Trumbull County is considered the highest risk in the Mahoning Valley, being ranked within the 'red' category in Governor DeWine's new warning system. 

During his briefing on Thursday, Governor DeWine said the decision of mask mandates would be up to local officials. Dayton and Columbus are two cities that recently established their own mask mandate. 

With confusion as to if this is a county or city decision, the Ohio Revised Code states making a mandate would primarily be up to the county health department. 

Trumbull County Health Commissioner, Frank Migliozzi, told 21 News his department is still working out plans in deciding if a mask mandate will be put in place. He said the idea would most likely be discussed with county officials next week. 

Newton Falls City Manager, David Lynch, said if a city or township has a charter, they can decide if a mask mandate should be implemented. 

"We essentially have different levels of government. Federal, state, county, and municipal," Lynch said. "All of whom have jurisdiction to make their own guidelines."

Newton Falls mandated masks earlier this year. Lynch said it was so successful that they will not renew the now expired mandate because residents are in a routine. 

"We're seeing that it's not necessary to impose something new again because it's now become a general practice," Lynch said. 

Warren Law Director, Enzo Cantalamessa, said the Warren Health Department, which is separate from the Trumbull County Health Department, does not plan on enforcing a mask mandate in Warren unless they hear otherwise from the state.

"We'd be looking to see what enforcement mechanisms would be put in by the state," Cantalamessa said. "If that's going to come down, it will come down soon."

21 News spoke with Girard Mayor James Melfi, and he said the Trumbull County Health Department and surrounding city officials would most likely meet next week to discuss the possibility of a countywide mask mandate. 

"We fell into a situation that's very disturbing," Melfi said, "It's beyond individual communities in Trumbull County, it's widespread. It's going to be something that is somewhat drastic in order to cut the spread of COVID-19."