Ohio Re-Issuing Mask Order With New Provisions

COLUMBUS, OH — During an address to the state, Gov. Mike DeWine issued a new mask mandate and promised further orders restricting social gatherings and possibly shutting down some businesses.

"We are now at the most crucial phase of this pandemic," DeWine said. "We still have opportunities before us. We can control our fate and we don't have to search for the tools to fight back."

To combat the surging virus, the governor re-issued the state's mask mandate for Ohioans, with three new provisions. All businesses will now be required to put up a sign indicating masks are required within the store. All stores will be responsible for ensuring masks are worn within their premises. Finally, a new Retail Compliance Unit will ensure businesses follow these new provisions.

"The first violation of this order will bring about a written warning and a second violation will bring about closure of the store for up to 24 hours," DeWine said.

Since the virus has been spreading banquets, wedding receptions and social gathering, new mandates will address events. DeWine promised "significant" restrictions on those activities.

The governor also said he is planning to issue a new mandate to close open congregate settings in businesses to prevent large social gatherings in businesses. The new order will also prohibit dancing and games, DeWine said.

"If the current trend continues, and cases keep increasing, we will be forced to close restaurants, bars and fitness centers," DeWine said. Officials will consider closing those industries again in one week.

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Schools

DeWine said many Ohio colleges have decided to go virtual following Thanksgiving, and to remain virtual through the end of the fall semester. The governor thanked those colleges for their efforts to keep Ohioans safe.

Ohio's K-12 schools are allowed to remain open, DeWine said, for now. However, communities must do everything they can to tamp down the spread of COVID-19 locally.

Strained Hospitals

The governor said he was asked by healthcare leaders to address the state Wednesday and impress the urgency of the COVID-19 crisis. He said hospitals are struggling to protect staff from the virus and intensive care units are filling up with ailing COVID-19 patients.

Prior to this most recent wave, the most COVID-19 patients being cared for in hospitals statewide was 1,100. As of Wednesday, there approximately 3,000 COVID-19 patients in Ohio hospitals.

Intensive care units(ICU) have been hit particularly hard. Last month, there were 240 patients in ICU spaces. There are now more than 700 Ohioans in ICUs because of coronavirus.

As the virus continues to spread at an unprecedented pace in the Buckeye State, the governor urged Ohioans to wear masks and practice social distancing. Ignoring those protocols could jeopardize hospital workers and other Ohioans.

The Cleveland Clinic said 300 of its healthcare workers are out of action because of COVID-19.

"This is taking an enormous toll on our healthcare workers," DeWine said.

The Vaccine

The governor said he expects the much-discussed Pfizer vaccine for COVID-19 to arrive in the next few months. He promised Ohio would be ready to distribute the vaccine.

DeWine said the vaccine will arrive in batches, so the state's most vulnerable and its frontline workers will receive the first doses. After those groups are vaccinated, the general public will begin to receive the vaccine.

More reading:

• Pfizer Vaccine Could Be Ready By Next Month, Fauci Says
• Here's Which Ohioans Will Get The Coronavirus Vaccine First
• 'We're Just Kind Of Drowning:' Counties Say They're Overwhelmed With New COVID-19 Cases