For the third straight day, the State of Ohio had to discuss the protocols surrounding the wearing of masks or face coverings as the state's businesses start to re-open, beginning Friday.
Today's statement boils down to:
- Customers should, but are not required to do so.
- Businesses are allowed to turn away customers if they do not have a face covering or mask.
- Employees are required to wear face coverings or masks at work unless the wearing of the covering if it violates company safety policies, industry best practices, or if you are working alone inside an enclosed space. Exemptions can also be made if an employee has a condition that prevents the use of a mask or face covering.
- But, if you make the accommodation, you must have written jusification that can be provided upon request.
Lt. Gov. Jon Husted addressed the mask matter this time, saying Gov. Mike DeWine once again listened to the outcry of Ohioans for the second straight day and decided to modify the standard again.
DeWine said the more we wear face coverings, the faster we get out of this - and get the rest of the state's businesses up and running again. Dr/ Amy Acton, of the Ohio Department of Health, said when we wear face coverings collectively, we are protecting each other.
It's a tough situation for the state. It's not clear whether the governor has the ability to mandate the use of face coverings. Mandate them, people will complain. Fail to mandate them and those who are immune compromised and others will be upset. There is also the question of whether businesses would be liable for someone getting sick, if they allow maskless patrons or coworkers inside. Letting businesses establish their guidelines is a good solution.
And, by the way, we've never been here before, so that complicates things as well.
Our recommendation
is to follow the face covering recommendations - and have a plan to handle customers or visitors that don't have or refuse to wear a mask. Can you provide them? If not, can you ask a few screening questions to determine if they are problematic, which could allow their entry. If so, we also recommend having a disinfecting protocol to handle surfaces they may come in contact with. Determine your plan before you open.
We've also repeatedly said to
have a written plan before you re-open
, which was also emphasized by RCHD Administrator Ben Avery during our virtual meeting Tuesday. The Chamber has created such a plan, which is currently being reviewed by the health district. We'll share once we get their feedback and have a finished product.
