2020-45 - Face Covering Mandate - Laserfiche WebLink

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WHEREAS, the CDC recommends wearing face coverings in public where other physical distancing measures are difficult to maintain, to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 from asymptomatic or unknowing carriers to others; and WHEREAS, as of this date, Cuyahoga County has been designated by the State of Ohio Public Health Advisory System Risk Level as Level 3 for COVID-19, characterized by very high exposure and spread with a recommendation to limit activities as much as possible; and WHEREAS, as of this date, The State Health Director has issued a Statewide mandate to wear face coverings in public places indoors or outdoors in areas where people are unable to socially distancing; and WHEREAS, requiring face coverings to be worn by any person in a public place within Lakewood best promotes health and safety, and efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19 while enabling the continuation of essential services, businesses, and travel necessary to protect public health and safety, and for the continuity of social and commercial life during the state of emergency; and WHEREAS, after weighing the known information about the COVID-19 virus and considering the guidance from the Ohio Department of Health and the Cuyahoga County Board of Health, this Council concludes that the safety of Lakewood citizens is best protected by implementing a requirement to wear face coverings in public places as set forth herein; and WHEREAS, as set forth in Section 2.12 of the Third Amended Charter of the City of Lakewood, this Council by a vote of at least two thirds of its members determines that this resolution is an emergency measure and that it shall take effect immediately, and that it is necessary for the immediate preservation of the -public property, health, and of the citizens of Lakewood and those visiting Lakewood; now, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY OF LAKEWOOD, OHIO: Section 1. In an effort to reduce the spread of COVID- 19, all persons are required to wear a face covering when within the jurisdictional limits of the City of Lakewood including, without limitation: a) in any indoor location that is not a residence including common areas of apartment buildings and condominiums; b) when outdoors and unable to consistently maintain a distance of six feet or more from individuals who are not members of their household; or c) waiting for, riding, driving, or operating public transportation, a taxi, a private car service, or a ride sharing vehicle. This does not apply to private or rental vehicles where members of a family are sharing a vehicle. This does not apply to vehicles engaged in direct travel through Lakewood that do not stop in Lakewood. d) The requirement to wear a face covering shall continue as long as the State of Ohio Mandate to wear face coverings is in effect pursuant the Order of the Health Director. For purposes of this Resolution, "face covering" includes any material covering an individual's nose, mouth and chin.