Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced that beginning on Thursday, July 23, at 6:00 p.m., a statewide mask mandate will go into effect in all 88 Ohio counties.
The Governor has made it clear that he expects citizens to be compliant: “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:
• At an indoor location that is not a residence;
• Outdoors, but unable to maintain six-foot social distance from people who are not household members;
• 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:
• Those with a medical condition or a disability or those communicating with someone with a disability;
• Those who are actively exercising or playing sports;
• Those who are officiants at religious services;
• Those who are actively involved in public safety; or
• Those who are actively eating or drinking.
Because the mandate is not a criminal statute that can be enforced by police officers, the Put-in-Bay Police Department cannot enforce this mandate. However, the Police Department will be enforcing criminal infractions associated with this mandate. For example, unmasked customers refusing to leave a business that requires masks to be worn may be charged with criminal trespass.
Please do not call the Police Department or 9-1-1 to report people not wearing masks on the islands.
To make complains about individuals not complying with the mandate, you may contact the Ottawa County Health Department at (419) 734-6800 or the Ohio Department Health at (883) 427-5634.
We hope that all residents and visitors comply with the Governor’s mandate and do their part to stop the spread of COVID-19.
More information on the mandate can be found here: https://governor.ohio.gov/…/news-an…/covid19-update-07222020