You Said It: Readers sound off after DeWine’s mask reversal

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced Tuesday his administration would not require any customer or worker to wear face coverings when businesses reopen in May, just a day after saying they would be required to do so.

Ohio Capital Journal readers were heavily critical of DeWine’s decision, though a few defended him. Here are a selection of responses:

Ann Bennett: “I am really sorry he backed away from this. If Ohio can mandate seat belts to save lives it can mandate safety masks or alternative protective gear for the same reason. I get that some people with autism, PTSD and similar issues have a real problem wearing such things. In that case, work with medical and behavioral experts to find safe alternatives.”

Sherry Dyke: “(DeWine) really dropped in my respect. I work were [sic] everyone wears a mask, customers as well as employees. It is great. Really disappointed.”

Tom Glassman: “So how many of those telling Dewine [sic] that he can’t tell them what to do with their bodies sing a very different tune when it comes to reproductive rights.”

Susan Swan: “If (DeWine) thinks that Ohioans will wear masks anyway, he should have been down looking at the lines of people at the Cuyahoga Board of Elections. At least a quarter did not wear a mask and also couldn’t manage to stand on the Xs to stay 6 feet apart. Bad decision, DeWine.”

Annalyn Davis: “I would love to think that it shouldn’t be mandatory because we will all use common sense to protect each other. But then I think about the protest at the capitol…”

Angela Orr: “Lost every bit of respect he had earned. I am utterly disgusted.”

Rita Rice: “Level headed people need to call him or email him immediately. It seems he is caving to a handful of protesters and the anti women gang at the statehouse. Starting any kind of openings should come once testing is available. He and his team have spent the past six weeks telling us this.”

Dave Bixler: “Nice to see choice over force for a change. Here’s hoping we see more of the same in the future … the near future.”

Pamela Gray: “Dewine is chicken. Masks save lives.”

Claudia Joseph Zimmerman: “We are all safe when everyone wears (a mask) to protect others.”