A Sign of
the Times
On July 22, Gov. Eric Holcomb announced a
statewide mask mandate to begin July 27 for everyone
in Indiana age 8 or older in indoor public spaces –
including transportation services and public outdoor
places where social distancing of 6 feet isn’t possible.
Exceptions include those who have a medical
condition that prevents them from wearing a mask,
participating in strenuous physical activity or while
eating or drinking.
Holcomb initially stated not wearing a face mask
would be considered a Class B misdemeanor (180
days in jail and up to $1,000 in fines) – and stated,
““Please know that the mask police will not be
patrolling Indiana streets.” – but then rescinded any
criminal penalties after much criticism.
The mask mandate has been met with a variety
of responses.
Several elected officials, including Speaker Todd
Hutson, expressed surprise while others applauded
the decision.
Indiana’s Attorney General Curtis Hill issued an
advisory opinion stating the governor overstepped
his authority with the mandate. The opinion does
not block Gov. Holcomb’s action.
Sheriffs in at least four counties publicly stated they
would not enforce the mandate when Gov. Holcomb
previously stated it would be a misdemeanor to not
wear a mask.
In Floyd County, Dr. Thomas Harris of the Floyd
County Health Department – with approval of the
Floyd County Board of Health – announced a mask
mandate was to begin on July 24 – three days prior
to Gov. Holcomb’s mandate. In a press release,
Harris wrote that masks must cover the mouth and
nose in indoor areas open to the public, including
transportation services; private indoor or outdoor
areas where social distancing of 6 feet can’t be
maintained; enclosed public spaces and places
of business. Individuals who are exempt include
children 2 years old or younger, people who are
hearing impaired and need to remove masks or
facial coverings to communicate, individuals in
respiratory distress, or anyone who has been advised,
in writing, by a primary care provider not to wear a
mask due to health concerns.
Multiple law enforcement agencies issued
statements requesting violations of the mask mandate
be made to local health departments instead of
calling authorities, which has since been affirmed
by the governor.
Pundits from all over the country are making the
rounds sharing their opinions about the mandate
– for and against.
And you only need to jump on social media for
a moment to find a variety of responses:
Some decry the order as far too late.
Some express enthusiastic appreciation for the
mandate.
There are posts that claim adherence means
acceptance of personal liberties and freedom being
stripped away.
There are posts filled with heartfelt pleas to
others to wear masks and examples of first-person
accounts with COVID.
There are status updates from people who would
prefer not to wear masks but will anyway.
There are quotes from famous historical figures,
professional athletes, celebrities and notable people
weighing in for or against.
There are memes, made up statistics, conspiracy
theories and claims the mass media is perpetuating
fake news.
There are Tik Tok videos, live rants, figurative
soap boxes, political cartoons and pics of kids – and
kittens, puppies, dogs, cats – donning masks with
statements representing all perspectives.
Regardless of where you stand, one thing is for
sure: the face mask is a sign of the times – but will
it define us?
Tell Us: What do you think about masks and the
mandate issued by Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb? Send
an email to [email protected]. Responses may be
shared in the next issue of Extol.
EXTOL : SUMMER 2020
15