51ĀŅĀ×

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has announced a statewide mask mandate and a travel advisory/self-quarantine recommendation for individuals entering Ohio from nine U.S. states.

The statewide mask order is effective at 6 p.m. on Thurs., July 23.

ā€œOur preliminary data indicate that the rate of increase in new cases has slowed in the high-risk counties where masks are already mandated, so we are cautiously optimistic that things are heading in the right direction,ā€ DeWine stated in a press release issued Wednesday. ā€œWe believe that requiring masks statewide will make a significant difference and will be key to making sure other counties do not progress to a higher level of increased spread.ā€

All individuals in Ohio must wear facial coverings in public at all times when:

1. At an indoor location that is not a residence
2. Outdoors, but unable to maintain six-foot social distance from people who are not household members
3. Waiting for, riding, driving, or operating public transportation, such as a taxi, a car service, or a private car used for ride-sharing.

The order only requires those 10 years old or older to wear a mask. Additional exclusions include: 

1. Those with a medical condition or a disability or those communicating with someone with a disability;
2. Those who are actively exercising or playing sports;
3. Those who are officiants at religious services;
4. Those who are actively involved in public safety; or
5. Those who are actively eating or drinking.

Schools should pertaining to masks, according to the press release.

In addition, the governor announced a  for all individuals coming into Ohio from states reporting positive COVID-19 testing rates of 15 percent or higher. 

Those traveling from one of the following states should self-quarantine for 14 days at home or in a hotel.

1. Alabama
2. Arizona
3. Florida
4. Georgia
5. Idaho
6. Mississippi
7. Nevada
8. South Carolina
9. Texas

The list of states will be updated every week on Wednesday, .

The self-quarantine recommendation applies to those who live in Ohio and to people who are traveling into Ohio from any of these states.

In addition, 51ĀŅĀ× faculty, staff, students, and visitors to campus should review the Universityā€™s current travel policies.

51ĀŅĀ× will be issuing an updated mask policy for its faculty, staff, students, and campus visitors in the next few days.  Visit for more news and information about OHIOā€™s COVID-19 planning efforts.