Governor announces statewide mask order, travel warning

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has announced a statewide mask mandate and a travel advisory/self-quarantine recommendation for individuals entering Ohio from nine U.S. states.

The statewide mask order is effective at 6 p.m. on Thurs., July 23.

“Our preliminary data indicate that the rate of increase in new cases has slowed in the high-risk counties where masks are already mandated, so we are cautiously optimistic that things are heading in the right direction,” DeWine stated in a press release issued Wednesday. “We believe that requiring masks statewide will make a significant difference and will be key to making sure other counties do not progress to a higher level of increased spread.”

All individuals in Ohio must wear facial coverings in public at all times when:

1. At an indoor location that is not a residence
2. Outdoors, but unable to maintain six-foot social distance from people who are not household members
3. Waiting for, riding, driving, or operating public transportation, such as a taxi, a car service, or a private car used for ride-sharing.

The order only requires those 10 years old or older to wear a mask. Additional exclusions include: 

1. Those with a medical condition or a disability or those communicating with someone with a disability;
2. Those who are actively exercising or playing sports;
3. Those who are officiants at religious services;
4. Those who are actively involved in public safety; or
5. Those who are actively eating or drinking.

Schools should follow the guidance previously issued pertaining to masks, according to the press release.

In addition, the governor announced a travel advisory for all individuals coming into Ohio from states reporting positive COVID-19 testing rates of 15 percent or higher. 

Those traveling from one of the following states should self-quarantine for 14 days at home or in a hotel.

1. Alabama
2. Arizona
3. Florida
4. Georgia
5. Idaho
6. Mississippi
7. Nevada
8. South Carolina
9. Texas

The list of states will be updated every week on Wednesday, according to the travel advisory website.

The self-quarantine recommendation applies to those who live in Ohio and to people who are traveling into Ohio from any of these states.

In addition, Ohio University faculty, staff, students, and visitors to campus should review the University’s current travel policies.

Ohio University will be issuing an updated mask policy for its faculty, staff, students, and campus visitors in the next few days.  Visit www.ohio.edu/coronavirus for more news and information about OHIO’s COVID-19 planning efforts.