The Governor also said schools that offer Kindergarten through Grade 12 instruction should follow the guidelines set forth last week by the Ohio Department of Education and the Ohio Department of Health.
Ohio mandates masks in public for all red counties, including Trumbull Co.
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Ohio may have been the 17th state in the U.S. in 1803, but it is the 20th state joining a growing list that requires face masks when in public spaces, including California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, and Washington.
Gov. Mike DeWine on Tuesday ordered that anyone in Ohio in a public space in the "red" counties must wear a mask when in public spaces starting at 6 pm Wednesday.
That includes Trumbull County, which was one of seven coded "red" on a newly released color-coded map to show where COVID-19 is infecting an increasing number of residents. The other counties included on the list are Butler, Franklin, Hamilton, Huron, and Montgomery.
The order will mandate wearing face coverings in public in all counties that are designated as a Red Level 3 Public Health Emergency Alert.
The governor said enforcement by local law and officials will be a misdemeanor charge but is not looking to make this about the enforcing, but cooperating to help reduce the spread of the disease.
In these red-alert counties, people will need to wear a mask when in any indoor location that is not a residence; when outdoors and unable to consistently maintain a distance of six feet or more from individuals who are not members of their household. A mask is also needed when waiting for, riding, driving, or operating public transportation, a taxi, a private car service, or a ride-sharing vehicle. This Order does not apply to children under the age of ten or any other minor who cannot safely wear a face covering.
This order will stay in effect as long as these counties are in a red level, or if the counties increase to the Purple Alert Level 4. If a red counties drop to a Level 2, the mask mandate requirement will not be required.
The order also states the mask guidance that has existed for employees and businesses under their health and safety guidelines, which does not require a person to wear a mask if their physician advises against it.
The governor said he hopes that enforcing wearing masks will have an impact in problem areas.
DeWine pointed out that the 21-day average is increasing, as are hospitalizations.
DeWine said the ages of those being affected by the disease is hitting younger people at a concerning rate.
The governor said that Franklin County's trend of spread is rapidly increasing, and nearing a level 4 public health emergency along with the other red counties.
DeWine spoke to the health commissioners Monday in each of the seven red counties. and asked them why we were seeing the spread. Large family gatherings like birthday parties, graduations, funerals were given as the reason. In one county, the same last names are coming up as positive again & again, indicating family spread.
Lt. Gov. Jon Husted said that state and local officials will enforce the rules on masks, and stores are expected to follow the rules.
Husted said the Ohio Department of Health has issued a Director’s Order providing guidance through July 15 for contact sports competitions. Competitive games and tournaments are now permitted for contact sports during this period and under the specified guidelines.
The Lt. Gov also said the state was launching the #IWantASeason awareness campaign, which aims to engage athletes and younger Ohioans in efforts to slow the spread of the virus.
Husted said the median age of coronavirus patients has reduced significantly, indicating that younger Ohioans are relaxing the habits that help slow the spread. The campaign is to remind youth if they want to play sports, they must help slow the spread.
While the governor said the goal is not to cut any money for education when asked about the state's financial situation, but DeWine noted the state would probably use the entire rainy day fund of $2.7 billion before the crisis is over.