Council Votes to Require Face Masks to Fight COVID-19 in Columbus
Mask Order in Response to Rising COVID-19 Infections
[COLUMBUS, OH] Love your neighbor as you love yourself. In the City of Columbus, that means wearing a mask out in public. On Monday, July 6, 2020, Council passed ordinance 1643-2020, directing residents to wear facial coverings or masks in public spaces.
“We are in a sprint to get ahead of this virus,” said Council President Shannon G. Hardin. “The number of positive COVID-19 cases in our region are rising, especially among younger people, and that can lead to a huge surge of infections threatening our entire health care system. We must act now to protect our neighbors and families.”
The ordinance requires residents over the age of six to wear facial coverings in all public spaces, including indoor and outdoor facilities where a six-foot social distancing radius cannot be maintained. Residents and businesses in violation of the order are subject to a civil citation. Ordinance 1643-2020, was introduced from the floor by Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee, Councilmember Priscilla Tyson.
“This virus has taken an emotional, economical and financial impact on this City and our nation,” Hardin continued. “This is a legislative declaration that we care about our community and our neighbors. We are putting people first.”
The new mandate exempts residents with medical or behavioral conditions, children under six, people actively eating or drinking, strenuously exercising or communicating with someone hearing impaired. First responders and public safety personnel are only exempt from wearing a covering if it interferes with executing their official duties. The ordinance also excludes personal vehicles, schools and places of worship.
“As we continue to grapple with this coronavirus, we have to step up our efforts, and this mask mandate is the next phase,” said Councilmember Priscilla Tyson. “In the last week, we’ve seen record numbers of new COVID-19 cases, and we’re still climbing. It’s time to turn the tide, and if everyone wears masks, we will be successful.”
This action replaced the executive order issued by Mayor Andrew J. Ginther. The ordinance goes into effect at 8am on Tuesday, July 7, and will be enforced by Columbus Public Health.
“With no vaccine or cure for COVID-19, face coverings are one of the best tools we have to help protect health and prevent the spread of disease in our community,” says Health Commissioner Dr. Mysheika Roberts. “With COVID-19 cases on the rise, it is critical for everyone to wear a face covering whenever they are out in public, in addition to social distancing and washing your hands. It takes all of us doing whatever we can to protect our community during this pandemic.”
Columbus Public Health will enforce this requirement and issue warnings and citations for businesses. Businesses will receive a warning for the first violation, a $500 fine for the second violation and a $1,000 fine for the third violation.
“COVID-19 is a silent threat to our community,” said Councilmember Emmanuel V. Remy. “We can’t see it with the naked eye, but have great tools at our fingertips to keep each other safe - face masks. Study after study has proven the value of wearing facial masks as the first line of defense. So, mask up Columbus.”
COMPARATIVE SUMMARY
| ITEM | EXECUTIVE ORDER | ORDINANCE 1643-2020 |
| Definition of face covering | Covering of the nose and mouth that is secured to the head with ties, straps, or loops over the ears or is simply wrapped around the lower face. | Covering of the nose and mouth that is secured to the head with ties, straps, or loops over the ears or is simply wrapped around the lower face. |
| When and where face coverings are required | All below only when within 6 feet or another person: - Workers and customers in retail businesses;
- Workers and customers in personal care businesses (e.g. salons);
- Workers, adults, and children over 6 in daycares and camps;
- Public and private transportation riders (except in their own personal vehicles);
- In high-density work environments;
- All workers in long-term care facilities (regardless of the 6-foot rule);
- Other health care facilities must follow CDC guidelines.
| - All public buildings or indoor facilities;
- All outdoor spaces where residents cannot maintain a six-foot socially distant separation.
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| Exemptions | - Medical or behavioral condition;
- Under 6 years of age;
- Actively eating or drinking;
- Strenuously exercising;
- Communicating with someone hearing impaired;
- Giving a speech to a broadcast audience;
- Working at home or in a personal vehicle;
- Temporarily removing covering to secure government or medical services or for ID purposes;
- At risk for wearing a covering based on local, state, or federal regulations or workplace guidelines;
- If covering impairs visibility to operate equipment;
- A child whose parent or guardian has been unable to safely place a covering;
- Religious facilities;
- Facilities owned by State of Ohio or Federal Government;
- Public safety personnel.
| - Medical or behavioral condition;
- Under 6 years of age;
- Actively eating or drinking;
- Strenuously exercising;
- Communicating with someone hearing impaired;
- Giving a speech to a broadcast audience;
- Temporarily removing covering to secure government or medical services or for ID purposes;
- At risk for wearing a covering based on local, state, or federal regulations or workplace guidelines;
- If covering impairs visibility to operate equipment;
- A child whose parent or guardian has been unable to safely place a covering;
- Religious facilities; schools governed by a separate entity;
- First responders if it interferes with executing their official duties;
- Removes the exemption for State facilities that was in the EO.
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| Enforcement | - Only businesses or organizations are subject to citation for violations;
- Violations are subject to criminal liability.
| - Creates civil penalties to be enforced by Columbus Public Health;
- Businesses and individuals will be issued warnings for first violations;
- Individuals will face fines of $25 for second and subsequent violations;
- Businesses will face fines of $500 for a second violation, and $1,000 for a third and subsequent violations;
- Ordinance provides for an appeals process for those that are cited for violations.
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