The town council’s action Wednesday simply means Winamac is no longer duplicating the county's rule; it does not override the existing county order.

The Francesville Town Council also adopted an ordinance April 30 adopting the county’s order.

The measures remain in effect from May 1 until further notice.

In a statement, the Winamac council apologized for the confusion on the face mask matter and extended its appreciation for the public’s cooperation with these measures to promote public health.

Original April 30 county order

At the April 30 meeting, the commissioners also extended their proclamation of a local disaster emergency indefinitely.

The commissioners took the actions to protect public health due to the COVID-19 pandemic, especially as the coronavirus cases continue to increase within Pulaski County – and in certain counties adjacent to the county.

The commissioners’ executive order requires the following actions by businesses and the public:

• Every employee or owner of a business where more than three people work at one time must wear a facial covering that covers the nose and mouth and is designed to restrict the expelling or inhaling of matter at all times.
• Every employee or a business, no matter the number of employees, must wear a facial covering that covers the nose and mouth and is designed to restrict the expelling or inhaling of matter anytime there is a customer in the business.
• Every non-employee who enters a business must wear a facial covering that covers their nose and mouth and is designed to restrict the expelling or inhaling of matter at all times
• The business owner/owners shall monitor these limitations and will be responsible for violations of this order.
• Any person who knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly violates this executive order commits a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days imprisonment and a fine up to $1,000, pursuant to state law.

The order defines a business as any facility, building, structure, plant or other similar construction other than a private residence – although any portion of a private residence utilized to conduct business with the public is considered a business by the order.

The action was taken at the recommendation of federal, state and county health officials who advocate mitigation strategies to increase the containment of the coronavirus by requiring safety measures.