Masks will be mandatory in Huron County

COLUMBUS — Huron County residents will be required to wear masks after 6 p.m. Wednesday. Huron County is one of seven counties around the state which is affected by Gov. Mike DeWine's orders. The seven counties were coded "red" on a newly released color-coded map to show where COVID-19 is infecting an increasing number of residents. The order would be enforced by local health departments. "If the governor wants us to do things that keep us safe, keep our families safe, I'll support it," Senate Minority Leader Kenny Yuko, D-Richmond Heights, told The Enquirer. The move comes after several cities, including Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland, announced plans to require face coverings. Ohio Rep. Stephanie Howse, D-Cleveland, shared Monday that she had contracted COVID-19 and the cousin of another legislator, Sen. Sandra Williams died from the disease. Governors and local leaders in other states have closed bars and limited access to restaurants. On Monday, Miami-Dade County leaders announced they would close gyms and restaurants amid a surge of COVID-19 cases there. Last week, DeWine has stopped short of requiring masks statewide or shutting down businesses previously permitted to open. He instead has strongly encouraged wearing face coverings and warned businesses that violate health requirements that they'll face penalties. In many cases, masks have become a partisan issue. City leaders who have required face coverings are largely Democrats. Meanwhile, Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder, R-Glenford, has said he can't require lawmakers to wear masks and doesn't use one himself. Last week, DeWine launched a color-coded map to show where COVID-19 is spreading most rapidly. The map takes into account seven factors, including new cases per capita, the proportion of cases not in congregate settings and a sustained increase in outpatient visits. ——— ©2020 The Columbus Dispatch (Columbus, Ohio) Visit The Columbus Dispatch (Columbus, Ohio) at www.dispatch.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.