DAYTON, Ohio — Officials in Dayton voted Wednesday night on a mandatory mask ordinance that will make it the first major city in the state where masks would be required and not just recommended.
According to the city, anyone inside an enclosed space with other individuals present would be required to wear a mask that covers the nose and mouth.
The ordinance would not require individuals to wear a mask while outdoors unless the minimum social distance of 6-feet could not be followed. The ordinance also calls for people waiting in lines outside a business to don a mask.
Customers visiting businesses would also be required to wear a mask. The city defines a place of business as, “a place in which commerce is conducted and the public visits. Examples include but are not limited to: Restaurants, bars, nightclubs, stores, spas, hotels, gyms, health care facilities.”
The city says that customers who refuse to wear a mask will be asked to leave the business they are at. Anyone refusing to leave may be subject to a trespassing charge and or fine.
Masks will not be required inside religious facilities, but residents are still strongly urged to wear them.
Masks will also be required when riding public transportation such buses taxis and rideshare services.
Individuals who have a medical condition that prevent them from wearing a mask will not be forced to wear one under the ordinance.
The ordinance will go into effect on Friday at 8 a.m.
“Wearing a face covering will reduce community spread of Covid-19 which can save the lives of your fellow Buckeyes and Daytonians. Face covering have been proven to reduce the spread of Covid-19. Further, this small inconvenience will help us avoid the spread which could force another economic closure of Dayton and the rest of the state,” the city stated.
CLICK HERE to view the ordinance.
Gov. Mike DeWine tweeted support of the proposed ordinance Wednesday as a safety measure against the spread of the virus.
I support Mayor @NanWhaley and Dayton's decision to require the use of masks in public places. It’s an appropriate and welcome response to the increase in #COVID19 cases in their area. Masks are recommended by @CDCgov and medical professionals to help protect other people.
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) July 1, 2020
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