AKRON, Ohio — Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan introduced legislation to make masks mandatory in the city on Thursday.
Councilwoman Tara Mosley-Samples drafted that ordinance that would require masks at all public locations, unless a person is eating, works in a place that prohibits facial coverings, working alone in an assigned area or has health reasons.
“I take my duties as Mayor very seriously and the most crucial charge of my position is protecting the safety and wellbeing of the citizens of Akron. This face covering order will help keep Akron businesses open, help get our kids back into school, and ultimately and most importantly, save lives. Wearing a mask is not a political statement. It is a way of showing common courtesy and kindness to your fellow citizens. I wear my mask to protect your family and you wear yours to protect mine, and that is how community works," Horrigan said.
Situations when face coverings will be required under the local order:
- While inside public areas of a place of business or City of Akron facility, and when entering, exiting or waiting in line to enter those areas of a place of business or City of Akron facility.
- In any outdoor space where physical distancing of at least six feet is not maintained from others who are not members of the same household.
- In any public transportation such as a bus, taxi, or ride-sharing service.
- In common areas of a multi-unit housing building, including, but not limited to, hallways, stairways, elevators, and lobbies.
- Places of business shall require face coverings for paying customers and for employees that interact with the public.
City Council will decide on the ordinance at Monday's meeting.
Akron’s proposal comes after Governor Mike DeWine announced that the Ohio Department of Health will issue a face-covering order for all of Summit County while the county remains in a “red” or “purple” status under the Ohio Public Health Advisory System.
Summit County was moved to the "red" status on Thursday, and an order from the ODH requiring face masks in the entire county will take effect at 6 p.m. Friday.
RELATED: Summit, Lorain, Trumbull counties now at Level 3 COVID-19 risk, Cuyahoga Co. approaching Level 4
To read the proposal, click here.
RELATED: Akron City Councilwoman to propose making masks mandatory in city
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