MAYOR WINNECKE ISSUE EXECUTIVE ORDER TO HELP SLOW THE SPREAD OF THE COVID-19 VIRUS

MAYOR WINNECKE ISSUE EXECUTIVE ORDER TO HELP SLOW THE SPREAD OF THE COVID-19 VIRUS

Last Thursday, many of you joined us in this room to discuss the status of COVID-19 in our community.

 Dr. James Porter from Deaconess Hospital explained the positivity trend was going the wrong way amongst those being tested in Vanderburgh County. Dr. Ken Spear, our County Health Officer also cited specific examples of age groups and gatherings contributing to the increase in cases.

 At the time, we collectively implored the community to be vigilant and take steps to stop the spread of the virus.

 Since that meeting, the issue of wearing face masks has dominated public dialogue, and in some cases, been an extremely divisive issue.

 Let’s be candid. We all have the same goal and that is to stop the spread of the virus.

 We also want schools to reopen, as well as businesses to open at full capacity and rebound from a devastating business climate.

 I have consistently held that with all that government is doing — from testing to tracing to offering best practices on how to reopen —- government should not also require citizens to do what’s right.

 I’ve also said that the time may come with our numbers — the day-to-day data that shows how the virus is spreading in our community — we may have to issue a directive.

 From the beginning of the pandemic, I have relied on the expert guidance of our medical community and the Reopen Evansville Task Force.

 Deputy Mayor Steve Schaefer has pulled together a stellar medical advisory group that has offered guidance on every possible issue during the pandemic.

 We met again early this morning. Unanimously, the medical professionals recommended that we proceed with a mask directive to help slow the spread of the virus and to protect the public health.

 I concur with that recommendation.

 Today’s results, along with the numbers of the past several days, support the guidance from our medical advisory group, who represent Deaconess Hospital, Ascension St. Vincent and the Vanderburgh County Health Department.

 These are the health experts in our community. Like any other health issue, we listen to our Doctor’s advice to get better.

 So, what does that mean? For many of us, it simply means continuing to wear a mask.

 An Executive Order is being drafted with a directive to wear a face mask to begin next Wednesday, July 15th, although anyone not already wearing a mask can certainly start today.

 The details of the order will be released next week in advance of the start date, but by and large, face coverings will be required in indoor public spaces, and we will strongly encourage businesses to also require them.

 I know there will be a lot of questions about enforcement. Let me just say that law enforcement will not be re-directed from their duties, unless of a physical or public dispute.

 Let me be clear, at this time, we are not considering fines.

 I look at this just like the stay at home order. We relied on our fellow citizens to do the right thing and exercise personal responsibility.

 The recent spread of the virus in our community is dramatic.

 Wearing face coverings is one easy way to stop the spread AND avoid any more drastic actions.

 Just this morning, the general manager of a major regional employer requested that we order a complete shutdown of our community until we have an improvement in our numbers. But THAT is not practical.

 We will continue to reopen our community and schools by taking the necessary safeguards to ensure public health.

 The start of school is right around the corner, and I know that Dr. Smith and his team are making multiple contingency plans. I also know that he and his team understand the health benefits of masks.