Covid-19 coronavirus: Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio require masks statewide

Visitors to Karmel Plaza wear face masks in Minneapolis. Governor Tim Walz issued a statewide mandate requiring Minnesotans to wear masks in indoor public spaces. Photo / AP

Ohio, Indiana and Minnesota are the latest American states to require residents statewide to wear masks because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed an Executive Order requiring Minnesotans to wear a face covering in indoor businesses and indoor public settings. The order takes effect this weekend.

Indiana will have a statewide face mask mandate from next week, Governor Eric Holcomb said. The order will apply to anyone aged 8 and older in any indoor public or business areas and at outdoor public spaces when sufficient distancing can't be maintained.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced the state's mask requirement will be expanded statewide. It goes into effect tomorrow for people 10 and older. He had resisted making the order statewide but said more counties are seeing increasing numbers.

Nearly 3,500 public health officials have signed an open letter to Trump criticizing the efforts of White House officials to discredit Anthony Fauci. https://t.co/hpKfSf1ldL

— Axios (@axios) July 22, 2020

In Oregon, Governor Kate Brown announced she is expanding the state's mask order to also apply to children 5 years and older.

She also decreased the capacity for bars, restaurants, churches and other indoor places from 250 people to 100. The new mandates go into effect at the weekend. Currently anyone who is 12 years or older must wear masks

"When we see the numbers rise, we must respond," Brown said.

Washington, DC, Mayor Muriel Bowser said she will issue an executive order making face masks mandatory outside homes — an unprecedented step in the US capital.

HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE VIRUS OUTBREAK:

— Florida adds nearly 10,000 new coronavirus cases

— Brazil's President still tests positive for virus

— Study: Nearly half of Spaniards gained weight during lockdown

— California's confirmed coronavirus cases have topped 409,000, surpassing New York for most in the US. However, California has nearly 8000 deaths compared to New York's 32,000.

— The mayor of Washington will issue an Executive Order making face masks mandatory outside the home. Mayor Muriel Bowser says the order will include possible fines for violations.

— A new poll finds very few Americans think schools should return to normal operations this fall, even as US President Donald Trump pushes for a full reopening. The poll is from AP-NORC Centre for Public Affairs.

- AP