Pulaski County Commissioners Lift Face Mask Order

Face masks are no longer mandated to be worn in Pulaski County, but they’re still highly recommended. The county commissioners voted Monday to rescind the order to wear face masks in buildings open to the public.

Commissioner Mike McClure noted that there had been some controversy, especially since the Town of Winamac rescinded its own version of the order. Beyond that, he felt the commissioners can’t dictate safety and that ultimately, it’s up to the people to take care of themselves.

Commissioner Kenny Becker said officials with the Pulaski County Health Department were okay with the change. While the masks are no longer required, Becker highly encourages residents to wear them in local businesses to protect others as well as themselves. He also asks people to maintain social distancing and wash their hands often.

It was also noted that individual businesses may still choose to require the use of masks, and the commissioners may bring back the requirement if COVID-19 cases begin to spike.

The commissioners also voted to reopen county offices to the public. The courthouse itself has already been open, but members of the public did not have to be allowed inside the individual offices. Clerk JoLynn Behny told the commissioners that the idea of turning people away once they were already in the building simply didn’t work.

However, the change means that the department heads now have to enforce social distancing. Patrons may be required to wait outside of the individual offices to limit the number of people.

The courthouse will be closed to the public on June 2, due to the primary election.