“Our primary goal is to encourage and educate the public on the importance of wearing a face covering to protect themselves and others. The public must take responsibility in preventing the community spread of COVID-19. Wearing a face covering supports our local business community, keep our economy open and may save lives.” City Manager Dana McDaniel
Statewide Mask Order
Governor Mike DeWine issued a State Order which went into effect for all citizens living in all 88 Ohio counties on Thursday, July 23, at 6:00 p.m. All individuals in Ohio, 10 years and older, must wear facial coverings in public at all times when:
- At an indoor location that is not a residence
- Outdoors, when unable to maintain a consistent six-foot physical distance from people who are not household members
- Waiting for, riding, driving, or operating public transportation, such as a taxi, a car service, or a private car used for ride-sharing.
More information and exclusion at: https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/home
Franklin County Board of Health Executive Order Mandates Face Coverings
On July 14th, 2020, the Franklin County Board of Health issued an Executive Order requiring all residents and visitors in Franklin County to wear a face covering indoors, except at a residence, and outdoors where consistent six-feet of physical distance can’t consistently be maintained. Children under 10 are not required to wear a face covering, and there are a few other exceptions noted in the Order. The Order applies to all of the City of Dublin (including portions in Union and Delaware Counties) as Franklin County Public Health is the City’s health agency.
Franklin County Public Health Mandatory Face Covering Order FAQs
What does the Franklin County Public Health Order require?
The Franklin County Executive Order requires all individuals (residents and visitors) in Franklin County over the age of 10 to wear a face covering in all indoor places except for residences, and all outdoor spaces where consistent six feet of physical distancing is not possible. There are several exceptions listed in the Franklin County Order. Face coverings will still be required for all individuals in Franklin County, even if the County is reduced to a Level 1 or 2 by the State Department of Health. Franklin County is currently at a Level 3 (Red) subject to the State face covering mandate.
Do I have to wear a mask outside?
Face coverings are required outdoors if a consistent six feet of physical distance is not possible to maintain. That includes walking paths, parks, the Dublin Link Bridge, parking lots, sidewalks, etc.
What about riding a bike outside on the shared-use paths?
If you are able to maintain 6 feet of distance from other bike riders a face covering is not required.
Are employees required to wear masks?
Yes – under the Franklin County Executive Order, the Ohio Department of Health Order and the State’s Stay Safe Order, employers must require their employees to wear face coverings unless doing so would be dangerous or not in accordance with state and federal guidelines, or if an employee is within an enclosed individual office, or alone in an assigned work area.
When Will the Franklin County Public Health Order Expire?
This Order is effective until it is rescinded by the Franklin County Board of Health. If Franklin County were to lose its “Red” designation through the Ohio Department of Health, thereby eliminating the face covering requirement, face masks would still be required in Franklin County (and the entire City of Dublin) until otherwise directed by the Board.
How will the Executive Order be enforced?
The County Order includes enforcement mechanisms — a warning for first violations, potential minor misdemeanor penalty up to a $150 fine for subsequent ones.
