Gov. Mike DeWine changed his initial mask mandate as a condition of businesses reopening, instead requiring masks for employees but not for customers. While mask wearing has become something of a partisan symbol, DeWine said it shouldn’t be.
When lawmakers came back for session the last three weeks, some Republicans – including Speaker Larry Householder (R-Glenford) – were maskless. All Democratic members of the House wore masks.
Some Republican members have been publicly touting their opposition to any kind of mask-wearing in public, including state Reps. Nino Vitale (R-Urbana) and Candace Keller (R-Middletown).
In an interview for "The State of Ohio," DeWine was asked if that sends a mixed message to Ohioans. DeWine said his position is clear, but it’s up to lawmakers.
“I'm not going to tell them what to do, whether to wear a mask or not in session. The only thing that I would say is the medical science clearly shows that we respect one another when we wear a mask, and that's the best thing to do," DeWine said.
DeWine said something similar on NBC's "Meet the Press" on Sunday: "This is not about politics. This is not about whether you are liberal or conservative, left or right, Republican or Democrat."
When asked about not wearing a mask at his press gaggle after a session on May 6, Householder said he didn’t own a mask.
Masks are recommended in the Statehouse, but not required.
