Rep. Russo renews call for House Leadership to enforce mask mandate as COVID-19 cases surge

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) issued a statement Tuesday blasting House Republicans for continuing to disregard best health practices to prevent the COVID-19 during the first full day of House committees since September. Since the House of Representatives last convened, Ohio has exploded by more than 325% to record levels, prompting Gov. Mike DeWine to say Ohio is reaching a “critical stage.”

Ohio recorded 6,508 cases COVID-19 cases today, the highest number to date.

“For weeks, Ohio has recorded day after day of record-breaking COVID-19 numbers,” said Rep. Russo. “While the governor has continued to plead with Ohioans to “do the right thing” and wear a mask, not even his fellow Republicans at the Statehouse are following his advice. How are Ohioans supposed to take the threat of COVID-19 seriously if their elected officials refuse to wear masks and follow best health practices? This lack of leadership puts Ohioans in danger.”

For months, House Democrats have called on Republican House leadership to require masks inside the Ohio Statehouse. Most recently, State Representative Kent Smith (D-Euclid) called on Speaker Bob Cupp (R-Lima) to implement a mask mandate.