Anti-mask behavior of some is reprehensible
The debate over masks at the Columbus City Council meeting Monday unfolded mostly reasonably, thank goodness, at least compared to other meeting protests on the subject that have gone so awry.
The minor tumult on Monday came when council suspended the meeting for about 10 minutes while a group of fewer than 20 people opposed to mandated masking catcalled members for approving a citywide ordinance that everyone older than 2 must wear a mask in publicly accessible indoor spaces. That includes stores, bars and movie theaters.
It wasn't much of a ruckus really, far more subdued than others that have unfolded through the years in the council chamber, like a protest back in 2016 when dozens of activists protesting policing in Columbus ultimately shut down a council meeting.
Before Monday's vote, medical experts told council that the number of adult COVID patients in Franklin County is at its highest since January, with most of the patients unvaccinated. In Greater Columbus, the number of COVID cases has more than tripled over the last month.
"It's not just about protecting ourselves as individuals, it is a way to protect others, our loved ones, our neighbors, and everyone we come in contact with," said Dr. Mary Howard, executive director at Ohio State University's Wexner Medical Center East Hospital, as she spoke in support of the mandate.