What does mask mandate mean for you?
Starting at 6 p.m. Thursday, residents of all counties throughout Ohio over the age of 10 were required to wear face coverings, according to a new mask order put into place by Gov. Mike Dewine on Wednesday. Until then, masks had only been required in counties designated to be at least “red” on the scale of coronavirus exposure, which included Franklin and all of the other central Ohio counties except Madison.
Ohio's virus numbers remain high, B4
We break down what Dewine’s new order looks like and help answer some commonly asked questions.
Q: Do I have to wear a mask at home?
A: You are not required to wear masks at a private home and when you are by yourself or with immediate family members. People visiting your home won’t be required to wear masks unless you ask them to, but it is highly recommended.
Q: How about when I’m at a public place such as restaurants, stores or other venues?
A: Everyone is required to wear a mask at such places. It is no longer up to business owners to decide if they want to require the wearing of masks.
Q: Do I have to wear a mask when I do curbside pickup at a restaurant or business?
A: With the new mask order, you will be asked to wear masks when picking up curbside orders even if you do not get out of your car.
Q: What about when I’m outside?
A: As long as the outdoor space is well ventilated and people can be spaced out by at least six feet from those outside your household, a mask is not required. If a space does not allow for the suggested social distancing, it is recommended that people mask up.
Q: What if I’m walking my dog or exercising?
A: When a person is doing any kind of physical activity -- such as running or jogging -- he or she does not have to wear a mask. If you’re in a public space, like a park or a walking path, it is suggested you carry a mask in case you pass other people or stop to take a break.
Q: What if I get an Uber or catch a bus?
A: For all public transportation -such as buses, taxis, private car services and ride-sharing vehicles -- people will be required to wear a mask. Whether you’re waiting for a ride or driving, you’ll have to mask up.
Q: How does the new order affect schools?
A: Schools are exempt from the new mask order. Teachers will likely be asked to wear masks, but whether students will have to wear them will vary per school district.
Q: Are there exceptions to who has to wear a mask?
A: People are exempt from the new order if they fall into one of these categories:
• Have a medical condition
• Have a disability or are communicating with someone with a disability
• Are actively exercising and/or playing a sport
• Are officiating at a religious service • Are actively involved with public safety
• Eating or drinking
• Children under the age of two will not be required to wear a mask, as it can be a health hazard. Children between the ages of three to 10 may be asked to wear a mask by certain businesses but are not required to.
Q: What if you’re caught not wearing a mask?
A: Enforcement will be up to the local health department and law enforcement in the area. For Franklin County, the health department will focus on following up with businesses that don’t comply, not individuals.
Q: What can I do if I see a business not following these new mask requirements?
A: The Franklin County Health Department has a complaint form on its website, allowing people to send in information about a business if it is not complying with safety regulations. Once the form is received, the health department will follow up with the business and work to fix the situation. The link can be found at covid-19.myfcph.org.
Q: How long can I wear my mask before I have to wash it or throw it away?
A: It is recommended you wash or replace your mask whenever it gets wet or “soiled.” In general, it is suggested you wash a cloth mask and discard a paper one after one day’s use.
Q: In addition to wearing a mask, will I have to have my temperature taken when I go out to places?
A: Temperature checks are not required for customers, but some businesses may ask customers to undergo them. Employers have been asked to require workers, especially those who work in close proximity, to take their temperature before coming to work and/or starting a shift.
“Wearing masks will make a difference. It will determine what our fall looks like,” Dewine said in announcing the new mask order at Wednesday’s coronavirus briefing. “We want kids to go back to school, we want to see sports -- to do that, it’s very important that all Ohioans wear a mask.” rkaras@dispatch.com @Rachelkaras3