Indiana will have a statewide face mask mandate starting next week, joining many other states in the attempt to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
“We want more Hoosiers to continue this trend of going back safely to work," Gov. Eric Holcomb said. "We don’t want to dial it back or put it in reverse or, as some are, shutting down again.”
Not wearing a mask when required will be a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by fines of up to one thousand dollars and up to six months in jail. However, Holcomb says the focus will be on spreading the message, not citations.
“The mask police will not be patrolling Hoosier streets.”
Gov. Eric Holcomb said Wednesday the order will apply to anyone ages 8 and older in any indoor public or business areas and at outdoor public spaces when sufficient distancing can’t be maintained.
Holcomb says the state and local partners will continue to try to appeal to people to do the right thing (when it comes to mask-wearing).
He says he doesn't want to get to the point where people are cited for misdemeanors.
The order will take effect Monday. Holcomb said his order will also require masks in schools for grades 3 and above by students, teachers and other employees.
Mask wearing is not required for those with medical conditions that make it difficult to wear one…or when exercising, eating or drinking.
Holcomb said a renewed growth in the number of COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations necessitated the mask order.
State Department of Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Lindsay Weaver says some studies suggest wearing a mask reduces the likelihood of transmitting COVID-19 by up to 80%.
Weaver also says masks do NOT reduce oxygen consumption or increase carbon dioxide consumption.
Dr. Jennifer Sullivan, secretary of the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, compared the potential impact of the mask mandate to the "Click It or Ticket" campaign, which improved seat-belt usage from 18% to 88% in 16 months.
This story will be updated.
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