Dayton mask ordinance: Ohio politicians react to mandate

>> RELATED: Dayton approves mandatory mask law, cites rapid COVID-19 spread locally

Gov. Mike DeWine was among those offering support and even encouraged other communities to “follow Dayton’s lead.”

“It’s an appropriate and welcome response to increasing numbers of COVID-19 cases in their area,” he said. “Masks are recommended by the CDC and medical professionals to help protect other people. Wearing a mask will allow us to help keep businesses open and help prevent further spikes.”

Ohio Sen. Peggy Lehner, R-Kettering, commended Mayor Nan Whaley and called her actions a “courageous step.”

“Each person has the power to prevent the coronavirus spread by simply wearing a mask,” she said. “Control of this virus must not become a political weapon, but rather something each of us does out of consideration for our neighbors. I hope that other communities throughout Ohio will be inspired to follow Dayton’s lead.”

Lehner said that as more cases and hospitalizations are reported each day in Montgomery County, it’s clear that the virus isn’t going away.

“There is now mounting evidence from both the CDC and WHO that wearing masks can help control the spread of the virus by blocking respiratory droplets emitted from speaking, breathing and coughing,” she said.

>> Dayton diner becomes 3rd local restaurant to shut down temporarily due to employee testing positive for COVID-19

In Columbus, Mayor Andrew Ginther also echoed his support for Whaley and Mayor Ben Kessler in Bexley, another community with a face mask mandate.

“We are seriously considering doing the same in Columbus,” Ginther said.

Ginther is scheduled to make an announcement at 1 p.m. today regarding masks and coronavirus.