Indiana: no statewide mask requirements but cities are starting to adopt them - including Indianapolis, the state’s largest city.