COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine says some Ohioans deciding to ignore social distancing guidelines is “a concern and a problem.”
In a follow-up to Wednesday’s “Ben Asks a Question” story, on Thursday I asked DeWine to answer, more specifically, if Ohioans should be concerned if they see others not practicing social distancing, or ignoring other state guidelines regarding COVID-19.
Ben Asks a Question is a feature we started as a way to help give you a voice during Gov. Mike DeWine's daily press briefings. Since then, Ben has gotten hundreds of questions a day. If you'd like to ask a question, find us on Facebook and feel free to message us there, or send us an email at newsdesk@wcpo.com.
DeWine reiterated some of yesterday’s answer, once again stressing the importance of social distancing -- but continued to mention that it is an issue to see some people ignoring guidelines while others aren’t.
“The best way to protect each other is to distance,” said DeWine. "And again, when people don't practice the distancing, the problem is it’s not just them. They are endangering other people … So yeah, when we’re not continuing to practice social distancing, it is a problem. And so if you’re practicing social distancing and you’re seeing somebody over there not practicing social distancing, yes, it is a concern and a problem.”
As of Thursday, there is no set date for Ohio’s stay-at-home order to end. Ohioans are still asked to stay six feet away from others, while only leaving home for essential work and travel.
Retail stores in the state are set to begin reopening on May 12. There will be no state-mandate for customers to wear facemasks while shopping -- but individual stores will be able to require masks for customers as they see fit. It is still the recommendation of DeWine’s administration for all Ohioans to wear face masks while out in public.
