( Columbus, Ohio ) - Governor Mike DeWine is ordering that masks be worn by everyone in the state while in public to slow the spread of coronavirus. The governor says this new, statewide mask mandate will go into effect Thursday, July 23, at 6pm for everyone age 10 and older. Ohio on Wednesday marked over 1,500 new cases of coronavirus reported in the last 24 hours, that's the second-highest daily count since the pandemic began.
Residents will need to wear a mask when out in public or in a place where they are unable to follow social distancing rules. Up until now, Ohio had only required masks in counties that were considered to be at Level 3 "Red" alert for the spread of the virus. That's currently 19 counties including Hamilton, Butler, Clermont, and Montgomery. The governor is expected to update that county alert level on Thursday.