Beginning July 20th Governor Asa Hutchinson's executive order mandating that masks need to be worn while out in public will go into effect. Masks or face coverings will be required while inside and unable to assure 6 ft. distancing among non household family unit members. They will also be mandated while you are outside under the same conditions. The Governor has issued the order effective this coming Monday and it covers everyone statewide and is in place in order to stop the spread of the Coronavirus. He noted that the current rise in cases and hospitalizations warrant a need to do more than what is currently being done. 

There will be consequences if the order is not followed. It will be considered a misdemeanor offense and is subject to a fine of no less than $100 and no more than $500. First time offenders will receive a verbal or written warning and children under the age of 18 will only receive this type of warning. No one will be arrested for these offenses but they can be issued along with other charges when dealing with a business that is having an issue with a patron. 

Exceptions to the order can include situations where you are eating, anyone younger than 10, if you have a medical issue, doing a job that is prohibitive to wearing a mask, and while driving with your household family members. For a list of all the exceptions please refer directly to the Executive Order or contact the Arkansas Department of Health if you gave any questions.