ADAMS COUNTY, Ind. (WPTA21) – A northeast Indiana county with the state’s highest positivity rate has ordered residents to wear masks in public to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

In mid-July, Gov. Holcomb issued a statewide mask mandate.

On Tuesday, the Adams County Health Department issued an order of their own that will take effect Wednesday at 12:01 a.m.

The Health Department’s mask mandate would require everyone over the age of 2 to wear a face-covering over their nose and mouth when they are in an indoor public area, an outdoor public area where social distancing isn’t possible, and a private indoor/outdoor area where social distancing isn’t possible.

County Health officials said the mask mandate applies to all gatherings, including restaurants, churches, schools and social gatherings.

The order states businesses who don’t enforce the use of face coverings of their employees and customers risk being shut down.

There are exceptions to the order: children who are under the age of two, anyone who has a physical disability that prevents easily wearing a face covering, or if you’re eating at a restaurant.

The health department says their order doesn’t reduce or get rid of the statewide mask mandate.

Officials said the goal of the county mask order is to educate and encourage folks to wear a mask in public.

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