Indiana mask mandate ends today; Richmond’s mayor pledges not to invoke city-wide mandate

RICHMOND, Ind. — Indiana lifted its mask mandate statewide and Richmond’s Mayor is standing by his previous decision not to institute a city-wide mask mandate.

“I appreciate the diligent work of the Board of Health and the Health Department over the past year and I support the science and data they and other health professionals have shared regarding the pandemic,” said Mayor David Snow. “Today, with new information, increased awareness, and a vaccine available to all adult citizens, I stand by my previous decision not to institute a city-wide mask mandate at this time.”

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The Mayor’s announcement comes as Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb announced plans to rescind the state’s mask mandate and replace it with a mask advisory.

“The statewide face covering mandate will become a mask advisory on April 6,” Holcomb said. “Face coverings will remain mandatory in all state buildings and facilities and in all vaccination and COVID testing sites until further notice.”

Holcomb said he does still plan to wear a mask at public events and at restaurants he visits.

“It is the right thing to do. Hoosiers who take these recommended precautions will help us get to what I hope is the tail end of this pandemic,” Holcomb said.

Snow said he will continue to work in partnership with the Wayne County Board of Health and Wayne County Commissioners to monitor COVID-19 in the city.

The Wayne County Health Department confirmed today that their health board voted 4-2 last week to make a recommendation to the Wayne County Commissioners to put a county-wide mask mandate into place.

Wayne County had 59 cases per 100,000 residents in its most recent update of data from the Indiana Department of Health.

If the county-wide mask mandate is put into place, it would only affect the unincorporated areas of the county and not the city of Richmond.

The final decision will be made by three Wayne County Commissioners on Wednesday in Richmond.

“Should the need arise based on significantly increased infections or hospital capacity limitations, I will consider reinstating restrictions,” Snow said.

Snow is still encouraging people to wear a mask in public.

Cox Media Group