COLUMBUS – As Ohio reported a record 8,071 new daily cases of COVID-19, health department chief Lance Himes signed a health order to enforce mask-wearing in retail locations across the state.
The order stiffens the statewide mandatory mask order signed on July 23.
“Every retail employee has the right to work in an environment that is as safe as can be, which means all customers must wear masks. Further, each Ohioan who goes out to shop has the right to know that every store they enter will be safe and the people they encounter in that store will be wearing a mask,” Gov. Mike DeWine said “We know that masks work. They are the easiest, most cost-effective way to limit the spread of COVID-19.”
The order restates that everyone 10 years-old or older must wear a facial covering when in a retail store and requires stores to post signs at every entrance informing shoppers of the rule.
A Retail Compliance Unit, comprised of agents from the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, will inspect businesses and hand out written warnings to those committing a first violation, but a second violation will result in closure of the store for up to 24 hours, DeWine said this week.
Ohio has recorded 290,243 total cases of COVID-19 since the onset of the pandemic, with 7,715 new confirmed and probable cases Saturday. There have been a total of 5,714 deaths. There were 3,104 patients hospitalized, 122 more than Friday, occupying 11.49% of statewide inpatient capacity.