Vermont governor imposes statewide mask mandate

A mandatory mask order has been signed by Vermont Gov. Phil Scott following the recent increase in coronavirus cases across the United States.

The order comes into effect on August 1, according to WCAX3.

According to Scott, the statewide mandate is for public places where it is not possible to practice physical distancing. The mandate applies to both indoor and outdoor public areas.

Scott asked Vermont residents to take personal responsibility and wear masks because it’s “the right thing to do.” He added that though the state has the lowest coronavirus case growth rate in the U.S., he wants it to be prepared if more cases do arise.

The governor added that people will not have to provide documentation if they cannot wear a mask for health reasons. Businesses however, can refuse to serve anybody who is not wearing a mask.

The U.S. now has over 4 million reported cases of coronavirus and Vermont is now among at least 41 states that are now enforcing some kind of mask requirement.

Vermont has reported a total of 1,385 cases and 56 deaths. The state has performed 87,692 tests and there have been 1,177 recoveries.

Vermont reported 52 new cases this week, though the state's positivity numbers are still below one percent, according to health officials.