Local officials weigh in on governor’s mask mandate
Hamilton County experienced its highest single-day reported positive cases of COVID-19 on March 31 with 51 people testing positive. Including March 31, and the three days prior, the state health department reported a four-day total of 109 positive tests.
Two weeks later, the Hamilton County Commissioners closed the Judicial Center and historic Courthouse. Just prior to the closure, the state reported a total of 87 new positive cases for the three-day period of April 6-8.
Carmel closed its city buildings on March 24 following a four-day total of 20 new cases in the county.
Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness issued an executive order Monday, March 16 declaring a local disaster emergency in the city.
Now, local mayors and county officials are seeing an even larger spike in COVID-19 cases, with 127 new cases reported through Wednesday of this week, outpacing the previous highest three-day total in the county since the beginning of the pandemic.
Most government buildings reopened in early June. With the recent and unprecedented number of new cases, will Hamilton County residents see a second shutdown? Not likely, according to some government officials.
Heirbrandt
“The most important thing we are facing right now is our ability to promote health and wellbeing, while driving businesses forward,” said Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt. “Collectively, I think we are all working towards the same goal of creating a healthier and more prosperous community. It [the spike] is a concern. We are being proactive and conscience of the situation. We’ve put a lot of safety measures in place at our county buildings. Barriers, social distancing, temperature checks, masks and hand sanitizer are required. We have protocols in place to remove employees in the event they may begin to feel ill.”
The Reporter asked Heirbrandt if we are losing the battle.
“I’m optimistic about whether we are losing the battle because of the recent July 4 holiday,” Heirbrandt said. “I think there is room for improvement. From what we know about this virus, we are doing everything we can to protect our employees and citizens. Hamilton County Facilities Director Steve Wood and his guys do is amazing in keeping our facilities as clean and safe as possible.”
Cook
In regards to the Governor’s recent announcement of a mask mandate, Westfield Mayor Andy Cook said, “I support Governor Holcomb’s mandate. It is a commonsense action to help get a handle on the COVID-19 situation in Indiana. It also prevents a piecemeal approach across the state.”
The mandate, which the governor was set to sign on Thursday, will go into effect on Monday, July 27. Non-compliance could result in a $1,000 fine and 180 days in jail.
“Enforcement is an obvious question. I do not want residents to call 911 or the Westfield Police Department to report a ‘mask’ violation,” Cook said. “That is not what our officers need to be doing. What we will do is have a place on our website where people can make a complaint. Based on those reports, we will evaluate trends and act accordingly. At the end of the day, we want our citizens across Indiana to do the right thing, work together and wear a mask without threat of penalty.”
Jensen
Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen commented on the governor’s order, saying, “Since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, the health and safety of residents has been top priority and we have closely followed CDC and state guidelines. The statewide mask order directed by Governor Holcomb will lead our state to a safer, healthier future. This order will work to keep our businesses open and get students, teachers and staff back to school safely. I know we in Noblesville will wear our masks with a sense of pride knowing this act protects our families, friends and neighbors.”