WORTHINGTON, Ohio — The City of Worthington will require people to wear masks in public spaces starting Tuesday at 8 a.m.
The requirement was issued Monday during a City Council meeting.
It comes after Franklin County was named a high risk location for coronavirus spread and exposure. Several other cities have issued similar requirements.
People will be required to wear masks in several instances including:
- When entering, exiting or waiting in line to enter public businesses and City of Worthington buildings
- When using public transportation, including buses, cabs and ride share services
- In outdoor spaces where people are not able to socially distance by at least six feet
As part of the requirement, people who work at long-term care facilities will have to wear surgical masks. Other health facilities that do not provide long-term care will be required follow CDC guidelines.
All businesses will need to have all employees wear face coverings. Businesses are also encouraged to only serve customers who wear masks.
People who are found to be in violation of the requirement will receive a warning for the first violation. For a second violation, individuals will be fined $25 and businesses will be fined $500. For third and other subsequent violations, businesses will be fined $1,000, and individuals will be fined $25.
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There are some exceptions to the requirement including those who are not able to wear face coverings because of medical conditions, when a person is actively eating or drinking at a restaurant, people who are inside religious buildings and in settings where wearing a mask is not possible, such as a dentist's office.
A full list of exceptions and other information about the mask requirement can be found on the City of Worthington website.
