Governor Mike DeWine said his previous mandate to wear face masks in stores went "too far" on ABC's "This Week."
DeWine faced criticism for the original requirement, which was ordered and reversed this week. He said requiring people to wear a mask was "offensive" to some Ohioans.
"Generally, Republicans are less inclined to have the government tell them what to do, and that's generally how I am," DeWine told ABC.
"Generally, Republicans are less inclined to have the government tell them what to do, and that's generally how I am," Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine tells @MarthaRaddatz when asked why he thinks there's a partisan divide on response to COVID-19. https://t.co/xUnfHoyjoL pic.twitter.com/HAh6fIsbE1
— ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) May 3, 2020
While the stay-at-home order for Ohio has been extended through the end of May, retail stores are allowed to reopen on May 12.
DeWine still strongly encourages customers to wear a mask while shopping.
