The Big Horn County Health Department announced June 26 residents are required to wear face coverings or masks outside their homes.
Health officials say the orderis in response to a sudden rise of COVID-19 cases in the county. At least 34 people in Big Horn are sick with the disease.
Children younger than two are not required to wear face masks. Neither are people working outside or recreating, as long as they are able to maintain six feet of distance.
Other exceptions include people who cannot wear a mask due to health or safety concerns and have a note from their doctor or employer.
Cloth masks can be picked up free of charge at the Big Horn County Public Health Department in Hardin. The County will also have volunteers distributing masks at local events.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says COVID-19 spreads mainly from person to person through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. A cloth face covering or mask can limit the release of those droplets.
