Mask mandate back for Franklin County buildings
Visitors to Franklin County government buildings are again required to wear masks, and the board of commissioners formally urged other public offices to reinstitute comparable mandates to prevent the further spread of coronavirus.
“We are seeing some very troubling trends here in Franklin County and across the state,” said county Health Commissioner Joe Mazzola. “Our case counts continue to climb very dramatically, and most concerning is our hospitalizations that have really continued to rise here significantly over the past several weeks.”
County Administrator Kenneth Wilson issued notice of the masking requirements on Tuesday, citing high transmissions rates in Franklin County. The requirement includes those entering the county administration and municipal court complex at 375 S. High St.
Are there any exceptions to the mask mandate?
The mandate covers visitors, contractors and county employees, though the latter can remove masks if they are in individual offices or workspaces, with adequate social distancing from coworkers.
On Thursday, the commissioners also adopted a resolution formalizing their position that other public offices should likewise require masking.
“It is within the legal authority of the county and local governments within Franklin County to manage public buildings as well as provide a safe and healthy environment therein,” the resolution states. “Mask mandates in community spaces and inside of buildings across the county would curb the spread of COVID-19 and save lives.”
Commissioner John O’grady said he had already contacted city and village officials around Franklin County on the masking issue.
“We know that masks work,” he said.
The commissioners continue to urge residents to get vaccinated against COVID-19, though they’ve stopped short of requiring county employees to do so. Franklin County Recorder Danny O’connor last month did institute vaccination or regular testing requirements for employees in his office.
“I’d like to do it,” O’grady said of a vaccination mandate. “It’s still under consideration and discussion. I think we probably also need to get some advice from (legal) counsel. We aren’t quite there yet, but, yeah, I’d be in favor of it.” mkovac@dispatch.com @Ohiocapitalblog