coronavirus - masks

DeWine Plans Third Primetime Address On Pandemic, But Likely Won't Scrap Mask Mandate

By • Mar 4, 2021

Gov. Mike DeWine’s usual Thursday COVID press conference is now a statewide address at 5:30pm. COVID hospitalizations are trending down, but while it’s unknown what DeWine might say, it seems unlike that he’ll announce Ohio will follow other states’ lead on mask mandates.

Hate Groups Active In Ohio, Even Before Group Accused In Michigan Plot Met Here

By • Oct 19, 2020
Some demonstrators at an anti-mask rally at the Statehouse in July. Event planners said security would be provided by "militia". Proud Boys are often identified by black collared polo shirts with yellow stripes on the sleeves.
Karen Kasler

Federal authorities have charged more than a dozen men with plotting to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and overthrow the government. And the feds say that group did some of its planning this summer in Ohio, where extremist groups have been active since at least 1994.

DeWine Orders Statewide Mask Mandate Starting 6pm Thursday

By • Jul 22, 2020
A "masks required" sign on a store in central Ohio
Karen Kasler

After weeks of urging Ohioans to wear masks, and then ordering those in hotspot counties to wear them, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine is issuing a statewide mask mandate starting Thursday evening.

As Governor Pleads For Mask Wearing, Speaker Says He Doesn't And Won't Require Them

By • Jul 16, 2020
House Speaker Larry Householder (R-Glenford) speaks to reporters in the chamber after session on May 28.
Karen Kasler

Gov. Mike DeWine’s Wednesday evening speech seemed to be a warning to Ohioans to wear masks or risk another round of shutdowns and closures. DeWine’s fellow Republican Speaker Larry Householder has been critical of some of DeWine’s COVID-19 responses.  But in an interview for "The State of Ohio", Householder said he thought the speech was good.

Will Mask Mandates Work To Reduce Coronavirus In Ohio?

By • Jul 13, 2020
Masks sewn by Sew-hio
Marian Jacques

12 Ohio counties are under an order by Gov. Mike DeWine to wear masks in indoor spaces and outdoors in areas where social distancing isn’t possible. That order is meant to reduce coronavirus rates in areas of the state where the virus is raging out of control. But the mask mandate is being met with mixed reactions.

Mask Mandate Extended To 12 Counties; DeWine Issues Guidance For Colleges, Universities

By • Jul 9, 2020
Ohio's Public Health Advisory System color-coded map, as released on July 9. It shows 12 counties in red, or Level 3 public health emergency status.
coronavirus.ohio.gov

The number of counties where masks are required in indoor business spaces and public places has gone up to 12, with one county falling off the initial list and five more being added.

As Mask Mandate Approaches, Questions Are Raised About Enforcement

By • Jul 8, 2020
Speaker Larry Householder (R-Glenford) holds a briefing with reporters after a House session in May. Householder has said he can't impose a mask mandate on other elected officeholders, even those in his GOP House caucus.
Karen Kasler

Gov. Mike DeWine’s requirement that people in seven hot-spot counties wear masks inside businesses and in public places starting Wednesday night at 6 has raised the question of how it will be enforced.

DeWine Orders Mask Mandate In Seven Hot-Spot Counties

By • Jul 7, 2020
Gov. Mike DeWine holds a mask made by his wife Fran at a press conference in April.
Office of Gov. Mike DeWine

With cases of COVID-19 rising and the average age of those contracting the virus getting younger, Gov. Mike DeWine is ordering masks for people in counties considered "level 3 public health emergencies" - but not statewide.