Today (July 16, 2020) Governor Hutchinson announced during his press conference that he would be signing and executive order that required the use of facemasks in the state of Arkansas during the COVID-19 pandemic. The executive order outlines certain times when facemasks would be required, but also detailed exemptions to the rule and gave certain guidelines regarding when and how this new executive order would be enforced and how fines and punishments would be carried out.
According to the executive order, face coverings over the mouth and nose would be required in
- all indoor environments where people would be exposed to non-household members and 6ft social distancing could not be assured.
- all outdoor settings where there would be exposure to non-household members and social distancing could not be achieved.
People exempt from wearing facemasks include
- persons younger than 10 years of age
- those with a medical condition or disability that prevents wearing a face covering
- performing job duties where a mask might impair a person's ability to perform their job
- participating in sporting activities where a mask could be inhibitory
- consuming food or drink
- driving alone or with passengers from same household
- giving a speech or performance to an audience
- engaging in religious worship activities
- voting, assisting voters, or serving as poll watchers (although face coverings are strongly encouraged
- receiving any services that require access to the face for security or other purposes
The full press conference is available in the video below. The executive order will be put into effect and enforced starting on Monday, July 20th.