INDIANAPOLIS (WTWO/WAWV) — Many changes are ahead for Hoosiers as the state prepares to enter a new phase in its response to the pandemic.
On April 6, Indiana’s mandate to wear masks will become an advisory. Dr. Alan Stewart Health Officer of the Knox County Health Department says his own philosophy is to continue to do things he says are easy to do, do not hurt and are inexpensive.
“Keeping our distance, washing our hands and wearing masks are things that are in that category. At the same time people are very restless about this,” said Dr. Stewart. “It’s hard to enforce mask mandates. Lifting the mask mandate is appropriate.”
Though the advisory will mean masks are only encouraged, in many areas local health departments want residents to know there will still be certain places were face coverings are required.
“Just because the state lift the mask, you won’t be able to enter any state government office without a mask on,” said Vigo County Health Department health educator Ashlee Stewart. “You wont be able to go to vaccine clinics without a mask on. You won’t be able to go to school without a mask on.”
On March 31, Hoosiers age 16 and older will become eligible to receive the COVID vaccine. Dr. Alan Stewart encourages people to take advantage of the opportunity.
“We have lots of younger people who are in groups of what I would consider essential workers, particularly servers at restaurants,” said Dr. Alan Stewart. “People who work in small businesses and so forth and I think it’s really important for these individuals to get vaccinated.”
Gov. Eric Holcomb says the state department of health will continue to provide county metrics each week to monitor virus levels.
