State clarifies mask guidance, again

COLUMBUS — If you were confused by Ohio's position on mask-wearing after a week of flip-flops, you're not alone.

On Monday, Gov. Mike DeWine made masks a requirement for all Ohioans. He changed the requirement to a "strong recommendation" on Tuesday. Last night, DeWine's office specified that employees are required to wear face coverings in the workplace.

During today's briefing, Lt. Gov. Jon Husted clarified the state's position.

Customers in Ohio should wear a mask, but are not required to do so, Husted said. Employees are required to wear face coverings except in the following situations:

• When employees are prohibited by law or regulation from wearing face-coverings on the job
• When it is a violation of the company's safety policy
• If the employee has a valid health reason
• If an employee is sitting alone in an enclosed workspace
• When there is a practical reason that a face covering cannot be worn, such as extreme heat

"We want you to comply because you care about each other," said Husted.

This story was originally published April 29, 2020 at 2:37 PM with the headline "State clarifies mask guidance, again."