Ohio Mask Mandate Goes Into Effect: What To Know

COLUMBUS, OH — After weeks of speculation, Gov. Mike DeWine issued a statewide mask mandate during a news conference on Wednesday. The mandate goes into effect at 6 p.m. Thursday.

Masks must be worn in all public places and anywhere where people are close together, including outdoor areas. The governor specifically outlined that masks must be worn in the following situations:

• Indoor spaces that are not a home
• Outdoors when social distancing is not possible
• When waiting for or riding in public transportation or in a ride-share

The mask mandate will not apply to infants or children 10 and younger, people actively playing sports or working out, anyone with a debilitating health condition, anyone involved with public safety, anyone actively eating or drinking and anyone officiating a religious service.

Local police and local health departments will be responsible for enforcing the mask mandate. Violating the mask order is a misdemeanor and is punishable with a fine of up to $750 or 30 days in jail, according to WOSU Radio.

DeWine has repeatedly said if all Ohioans wear masks, COVID-19's spread statewide will slow drastically. He urged citizens to follow the new mandate.

"What we do now and in the next several weeks will determine what our fall looks like," DeWine said. "We all want to see kids back in school, we want to see sports — to do that it's very important that all Ohioans wear a mask."