State health department issues new mask order for retailers

COLUMBUS — Gov. Mike DeWine on Friday evening announced the Ohio Department of Health has issued a statewide order requiring retail customers and employees to wear masks.

The initial order took effect after July 23. The new order is set to take effect at 12:01 a.m. Monday.

"Every retail employee has the right to work in an environment that is as safe as can be, which means all customers must wear masks," the governor is quoted in a release. "Further, each Ohioan who goes out to shop has the right to know that every store they enter will be safe and the people they encounter in that store will be wearing a mask.

"We know that masks work. They are the easiest, most cost-effective way to limit the spread of COVID-19."

The new order authorizes agents with the Bureau of Workers Compensation's newly formed Retail Compliance Unit, local health departments and local law enforcement to inspect and enforce mask-wearing at establishments in the state, and requires retailers to allow them to inspect public areas during business hours.

Businesses caught violating the order for the first time will receive a written warning; on the second violation, they will be forced to close "for no longer than 24 hours to allow for disspiation of COVID-19 airborne droplets," according to the release.

The public can report non-compliant establishments to the Ohio Department of Health call center at 1-833-4ASKODH (1-833-427-5634).

The new order does not apply to: restaurants; bars; banquet and catering centers; hair salons; day spas; nail salons; barber shops; tattoo parlors; body piercing locations; tanning facilities; gyms; dance instruction studios; or personal fitness venues, which are already covered under previous orders.

Per the order, all people aged 10 years or older must wear a facial covering while in retail stores. The order also includes the following provisions.

• All retailers must post and enforce a sign indicating that masks are required at all entrances. Employees are not required to put themselves in jeopardy or risk harm when enforcing this order.
• All retailers must post at all entrances a maximum capacity limit to ensure a minimum of six-feet physical distance can be maintained throughout the location.
• All retailers should mark six-feet separation spots in all check-out lines.
• All retailers should arrange all store aisles to be directionally one-way, if required to achieve appropriate social distancing.
• All retailers should place hand sanitizer stations at high-contact locations.
• All retailers must require employees to stay home if symptomatic.
• All retailers must disinfect high-touch areas after each use (e.g. carts, baskets, and other equipment).
• All retailers should provide reasonable accommodation to any person unable to wear a mask into the store by providing online or telephone ordering and curbside, non-contact pick up or a delivery option and/or allowing a person to wear a full face shield that extends below the chin. Each retailer must post a sign at each entrance detailing these accommodations.
• Customers are strongly urged to utilize online or telephone ordering and curbside, non-contact pick-up or delivery options.
• This order does not apply to those medically or developmentally unable to wear a face covering.
• Each business should designate an on-site compliance officer for each business location and each shift during all business hours to enforce these requirements.

You can read the full order below. To view a full-size version, click the icon in the uper-right:

This story was originally published November 13, 2020 at 7:43 PM with the headline "State health department issues new mask order for retailers."