ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind.—The St. Joseph County Department of Health issued a new public health order on Monday that extends COVID-19 safety measures, including the face mask mandate, through March 31, 2021.

Public Health Order 4-2020 will take effect on January 1, 2021 and last through March 31, 2021

An earlier public health order was set to expire on December 31.

The order requires:

• Any business establishment open to customers shall make alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol readily accessible at the entrance and in proximity to high-touch surfaces.
• A face covering that fits over one's nose and mouth and snugly against the sides of one's face shall be required for any persons entering an enclosed public space or enclosed place of business, unless such persons have medical exception indicating that a face covering is ill-advised for health reasons, or the face covering prevents the persons from delivering or receiving goods or services. The face covering shall be worn at all times when physical distancing of at least six feet cannot be maintained.
  • Exceptions include but are not limited to children five years of age and younger; children with severe cognitive disorders who have difficulties tolerating a mask; any person who has trouble breathing, is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the face covering without assistance. Examples of such  exceptions include but are not limited to individuals with respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive lung disease; severe anxiety; autism and cerebral palsy. It is recommended that children two to five years of age wear masks while in enclosed public spaces if physical distancing of at least six feet cannot be maintained. Direct line of site supervision by an adult is recommended when masks are worn by children ages two to five years.