Gov. Mike DeWine addressed the state on Wednesday evening.
The governor struck a somber yet hopeful tone as he discussed new mask mandates and potential closures if the state doesn’t slow the spread of COVID-19.
The new mask mandate has three provisions. The first violation of the order will be a written warning, while the second will bring about the closure of the store for up to 24 hours. The provisions depend on businesses enforcing the mask mandate for customers and staff.
We are reissuing Ohio’s mask order w/ three new provisions. ⬇ The first violation of this order will bring about a written warning and a second violation will bring about closure of the store for up to 24 hours. pic.twitter.com/mZccGPevXq
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) November 11, 2020
Gov. DeWine also announced that further decisions in regards to bars, restaurants, and gyms staying open would be made in one week. If there is not a decline in cases, DeWine said there will be “no choice but to shut down”.
My fellow Ohioans, few times in our lives will we ever be able to do something – or refrain from doing something -that will or can save a life. This is one of those rare times.
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) November 11, 2020
Ohio’s Colleges and Universities have agreed to remain at home after Thanksgiving break where students will continue with virtual learning for the remainder of the semester. The governor also mentioned that students could remain at home, learning virtually in the spring semester as well.
My fellow Ohioans, I know you’re tired and weary. I know you want this to be over. But in words often attributed to Winston Churchill during some of the darkest times in World War II, “When you’re going through hell, keep going!” Tonight, I ask you to keep going. pic.twitter.com/1fr4XTF4DB
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) November 11, 2020
Finally, new restrictions on gatherings are now in place. Parties and gatherings now require everyone to remain seated and wearing a mask unless eating or drinking, and also calls out “dancing and games” as being specific problems, which has led to a lot of Tweets like this one:
ah yes the footloose law will surely slow the cases down pic.twitter.com/35ng791Vrk
— Hanif Abdurraqib (@NifMuhammad) November 12, 2020
The governor once again asked Ohioans to be committed to wearing masks, practicing physical distancing, and washing their hands frequently. Yesterday, Ohio set a record high for cases, with over 6,500 cases, 386 hospitalized, and 23 deaths.
