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On July 22, 2020, in conjunction with the state-wide mask mandate instituted by Governor Mike DeWine, Lance D. Himes, Interim Director of the Ohio Department of Health, issued an order requiring Ohio businesses to post any permitted exceptions they provide to customers, patrons, visitors, contractors, vendors and similar individuals to use facial coverings at all business entrances. 

A non-exhaustive list of permitted exceptions includes documented life, health or safety considerations, limited documented security considerations, and persons under 10, actively engaged in eating or drinking and actively involved in public safety.

The Interim Director’s order also clarified that businesses must require all employees to wear facial coverings, except for one of the following reasons:

• Facial coverings in the work setting are prohibited by law or regulation;
• Facial coverings are in violation of documented industry standards;
• Facial coverings are not advisable for health reasons;
• Facial coverings are in violation of the business’s documented safety policies;
• Facial coverings are not required when the employee works alone in an assigned work area; or
• There is a functional (practical) reason for an employee not to wear a facial covering in the workplace.

Businesses must provide written justification to the ODH, upon request, explaining why an employee is not required to wear a facial covering in the workplace.

At a minimum, the Interim Director’s order states, facial coverings should be cloth/fabric and cover an individual’s nose, mouth and chin.

For additional information, please contact Adam D. Fuller, adfuller@bmdllc.com or 330.374.6737, or any member of the L+E Team at BMD.