INDIANAPOLIS — Governor Eric J. Holcomb signed Executive Order 20-37 to require face coverings beginning Monday to slow the spread of Coronavirus.
State and local health departments will be responsible for enforcing compliance through education about the importance of wearing face coverings. The executive order does not include criminal penalties.
The executive order also outlines the requirements for mask-wearing in schools.
Gov. Holcomb has used data to drive decisions since the state’s first case of the novel coronavirus in early March. As of July 24, the state faces:
• An increase in overall hospitalizations from approximately 600 a day near the end of June to approximately 800
• The highest number of cases in a single day with 1,011 Hoosiers reported positive
• A rise in COVID-19 positivity across the state from a low of 3.6% a month ago to nearly double that percentage
• Some counties, which early on had minimal positive cases in some instances, now reporting regular double-digit positive cases
A mask or other face covering may be factory-made, sewn by hand, or improvised from household items such as scarfs, bandanas and t-shirts. The mouth and nose should be covered.
The executive order requires face coverings for anyone 8 years old or older in the following places:
• Public indoor spaces and commercial entities
• While using public transportation or other vehicle services such as a taxi or ride share
• Outdoor public spaces when it’s not possible to socially distance from people not in the same household
Additionally, face coverings will be required in schools for students in the third grade and above, faculty, staff, volunteers and anyone else in schools. Mask are also required for co-curricular and extra-curricular activities with exceptions for strenuous physical activity.
The order will have exceptions for medical purposes, disabilities, exercising, and eating and drinking.
The state will approach enforcement of the face covering requirement with an emphasis on education.
The executive order is in effect until at least Aug. 26. Local governments may impose more restrictive guidelines.