City of Oxford passes a new mask ordinance and violators could face a $100 fine

People in the city of Oxford are now required to wear a face covering inside any public space or they will face a fine, according to a new ordinance that was passed Monday.The city of Oxford adopted the face covering ordinance after it passed in council by a vote of 6-1.City Council said that decision was made in part due to the fact that Miami University is requiring masks indoors and Butler County has been designated as an area of high transmission with fully vaccinated rates below the state and United States rates.Council said after talking with the Butler County General Health District, and considering the guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, they concluded that a face mask requirement is the best option for the safety of residents. The ordinance says a face covering will be required when a person:Enters a business open to the public including grocery stores, retail stores, pharmacies, health care facilities, restaurants and bars, hotels and motels, gyms. It excludes religious facilities When inside a city operated building or facility that is open to the publicIn any public transportation such as a bus or other public transit vehicle, a taxi or ride-sharing vehicle or any other vehicle for hire, or at a transit stop or waiting area for any public transportation.The ordinance includes exceptions for those under 2 years old and those with medical condition, mental health condition or developmental disability that prevents them from being able to wear a a mask.It also includes exceptions for restaurant and bar patrons while eating or drinking, medical services, exercising at a gym, athletic practice, or working in an individual workspace. City Council said the ordinance will help limit the spread of COVID-19 while still allowing people to go about their normal day. The ordinance states that whoever violates the order is subject to a civil penalty in the amount of $100.It will remain in effect until Dec. 13.

OXFORD, Ohio —

People in the city of Oxford are now required to wear a face covering inside any public space or they will face a fine, according to a new ordinance that was passed Monday.

The city of Oxford adopted the face covering ordinance after it passed in council by a vote of 6-1.

City Council said that decision was made in part due to the fact that Miami University is requiring masks indoors and Butler County has been designated as an area of high transmission with fully vaccinated rates below the state and United States rates.

Council said after talking with the Butler County General Health District, and considering the guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, they concluded that a face mask requirement is the best option for the safety of residents.

The ordinance says a face covering will be required when a person:

Enters a business open to the public including grocery stores, retail stores, pharmacies, health care facilities, restaurants and bars, hotels and motels, gyms. It excludes religious facilities
When inside a city operated building or facility that is open to the public
In any public transportation such as a bus or other public transit vehicle, a taxi or ride-sharing vehicle or any other vehicle for hire, or at a transit stop or waiting area for any public transportation.

The ordinance includes exceptions for those under 2 years old and those with medical condition, mental health condition or developmental disability that prevents them from being able to wear a a mask.

It also includes exceptions for restaurant and bar patrons while eating or drinking, medical services, exercising at a gym, athletic practice, or working in an individual workspace.

City Council said the ordinance will help limit the spread of COVID-19 while still allowing people to go about their normal day.

The ordinance states that whoever violates the order is subject to a civil penalty in the amount of $100.

It will remain in effect until Dec. 13.