Jefferson Co. Health Department Reminding Residents to Stay Vigilant as Mask Mandate is Lifted

Governor Holcomb has ended the mandatory mask order effective last night at midnight.

(Madison, Ind.) - Governor Holcomb has ended the mandatory mask order effective last night at midnight. The Jefferson County Health Department would like to encourage and advise all Jefferson County residents and visitors to continue to be vigilant and to take responsibility for their safety and health and safety and health of those around them by continuing to mask up, social distance and hand wash/sanitize, and to respect businesses that choose to keep COVID precautions in place.

The Jefferson County Health Department urges all Jefferson County residents and visitors to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Jefferson County currently has four vaccine sites to choose from. You can schedule your vaccination by visiting www.ourshot.in.gov or by calling 211. Vaccine is now eligible to 16 years of age and older. All 16- and 17-year-olds must receive a Pfizer vaccine.

We also encourage all residents to seek testing if you develop symptoms of COVID-19. Jefferson County currently has two free testing sites, you can schedule your test by visiting www.coronavirus.in.gov.

The health, safety, and well being of all Jefferson County residents and visitors remain a top priority for the Jefferson County Health Department, please enjoy all the spring festivities our beautiful county has to offer, but please do so safely.

Executive Order 21-09:

Exercise Caution at all times

• Adhere to CDC guidelines Self-Quarantine when warranted
• Obtain a COVID-19 test and self-quarantine if the individual or household member becomes symptomatic or have been in close contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19.

High Risk and Vulnerable Individuals:

• Individuals who will be in contact with individuals 65 and older and those with known high-risk medical conditions should suspend in-person visits if symptomatic or if they have received a positive COVID-19 test. When in contact with individuals 65 and older and those with known high-risk medical conditions it is also recommended that CDC guidelines be followed and a face covering be worn at all times, whether inside or outside, and regardless of whether six or more feet distance can be achieved.

Social Distancing & Increased Sanitation: 

• Individuals should engage in social distancing with all other individuals unless they are members of a single household.
• Individuals should engage in increased sanitation, including washing hands with soap and water for at least twenty seconds as frequently as possible or use hand sanitizer, covering coughs and sneezes, regularly cleaning high-touch surfaces, and not shaking hands.

Face Coverings required:

• Inside all state government buildings
• Outside on state property where six feet of social distancing cannot be achieved and maintained with individuals who are not in your household
• At COVID testing and vaccine sites
• At K-12 education facilities Restaurants

Bars, Taverns, Nightclubs and Other Establishments Providing In-Person Food and Drink Service:

• Encouraged to continue to arrange and maintain seating so that individuals, households, or parties are spaced at least six feet.
• Encouraged to have patrons remain seated while consuming food and/or drink or when otherwise remaining on the premises.

Gatherings or Events:

• Local Health Departments, based on the overall spread of COVID-19 within their community or based on the color-coded metric for the county, may impose measures and restrictions on gatherings and events, including limiting the size of a social gathering or event by overall attendance or at a percentage of a facility’s capacity.
  • Jefferson County is currently at a BLUE advisory status and no restrictions are in place. However, this is subject to change if we were to move to yellow, orange or a red advisory status.