COLUMBUS – Faced with the continuing spread of the novel coronavirus, Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther ordered face coverings to be worn in public in the city and Gov. Mike DeWine has made them a key part of the state’s requirements for schools to reopen in the fall.
We must stay the course of maintaining social distancing, washing hands and wearing facial coverings. So today I am signing an executive order to mandate face coverings in Columbus.
— Mayor Andrew Ginther (@MayorGinther) July 2, 2020
Ginther signed an executive order requiring masks Thursday afternoon, about an hour before DeWine unveiled his guidelines for the resumption of classes in Ohio’s schools amid the ongoing pandemic.
Ginther’s order takes effect Friday.
Working w/ educators & health officials, we’ve created K-12 school guidelines – backed by science – for schools to follow when developing their reopening plans. Schools can adjust their rules to what works best for them for a safe environment and that protects students/staff. pic.twitter.com/QdunBugHS7
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) July 2, 2020
The five requirements the state has put in place for schools districts planning to reopen, include checking students for symptoms of COVID-19 and requiring most teachers and staff to wear masks or face shields.
Face coverings are strongly recommended for students in third grade and above, DeWine announced at a Statehouse briefing Thursday.
State officials are urging schools to use social distancing, vigilantly assess symptoms, provide hand sanitizer and thoroughly clean school spaces. But the guidance leaves many details up to the districts.
The state’s largest teachers’ union welcomed the guidelines but urged the administration to further consider enforcement of the recommendations.
“While we appreciate the consideration given to the importance of social distancing, health checks, and sanitation protocols in the Governor’s plan, it lacks a means of enforcement,” Ohio Education Association president Scott DiMauro said.
DeWine also unveiled a four-tiered alert system for the state based on seven criteria that indicate the rate of growth of the virus. It’s based on data such as cases, related hospital admissions and the proportion of cases connected to congregate settings, such as prisons or nursing homes.
Franklin County, with the highest number of cases in the state at 9,338, is one of seven counties at the third-highest level (see above) and the only county that is approaching the fourth, or highest, level.
Counties under the third-highest level are experiencing very high exposure and spread. Residents should follow all health and safety guidelines and avoid unnecessary travel.
Those in counties under the highest level of emergency should leave home only for supplies and services.
The state reported 968 new confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 Sunday for a total of 57,151 with 2,911 deaths