The City of West Lafayette on Monday passed an executive order Monday making it mandatory to wear a face mask to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Shortly after that, word began circulating that the City of Lafayette was going to do the same. However, as of early Tuesday morning, that had not happened.
Following the City Council meeting Monday night, Frankfort Mayor Judy Sheets was asked if mask wearing will become mandatory in the Gem City.
“Right now, I have not given that consideration,” she said. “I am asking during public meetings that people wear masks. I’m keeping in close contact with our Department of Health locally and also statewide. I’m taking recommendations right now to how to handle this.”
The order in West Lafayette went into effect Monday and violation of the order is a $100 fine for a first offense and $250 for each subsequent offense. Mayor John Dennis said masks must be worn in places of business that is open to the public in addition to city-operated buildings or facilities, any public transportation, high-density occupational settings and any outdoor space where a person is unable to maintain social distancing.
Three northern Indiana counties — LaGrange, Elkhart and St. Joseph — have made it mandatory to wear face masks at all times. Marion County just began similar conditions last week.
According to the Indiana State Department of Health website on Monday, Clinton County had three deaths, 290 positive cases and 4,014 tests.
“The governor’s office is encouraging people wear masks,” said Sheets. “Right now, I’m not going to make it mandatory.”