THREAD: Some observations on the divergent debates on masks/coronavirus in Ohio and where things stand at the moment... 
To back up a moment: When @GovMikeDeWine first outlined Ohio's reopening plan in late April, he DID announce that "face coverings" would be required for the general public when patronizing businesses.
He reversed course shortly after and said: nevermind, no mask mandate.
He reversed course shortly after and said: nevermind, no mask mandate.
I outlined the shifting arguments and eventual backtracking from Gov. DeWine/Lt. Gov. Husted in the thread below.
To summarize: the initial mandate was based on health considerations. The reversal was based on ideological considerations.
To summarize: the initial mandate was based on health considerations. The reversal was based on ideological considerations.
That's been the status quo since. DeWine hasn't indicated plans to re-institute a mask mandate. He's likely thought about it, & theoretically still could.
Yesterday, he noted a willingness to address virus mitigation on a county-by-county level instead of statewide edicts.
Yesterday, he noted a willingness to address virus mitigation on a county-by-county level instead of statewide edicts.
DeWine has since portrayed mitigation steps as choices responsible individuals must make for themselves--to slow the spread by donning a mask *without* necessarily being required to do so.
Anyone who's been to a grocery store lately knows how that calculation is going.
Anyone who's been to a grocery store lately knows how that calculation is going.
We are 12 hours away from July. Yet at every press conference and every interview, @GovMikeDeWine has to repeatedly re-emphasize the importance of masks and the need to take the virus seriously.
We're presently trying to chart a future while still fighting yesterday's battles.
We're presently trying to chart a future while still fighting yesterday's battles.
Here's where the divergence comes in. Because instead of merely debating the health merits of face coverings, the anti-shutdown crowd is still stuck on the threat of face mask mandates.
They're obsessed with the topic. Rep. Vitale just posted this to his 30k followers today:
They're obsessed with the topic. Rep. Vitale just posted this to his 30k followers today:
We saw a similar thing with contact tracing, which is *completely voluntary* for Ohio citizens.
Instead of focusing on the program merits + what it could accomplish, conspiracy theorists have instead spread misinformation alleging it is in fact required and evil.
Instead of focusing on the program merits + what it could accomplish, conspiracy theorists have instead spread misinformation alleging it is in fact required and evil.
These are the debates had when officials in charge of the COVID-19 response open the door for ideology instead of health.
When DeWine reversed on the mask mandate because it was "offensive to some of our fellow Ohioans," this was the predictable result.
When DeWine reversed on the mask mandate because it was "offensive to some of our fellow Ohioans," this was the predictable result.
A paradox: people may wake up to the need for mitigation/masks as things potentially get worse.
Except, the reason things may get worse is *because* people aren't taking mitigation steps/wearing masks in the first place.
Except, the reason things may get worse is *because* people aren't taking mitigation steps/wearing masks in the first place.
We are living in two different realities. Ohio's numbers are getting worse, but we're loosening restrictions on nursing home visits.
Southwest Ohio is emerging as a virus hotspot, yet the Kings Island amusement park there is reopening on Thursday.
Southwest Ohio is emerging as a virus hotspot, yet the Kings Island amusement park there is reopening on Thursday.
I recently wrote about my experiences visiting the Pickaway County Fair, one of the first big public events held in Ohio since the shutdown.
The "simultaneous realities" theme was on full display:
ohiocapitaljournal.com/2020/06/29/at-…
The "simultaneous realities" theme was on full display:
ohiocapitaljournal.com/2020/06/29/at-…
This "simultaneous realities" theme is everywhere.
The present state health order prohibits a public gathering of 10 people. But the Senate president wants a 20,000-person Trump rally.
Portman is concerned of health risks, but wants you back to work.
ohiocapitaljournal.com/2020/06/26/por…
The present state health order prohibits a public gathering of 10 people. But the Senate president wants a 20,000-person Trump rally.
Portman is concerned of health risks, but wants you back to work.
ohiocapitaljournal.com/2020/06/26/por…
To conclude: the initial month or so of Ohio's coronavirus response was almost singularly based on health considerations from industry experts.
We've very much diverged from that path.
We've very much diverged from that path.
