COLUMBUS, Ohio (WTVN)--On Monday, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said Ohioans would be required to wear a face mask when going out in public, as part of his plan to reopen businesses during the coronavirus pandemic. On Tuesday, DeWine reversed that decision.
DeWine said he took feedback from both customers and workers on the mandate, saying the decision will now be up to each business owner.
DeWine says masks will now be strongly recommended, but not required.
Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther earlier indicated a requirement to wear a mask in public was one of the parameters he requested for the city to reopen.
Retail shops can be permitted to reopen on May 12th, if they follow strict social distancing and cleaning guidelines.
As of Tuesday, there are over 16,000 cases of coronavirus in Ohio, with nearly 800 deaths.