FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ohio — Franklin County Public Health (FCPH) announced an order Tuesday that requires face coverings for people should the county drop below a Level 3 public health emergency.
That level is determined by the Ohio Department of Health as part of the state's coronavirus alert system.
The Franklin County order does not overwrite the state's order, which requires masks to be worn in Level 3 counties. As of July 14, those counties are Butler, Cuyahoga, Franklin, Hamilton, Huron, Montgomery and Trumbull
FCPH said the order would require people to wear a mask if they are in any indoor area that is not a home, when they are outside and cannot socially distance and while waiting for, riding, driving or using public transportation, taxi or ride-share service.
The order would not apply to children under the age of 10.
People would not be mandated to wear a mask if a person has a medical condition, if they are communicating with someone who is hearing impaired, or if they are alone in an office or workspace.
FCPH said its order does not have an end date and will stay in effect until it is ended by the board.
For enforcement, FCPH said it will use an education-first approach but if more enforcement is necessary, a written warning will be issued and more violations could be passed to law enforcement for possible investigation and prosecution.
Franklin County Public Health oversees the following areas for public health service: Bexley, Canal Winchester, Dublin, Gahanna, Grandview, Grove City, Groveport, Hilliard, New Albany, Pickerington, Reynoldsburg, Upper Arlington, Westerville, and Whitehall.
City councils in Columbus and Worthington approved ordinances requiring masks earlier this month.
