Thread by @GovHolcomb

Today, 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 may be:

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

It should cover the mouth & nose.

The executive order will require people age 8&⬆️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 & ⬆️, 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 ➡️in.gov/gov/2384.htm.

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