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DeWine: Ohioans must sacrifice now by wearing masks in public, making smart decisions concerning COVID-19

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine on Wednesday asked all Ohioans, regardless of where they live, to wear a mask every time they’re in public.

“There’s a broad consensus today … that masks are critical,” DeWine said during a briefing to the state, citing medical and public health professionals.

But masks are not enough, the governor said.

DeWine commended Ohioans for doing their part at the beginning of the pandemic. However, with positive cases increasing, he reminded Ohioans that the choices they make today will impact the spread of the virus in the coming weeks. During the speech, grounded in scientific evidence and data, DeWine reminded Ohioans about the efficacy of facial coverings to protect themselves, loved ones, friends, neighbors and other citizens. He also renewed the call to socially distance and limit public gatherings.

“I am calling on all Ohioans to once again unite. We must work together, support each other, and help each other through this challenging time. I’ve seen you do this. I know you can do this. Ohioans can continue to help our most vulnerable, while also protecting ourselves and our families. Together, we can be the Ohio where our hospitals are not overwhelmed, where our schools can open, where sports can start, and where our economy can continue to grow, Governor DeWine added.

He asked Ohioans to ponder these questions: “Will that family reunion be worth it if gramdma gets COVID and dies? … Will that play date be worth it if kids can’t go back to school in the fall?

“These are once in a hundred-year sacrifices. These are short-term sacrifices,” he stressed.

“Our way of life in Ohio is in danger. Our state’s life is in danger. Our strength lies in unity of purpose. I’m asking you — calling on all of you — to once again unite. This virus is real. It’s killing family members, friends, co-workers. We must take the long-view, and remember Ohioans have always been resilient people … who beat the odds. Today, more Ohioans are getting sick than at any previous point in this pandemic. We are sliding down a very dangerous path, with our once flattened-curve starting to sharpen and spike. This is a worrisome, disturbing reversal of our progress — a jarring reminder of just how quickly our fate can change.”

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