Governor mandates masks for Hoosiers starting Monday

Wedneday, I announced I'll sign an executive order requiring Hoosiers to wear face coverings in most public settings, beginning Monday.

As we continue to monitor the data, we’ve seen a concerning change in some of our key health indicators. Hoosiers have worked hard to help re-open our state & we want to remain open. By masking up, we can & will save lives & slow the spread of #COVID19.

A mask or other face covering should cover the mouth & nose & may be:

• factory-made
• sewn by hand
• improvised from household items such as scarfs, bandanas & t-shirts.

The executive order will require people age 8 & up to wear face coverings at

• Public indoor spaces, commercial entities
• Public transportation & vehicle services like taxi/ride share
• Outdoor public spaces when you can't socially distance from people who aren't in your household

Face coverings will be required in schools for students in the 3rd grade & up, faculty, staff, volunteers & anyone else in schools.

Masks are also required for co-curricular & extra-curricular activities with exceptions for strenuous physical activity.

The face covering executive order will have exceptions for medical purposes, disabilities, exercising, eating & drinking.

The state will approach enforcement of the face covering requirement with an emphasis on education. A penalty can be levied under the authority of state law. Local governments may impose more restrictive guidelines.

Once signed, the executive order will be found here https://in.gov/gov/2384.htm.

More info about our #BackOnTrack plan & ongoing efforts to combat #COVID19 can be found at http://BackOnTrack.IN.gov & http://Coronavirus.IN.gov.