LOGANSPORT, Ind. (WLFI) - Cass county now has the third most confirmed cases of COVID 19 in the state, only behind Marion and Lake Counties.
The Indiana State Department of Health announced 439 new cases of COVID-19 in Cass County.
That brings the county's total to 1,025.
As a result, Cass County leaders have issued public health emergency.
"The severity of this public health situation will exceed the hospital's capacity to care for all individuals infected," said Cass County Health Officer Dori Ditty
A public health emergency has been declared by the Cass County Health Department and Cass County Commissioner's Office.
The county is partnering with Logansport Memorial Hospital and Logansport Mayor Chris Martin to limit the spread.
An executive order signed by Mayor Martin limits the number of customers allowed in a business.
Only two people will be allowed per every one thousand square feet of retail space.
"You can't be crowded inside a store right now. First off, that's not social distancing. Second off, you need to be wearing a mask," said Martin.
According to Commissioner Ralph Anderson, businesses may deny service to people who aren't wearing masks.
"If you come in and they ask you to put a mask on and you do not have one, or they do not provide you one, you may be asked to leave," said Anderson.
Under the new order, only one person per family is allowed into an essential store at a time. And anyone under the age of 16 is restricted from entering these locations altogether.
"We did that to take away the whole "Let's take the family to the store right now," situation," said Martin.
Commissioner Anderson said it's important people follow the order to help limit the spread.
"We're not here to make your life difficult. We're here to help protect you," said Anderson.
The emergency declaration will be in effect as long as it's needed.
People found violating the order could be charged with a misdemeanor.
The Cass County Commissioner's Office also passed a similar ordinance, according to Anderson.
