Columbus residents, employees under mask requirement

Columbus residents and employees are now under a mandatory mask order.

You head out.

Its the first day of the mask ordinance that city council members voted into effect.

The citys attorney said this ordinance is needed to protect the community from the coronavirus.

As they can."

"i think the conventional wisdom is pretty clear.

Masks do prevent or help prevent the spread of covid."

Jeff turnage- columbus city attorney 0:00-0:08 columbus city attorney jeff turnage said a spike in coronavirus cases lead council members to add to their resolution..a mandatory mask order for patrons.

If they're not eating or drinking in a restaurant they need to be wearing a mask.

And if they're not working out in a fitness center then they need to be wearing a mask."

The mask order went into effect this morning.

"the mayor and council are you know very concerned with the spread and they're not unaware that people have strong feeling about it on both sides."

Now residents and employees must wear a face mask in public spaces where social distancing is not possible.

"the council felt strongly that masks are protective not just for the person wearing it but for the other person that may come into contact with it."

Turnage said police will be on hand to make sure everyone is wearing a mask.

"employees are not supposed to engage employees to make them out on a mask.

But they're strongly encouraged to call emergency response if they see a customer not wearing one so police can respond as soon as they can if citizens or employees do not adhere to the order they could face a 300 dollar fine.

Live in columbus nicole dantzler wtva nine news.

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