COLUMBUS, Ohio — An indoor mask mandate went into effect for the city of Columbus Friday after Mayor Andrew Ginther signed an executive order issuing a new COVID-19 state of emergency.
The executive order applies to most public indoor spaces, “including but not limited to city buildings, office buildings, retail establishments, bars and restaurants, and public transportation,” the mayor’s office said.
Columbus City Council is expected to also consider passing an indoor mask mandate through an ordinance at its upcoming meeting on Monday.
Ginther announced Wednesday that he would be reinstating a mask mandate for the city in response to rising COVID-19 cases and growing concern about hospital capacity in the region.
The order cites “alarmingly low” staffing levels in central Ohio hospitals, as well as rising infection rates among children.
“New cases are on the rise, hospitalizations are on the rise, and the strain on our medical and public health professionals has reached a critical point,” Ginther said in a statement Friday. “It is vital that we act now to protect the health and well-being of our community while keeping our economy, our schools and our city open for business.”
Children under 6 are exempt and residents are not required to wear masks while dining or actively exercising.
The mask mandate remains in effect indefinitely until it is lifted or superseded by a city council ordinance.
The order includes medical and religious exemptions. It does not apply to state or federal buildings, and there is an exemption for law enforcement officers and first responders.
Ginther said Wednesday that he was hopeful the council will pass a mask ordinance next week. Anticipating a legal challenge to the mandate, he said that having both executive and legislative action increases the likelihood that the mandate stands up.
Columbus Public Health will be responsible for issuing citations to businesses and organizations that are not compliant with the mandate.
