One week ago today, governor Eric Holcomb announced that on April 6th the state-wide mask mandate and any remaining business restrictions will be lifted. After next Tuesday, businesses will be able to dictate whether or not their employees and customers are required to wear face masks. Holcomb also said that starting March 31st, vaccination sites will be opened up to persons of 16 years and older. Despite lifting the mandate, Holcomb encouraged Hoosiers to continue wearing masks in public and abiding by proper social distancing practices.
Holcomb’s decision was made on the basis of a decline in COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths in Indiana as well as the growing availability of the vaccine. The mandate might have been lifted partially in response to “public pressure” from conservative state governors who have already eliminated restrictions and reopened to 100% capacity. Some health experts would question Holcomb’s decision to relax the mandate since Indiana saw a rise in COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths in September after Holcomb lifted most business restrictions. Brian Dixon, an epidemiologist at Indiana University’s Fairbanks School of Public Health, states that “what we saw in the fall is that rates went up, they skyrocketed because people were not following precautions.”
The clear consequences of not following public safety procedures is definitely something to keep in mind once the mask mandate is lifted on April 6th and in the weeks following. Following CDC guidelines is the best way to stay safe and to keep those around you safe. Despite governor Holcomb’s decision, we encourage everyone to continue wearing masks in public and maintaining social distancing practices.
Sources