Mask mandate becomes advisory in most Indiana counties

A+sign+stands+in+the+front+of+the+school+building+to+emphasize+safety+standards.+Although+statewide+mask+mandates+are+coming+to+a+close%2C+they+are+required+in+schools.

A sign stands in the front of the school building to emphasize safety standards. Although statewide mask mandates are coming to a close, they are required in schools.

Gus Osborn, Co-Editor-in-Chief

As of March 31, people aged 16 years and older will be eligible to be vaccinated. The Pfizer vaccine is the only vaccine approved thus far for ages 16 and 17. The Johnson and Johnson and Moderna vaccines are still yet to be approved for people under 18 by the Food and Drug Administration.

Almost one million people have been vaccinated in Indiana. Cases, deaths, hospitalizations and positivity rates have been decreasing since January. 

The mask mandate became an advisory across Indiana yesterday. Masks will still be required in government buildings and schools. Private businesses and institutions may make mask guidelines as well. 

Decisions about gatherings and venue capacity will be made by local officials. Despite the changes, nothing that the governor mentioned will affect how school functions right now in Marion County.