Student in Mask | Photo by Kayli Thompson | The Wright State Guardian
Some Wright State University (WSU) students are still conflicted on whether Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s efforts are enough.
Views on mandates
On Nov. 17 Gov. DeWine sanctioned a stricter mask mandate, followed by a statewide 10 p.m. curfew order on Nov. 19. This order lasts for 21 days and ends on Dec. 10.
WSU students like Lauren Lemmings felt that the restrictions were adequate.
“I think the higher government did a really good job at addressing the severity of COVID-19,” said Lemmings.
Others like Drew Gillum feel that Gov. DeWine is not doing enough.
“I think right now we definitely need a lot more restrictions, having a really strict lockdown is really the only way to do it,” said Gillum.
These orders sparked outrage from Ohio’s Republican party, for fears that the orders were too strict. In response to this Republican State Representatives have filed 12 articles of impeachment against Gov. DeWine. These efforts have little impact and DeWine is set to continue restrictions.
Safety
Despite disagreement on whether the Ohio government should do more or less to stop the spread of the coronavirus, students generally agree they feel safer due to restrictions.
Liam Garry, a WSU junior and essential worker, feels that mask mandates, curfews and contactless delivery options keep him safe at his work.
“I do not really have any fears of going to work,” said Garry.
Due to the size of the state and personal freedom attitudes, it can be harder for the state government to enforce its policies causing varying leaves of confidence in safety measures.
Lemmings points out Gov. DeWine’s restrictions and measures only have an effect if citizens follow them.
“If it’s a small local place, I feel safer than I would if I was going somewhere more public, just because some people don’t believe in masking,” Lemmings said.
