How public health laws like the mask mandate work -- and how they could help businesses

Gyms opened in Ohio on Tuesday morning

Gyms were finally opening on Tuesday, May 26, 2020 in Ohio after being closed in mid-March due to the coronavirus. Lifetime Fitness offers masks to guests. David Petkiewicz, cleveland.comDavid Petkiewicz, cleveland.com

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Public health orders like Gov. Mike DeWine’s mask mandate in Cuyahoga and 11 other Ohio counties are usually meant to educate the public about keeping themselves safe, not penalizing them for breaking the rule.

Experts say you should think of the mask order like the seat belt law. At first, there’s some outrage. But over time, with education, it becomes common practice.

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