KENT, Ohio — The city of Kent has passed an ordinance that requires facial coverings in the city, specifically indoors and inside any retail establishment.
The city said the mandate has been put in place to slow the spread of coronavirus in the community.
Facial coverings are required in the following places:
- In indoor areas accessible to the public
- Inside a retail business establishment
- All customers in restaurants and bars must wear facial coverings when not at their table
- In office spaces open to the public when they are inside the establishment
- Customers of personal care and grooming businesses
- In outdoor areas accessible to the public, if physical distancing of at least 6 feet of separation is not possible
The following circumstances are exceptions to the mandate:
- Due to any medical or behavioral condition or disability (including, but not limited to, any person who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious or incapacitated, or is otherwise unable to put on or remove the facial covering without assistance)
- Actively eating or drinking
- Strenuously exercising
- Seeking to communicate with someone who is hearing-impaired in a way that requires the mouth to be visible
- Giving a speech for a broadcast or to an audience
- Temporarily removing his or her facial covering to secure government or medical services or for identification purposes
- Child whose parent, guardian, or responsible person has been unable to place the facial covering safely on the child’s face
- Whom facial coverings are prohibited by law or regulation or are inconsistent with industry standards while the person is on duty
- Anyone who declines to wear a facial covering for any reason is not exempt from the requirement to practice adequate social distancing, keeping a minimum of 6 feet between them and any other person outside of their household.
- Children under 5 years of age should not wear a facial covering
