Masks will be required statewide in Indiana starting July 27, Gov. Eric Holcomb announced during his weekly COVID-19 update July 22.
Indiana joins a growing list of states requiring face coverings as case totals continue to rise.
Marion County already has a mask mandate.
The statewide mandate applies to anyone 8 or older in indoor public spaces, commercial entities, transportation services and in outside public spaces when social distancing isn’t possible.
The mandate also includes schools for students in third grade or above, plus teachers, staff and volunteers.
Those with a medical condition that prevents wearing a mask are exempt. There are also exemptions for when exercising, eating and drinking.
Not wearing a mask will be a Class B misdemeanor, but Holcomb said the “mask police will not be patrolling the streets.”
Health experts say wearing a mask is important, especially when inside or when social distancing isn’t possible, because many people who have COVID-19 don’t show symptoms and therefore don’t know they could be spreading the virus through respiratory droplets.
woman in face maskAS photo