From the very beginning of this battle against this virus. We have truly been in this battle together. As Governor, it is my responsibility to make the tough decisions, but it is also my responsibility to listen & hear and be respectful of the thoughts and ideas of Ohioans.
There is a wise, old saying: "None of us is as smart as all of us." And so, as we continue our journey together, to battle our shared enemy, I will continue to listen to your thoughts and ideas as we move through this process.
There will have to be adjustments as we go. Within the last 24 hours, it has become clear to me that a mandatory mask requirement for retail customers is offensive to some of our fellow Ohioans. I understand that.
We've heard you. We will not mandate that retail customers wear a mask. But we strongly recommend that you do.
The reason we initially did mandate masks is b/c I've heard from business employees who are scared - from family members who are scared for their loved ones who are working. Anyone could be carrying #COVID19 and not know it - we did the original order to protect these employees.
And though it is not a mandate, it is clearly in the best interest for Ohioans to wear a mask in retail settings. This gives added protection to others. When you wear a mask, you are protecting those around you from possibly getting sick.
When I go out in public and go into a business, I will wear a mask. And, I have recommended to my family members that they wear masks.
