Indiana Makes Not Wearing Mask a Class B Misdemeanor, Punishable by 6 Months in Jail

The Governor of Indiana has announced all residents and visitors in the state will be required to wear face coverings such as masks in public or risk facing a criminal charge.

Governor Eric Holcomb is due to sign an Executive Order which will mean a statewide mask requirement would take effect in Indiana on July 27.

Those who don’t follow the new order could be charged with a Class B misdemeanor, which is punishable by a fine and up to six months in jail. Holcomb said that by “masking up, we can and will save lives and slow the spread of COVID-19” in the state.

The mandate will require everyone over the age of 8-years-old to cover their faces at all indoor spaces, public transport and vehicle services such as taxis, as well as outdoor public spaces when you can’t socially distance from those who you do not live with.

Face coverings will be required in schools for students in third grade and above, as well as all teachers, other school staff and visitors.

Read More: Indiana Makes Not Wearing Mask a Class B Misdemeanor, Punishable by 6 Months in Jail