LORAIN COUNTY, Ohio — On Thursday, Lorain County joined several others in the state of Ohio that are at the Level 3 or red level risk for the coronavirus (COVID-19). The move to level three triggers a state-issued order mandating masks must be worn.
The new mandate will take effect starting on Friday night at 6 p.m. In preparation for a flurry of calls about the order, the Lorain County Sheriff's Office has taken to social media to alert the public to hold off on contacting local agencies about those who are violating the order.
"Until we receive clarification and direct instructions on enforcement of this order, we can not respond to all calls of this nature. Please do not overwhelm your Law Enforcement jurisdictions dispatch center with calls related to this order until we have that clarification," the Lorain County Sheriff's Office wrote on its Facebook page.
The sheriff's office says businesses can require persons to wear masks. If you refuse to, the business can ask you to leave. If you refuse to leave, the local Law Enforcement in your jurisdiction can enforce trespassing violations.
"We are asking for everyone's continued patience and cooperation," the post concluded.
In addition to Lorain County, Summit County has been moved to Level 3 status. Cuyahoga County and Trumbull County both remain at Level 3, meaning masks in both counties remain mandated. Additionally, Cuyahoga County has been marked as approaching Level 4 (purple)—the highest level on the state's scale, which denotes "severe exposure and spread" of the coronavirus.