As part of his news conference held on Wednesday, Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb announced that the state will be under a mandatory mask order beginning this coming Monday, July 27th.

Holcomb stated he will sign an executive order on the measure sometime Thursday.

Masks or face coverings will be required for anyone 8 or older in public, including public outdoor areas, public transportation and when socially distancing is not possible. Masks will be mandatory for all students in third grade and above. This includes faculty, staff, volunteers and others who may be in school for any activity.

The order will have exceptions for medical purposes, exercising and eating and drinking.

The Governor also added that not wearing a mask where it is required will be considered a class B misdemeanor. However, Holcomb adds “the mask police will not be patrolling the streets.

Holcomb says it was expected that cases would increase when the state opened back up.