We have plenty of news to report on the COVID-19 pandemic locally, as well as reporting of data and mask requirements.

First, the Fishers Health Department announced Thursday that more detailed information is now available on the total number of infections in the city and the number of deaths.  You can find the information at FishersRecovery.com.

As of 3:00pm July 2nd, 35 Fishers residents have died due to the novel coronavirus, with one death reported in the past 14 days.  The department says it has recorded 450 COVID-19 positive tests since the start of this pandemic, 55 of those reported in the past 14 days.

The mayor of Indianapolis, Joe Hogsett, announced masks will become mandatory in Marion County.  This is from a story on ibj.com written by Samm Quinn of the Indianapolis Business Journal:

Beginning July 9, face coverings will be required to be worn in indoor places where the public gathers, such as in office buildings and retail stores. They’ll also be required outdoors when it’s not possible to socially distance. Hogsett said the order won’t go into effect until July 9 to give residents time to get masks, but officials recommend residents who aren’t already wearing them start now.

It would appear “willful” offenders will be subject to fines, but as of this writing it is unclear how much the fine will cost offenders.

This means that 96th Street will be the line of demarcation on mandatory masks.  For example, if you visit Kohl’s south of 96th Street you will be required to don the mask.  If you are shopping at Fry’s Electronics north of 96th in Fishers, there will be no such requirement.

Then, the question arises, will Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness require mask wearing in Fishers similar to Hogsett’s decree in Indy?

I put that question to the city of Fishers, and here was the response:

“No decision has been made at this time.”

In other words, the answer is not “yes,” but it was not a solid “no” either.  This is something to watch in coming days.