Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb (R) joined a growing list of state leaders who announced mandatory mask orders as a measure to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus.
The state order that Holcomb signed on Wednesday will require residents to wear a mask at all times in indoor public spaces, on public transportation, and in outdoor public spaces where they cannot socially distance themselves from people who are not inside their home.
“As we continue to monitor the data, we have seen a troubling change in some of our key health indicators. The Hoosiers have worked hard to help reopen our state and we want to stay open, ”Holcomb tweeted Wednesday. “By masking ourselves, we can and will save lives and stop the spread of # COVID-19. “
Today, I announced that I will sign an executive order requiring Hoosiers to wear face covers in most public settings, beginning Monday.
– Governor Eric Holcomb (@GovHolcomb) July 22, 2020
The order is effective as of Monday, July 27, Holcomb said in a briefing.
Holcomb announced the order, as the state reported 763 new cases and 14 new deaths, for a total of 58,673 cases and 2,666 deaths.
The order will apply to all residents age eight and older, with exceptions for medical and disability purposes, as well as exercise, eating and drinking.
The order will also require facial covers in schools for students in third grade and above, as well as for all teachers, staff, volunteers, and anyone else in the schools.
Holcomb said the state will address enforcement of the requirement with an “emphasis on education,” but said a sanction may be applied under the authority of state law. He said that local governments can impose more restrictive guidelines.
A growing number of states, led by Democrats and Republicans, have implemented coverage requirements, including in Minnesota, where the governor. Tim walz
Timothy (Tim) James Walz Minnesota Legislation Passes Strangleholding Ban Following George Floyd’s Death Here’s Your State’s Plan To Reopen Schools Minnesota lawmakers criticize the pharmaceutical industry’s lawsuit lawsuit insulin accessibility MORE (D) also announced a statewide mask order on Wednesday.
Despite widespread recommendations from public health officials for people to wear masks as a way to mitigate the spread of the virus, there is no federal requirement, and states must create their own rules.
Many states have established coverage requirements, or have allowed localities to enforce theirs, but in Georgia Governor Brian Kemp (R) issued an order prohibiting localities from issuing such mandates and has filed a lawsuit against Atlanta lawmakers in an attempt to scrap the city ordinance.
Instead of issuing an order, Kemp has said he is “encouraging all Georgians” to cover their faces.
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