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West Lafayette mask order in effect; up to $250 fine

The executive order lists when masks are required and exceptions.
Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto
File photo of a disposable mask against drip infections.

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — People are now required to wear masks in public in West Lafayette under order of the mayor.

The executive order went into effect July 13.

A violation of the order could mean $100 fine for the first offense and $250 for each additional offense. The mayor said that by not wearing a mask, a person "endangers the public health is a public nuisance."

People will need to wear a mask in these situations:

  • When entering, exiting, or waiting in line to enter a place of business that is open to the public, and while inside a place of business
  • When entering, exiting, or waiting in line to enter a City of West Lafayette operated building or facility that is open to the public, and while inside a City of West Lafayette operated building or facility
  • In any public transportation such as a bus or other public transit vehicle regulated by the City of West Lafayette
  • ln high-density occupational settings where social distancing is not practicable
  • ln any outdoor space or outdoor place where or when a person is unable to maintain or does not maintain physical separation of not less than 6 feet from others who are not members of their own household

Exceptions to the order include:

  • Any individual who cannot wear a face covering because of a medical condition, mental health condition or developmental disability, or who is unable to remove the face covering without assistance
  • Individuals under 6 years old
  • An individual who is seated at a restaurant, bar, or other establishment that serves food or drink, while that individual is seated. If a patron within a restaurant, bar, or other establishment is not seated at a table or at a bar, a face covering is required. For restaurants, bars, or other establishments with outdoor dining areas that allow individuals to stand outside, a mask will not be required while dining as long as proper social distancing outside can be maintained.
  • When seeking to communicate with someone who is hearing-impaired in a way that requires the mouth to be visible
  • When giving a speech or statement for a broadcast or to an audience
  • When working at home or while in a personal vehicle
  • When temporarily removing a face covering to secure government or medical services or for identification purposes
  • When individuals would be at risk from wearing a face covering at work, as determined by local, state, or federal regulations or workplace safety guidelines
  • When wearing a face covering is impeding visibility to operate equipment or a vehicle
  • For a child whose parent, guardian, or responsible person has been unable to place or keep the face covering safely on the child's face
  • For school individuals (including students, administrators, staff and teachers) on or in school or school district facilities. 
  • In settings where it is not practicable to wear a face covering such as when receiving dental services, medical treatments, while swimming, while acting as an on-duty lifeguard, or while engaging in an athletic practice or event such as wrestling or other full contact sport
  • For individuals who are outdoors and are maintaining at least 6 feet of distance from others who are not part of their household.
  • While actually engaged in exercising in a gym or other similar indoor facility so long as physical separation of not less than six feet is maintained and the individual wears a face covering at all times when not actually engaged in exercising
  • When an individual is in his or her work office or conference room
  • When inside a personal or commercial vehicle either parked or moving
  • For individuals while acting in their official capacity as a public safety employee or emergency responder when wearing a face covering would interfere with or limit their ability to carry out their official duties
  • For individuals complying with the directions of public safety employees or emergency responders as described above
  • For individuals inside religious facilities
  • Facilities owned and operated by the Federal and State Government are exempt from this order
  • Long term care facilities (LTC), workers including skilled nursing facilities (SNF), adult care homes (ACH), family care homes (FCH), mental health group homes, and intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities (lCF-lID) shall follow the guidance set forth by the CDC/ISDH regarding the use of face coverings.
  • Health care facilities other than LTC facilities shall follow the guidance set forth by the CDC/ISDH regarding the use of face coverings.

An end date for the executive order has not been set.

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