“What I am mandating today is I am signing an executive order that requires all West Virginians nine or above to wear a face-covering in all confined indoor spaces where social distancing cannot be maintained.” West Virginia Governor Jim Justice mandated masks in all public indoor spaces on Monday. “I hate like crazy to start off with this. But we have our 94th and 95th death. Both from Greenbrier County and both associated with the outbreak at the church.”
Justice said he knew the move would not be controversial. “I know it’s not the popular thing to do. But as far as wearing some level of face covering, it is absolutely the only thing we can do. The only smart thing we can do.” He said he expected West Virginians to disagree. “I know there’s going to be push back. I’m telling you West Virginia if we don’t do this now we are going to be in a world of hurt.”
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear both strongly encouraged residents to wear masks. Both leaders stopped short of mandatory mask orders.
Ohio Cities Mandate Masks
Many cities across Ohio mandated masks in public last week. Cleveland Mayor Frank G. Jackson signed an executive order mandating masks in public spaces on Friday.
“The spike in Coronavirus cases across the City of Cleveland warrants the mandated use of masks,” said Mayor Jackson. “If Clevelanders do not heed these critical warnings and prevention efforts, the effects will be disastrous to the economy and, most importantly, to individuals and families. No one is immune to this virus.”
Governor Mike DeWine applauded the decision. “This is the right move. With Cuyahoga County currently at Alert Level 3, Mayor Frank Jackson’s decision to mandate masks in public will make a real difference.”
Cincinnati and Columbus approved similar ordinances last week as well. Toledo City Council will take up the issue tomorrow.
Governor DeWine has said he is reluctant to make masks mandatory across the state and that Ohioans should “use their good judgment.”
