Dubois County, State Agencies Now Enforcing Mask Mandates, Other COVID-19 Restrictions

BY: DAVID SHEPHERD, NEWS DIRECTOR

JASPER -- A fresh round of COVID-19 restrictions went into effect on Sunday after the governor signed an Executive Order giving counties the authority to impose their own restrictions based on guidelines released by the state.

The move comes as coronavirus numbers continue to spike in the county.  Officials in Dubois County reported 65 new cases of COVID-19 over the weekend.  It brings our total to 2,065 cases since the pandemic began.  The county has a seven-day positivity rate of 15.7%.  We are currently at a CODE ORANGE, however, if the positivity rate doesn’t go down, we will be put under a CODE RED on Wednesday.

The guidelines urge business owners to enforce a mask mandate and deny anyone without a mask entry.  If a customer becomes disruptive, businesses are told to call the police.

"Businesses must post signs at public and employee entrances stating that face coverings are required, and only people wearing face coverings be allowed inside. Please avoid altercations," states the new countywide restrictions. If customers become unruly notify the local police."

The statement continues,  "The Dubois County Health Department urges that anyone who observes non-compliance by a business to notify our department. We will contact the business to encourage their compliance. If unsuccessful we will notify the Indiana Department of Homeland Security or the Alcohol & Tobacco Commission."

CLICK HERE to see more of the guidelines released by the Department of Homeland Security

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security and the Alcohol & Tobacco Commission will join local governments to check businesses for occupancy, physical distancing and face covering requirements.  If businesses repeatedly violate the orders, they will be closed down.