All Hoosiers will have to wear a mask in public starting Monday, July 27, Gov. Eric Holcomb announced Wednesday.

Gov. Eric Holcomb announced Wednesday Indiana would join neighboring states in a statewide mask mandate, starting Monday, July 27. He signed the executive order on Friday.

Gov. Eric Holcomb said back-to-school season is part of why he also issued a statewide mask mandate for all Hoosiers.

Attorney General Curtis Hill, in a non-binding opinion, says Gov. Eric Holcomb doesn't have the authority to mandate Hoosiers wear masks in public or attach a criminal penalty to that order.

Officials in Lake County and Fishers -- one of the largest Indianapolis suburbs -- have adopted face mask mandates for residents and businesses in an attempt to slow the coronavirus spread.

The Fishers Health Department passed an ordinance Monday night requiring people to wear masks in the city.

The new requirements were adopted by officials in Monroe County, home to Bloomington and Indiana Universitys main campus, and northern Indianas LaPorte County.

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett and Marion County Public Health Department (MCPHD) Director Dr. Virginia Caine gave free face coverings Thursday to families through a partnership with Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana. The free face coverings were distributed in support of the countys new public health order, requiring all individuals to wear face coverings in public.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control says the main purpose of wearing a cloth face covering is to avoid spreading the virus to others. People infected with the virus may not show symptoms for several day

Indianapolis has kicked off a new program to provide free masks to anyone in Marion County.