Gov. Holcomb Urges, But Still Won't Require, Mask Wearing

The state of Indiana is launching a public service campaign to urge Hoosiers to wear a mask when in public to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. 

But the governor is still resisting calls to require mask wearing.

Other states – notably Arizona, Florida and Texas – have recently seen surges of COVID-19. State Health Commissioner Dr. Kris Box said she hopes Hoosiers see what’s happening in those states as proof they need to wear a mask when in public.

“Indiana could very easily be in that same situation in the next two to four weeks or six weeks if we don’t take this to heart,” Box said.

Still, Gov. Eric Holcomb won’t mandate mask wearing.

“Because I believe in Hoosiers and I believe that Hoosiers are doing the right thing for the most part,” Holcomb said.

Yet Holcomb said he supports local governments and individual businesses that decide to impose their own mask-wearing requirements.

Contact reporter Brandon at bsmith@ipbs.org or follow him on Twitter at @brandonjsmith5.