COLUMBUS, Ohio — Gov. Mike DeWine issued an order Tuesday mandating residents in seven Ohio counties to wear masks when in public spaces.
Masks will be required in:
- Any indoor location, not including residences
- Public transit or ride-sharing vehicles
- Outdoor spaces where 6-foot distancing isn’t possible
The order goes into effect Wednesday night for Franklin, Cuyahoga, Huron, Butler, Hamilton, Montgomery and Trumbull counties. All the counties are currently in “Red Level 3.” Last week, DeWine released a map of Ohio color-coding each county to show the spread of COVID-19. Purple, which is Level 4, is the worst.
DeWine said the order will stay in effect until the counties exit out of level 3 or 4.
“We have a great deal to worry about. I think it’s important that we send that message again today,” DeWine said.
The order comes after cities in Ohio began issuing mask mandates, such as Cleveland and Columbus. The order for the seven counties exempts children under 10 years old.
Ohio documented a nearly 1,000 case increase between Monday and Tuesday, from 57,956 to 58,904, according to the Ohio Department of Health. Cases have been steadily rising since mid-June, averaging between 700 to 1,000 cases documented each day.
This will be updated as soon as more information becomes available.
