WHEREAS, on March 6, 2020, the State of Indiana, through its Governor, Eric J. Holcomb issued Executive Order 20-02 declaring a public health emergency as a result of the global pandemic, outbreak, and spread of the COVID-19 virus in the United States and the State of Indiana and that this declaration remains through today;

WHEREAS, certain actions were taken by the State of Indiana and followed by the City of Hammond to contain and prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus;

WHEREAS, as Mayor, I issued executive orders 20-03 and 20-04 regarding the city’s efforts to combat COVID-19 including setting up a task force, imposing a mask mandate in public facilities, limiting access to public facilities, limiting gatherings, and other measures;

WHEREAS, since that time, these efforts along with the development of multiple vaccine options have lessened the spread and have allowed encouraging signs that headway is being made against the virus, allowing us all to hope that a sense of normalcy will return in the upcoming months;

WHEREAS, however, it is important to remain vigilant to prevent any surge of the virus and to continue to protect those most vulnerable to the virus;

WHEREAS, Governor Holcomb’s recent Executive Order 21-09 extended the public health emergency through at least April 30, 2021, but also removed many restrictions including the ending of the mask mandate in many public spaces but leaving in place the mask mandate for state government buildings, offices, and facilities;

WHEREAS, Governor Holcomb’s order 21-09 specifically allows local governments to impose requirements that may be more restrictive to fit local requirements and needs;

NOW THEREFORE, as Mayor of the City of Hammond, Indiana, I hereby issue the following Executive Order related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic:

1. Every individual within the City of Hammond shall wear a face covering over the nose and mouth when inside any city building, office, or facility, including but not limited to City Hall, the Hammond Civic Center, Police Department, Fire Department, Hammond Sportsplex (for visitors, coaches, and non-participants), Jean Shepard Community Center, Lost Marsh Golf Course (inside the clubhouse building), Pulaski Park Senior Center and other offices or facilities throughout the city, unless an exemption listed in paragraph 4.f of Governor Holcomb’s executive order 21-09 applies.

2. A face mask shall also be worn in public places over the nose and mouth where social distancing of at least 6 feet cannot be achieved.

3. Paragraph one of this order does not apply to private offices or businesses, who are encouraged to institute social distancing requirements and masking requirements as they see fit to allow their business to operate but to also be mindful of the need to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Private businesses are otherwise subject to any state order on this issue.

This Order shall have effect immediately upon my signature and remain in effect until May 31, 2021, at which time this order will be re-evaluated or shall expire without further notice.

IT IS SO ORDERED
Dated this 5th Day of April, 2021 when, I, Thomas M. McDermott, Jr., Mayor of the City of Hammond, Indiana set forth my signature below.