
Gov. Eric Holcomb, wearing a face mask, highlights Hoosier unity amid the coronavirus pandemic in the first television commercial in the 2020 race for Indiana governor. The "seven-figure" statewide ad buy, including Northwest Indiana cable channels, is set to begin Tuesday.
Gov. Eric Holcomb is highlighting his response to the coronavirus pandemic, along with the Hoosier unity he says was spurred by COVID-19, in the first television ad of Indiana's 2020 gubernatorial contest.
The 60-second commercial, set to begin airing Tuesday on Northwest Indiana cable channels and TVs across the state, features the Republican chief executive — wearing a face mask — talking about how life has changed due to the coronavirus.
Over video of masked workers in a manufacturing facility, empty ball fields, food deliveries and a person sewing a face mask, Holcomb says the pandemic has brought Hoosiers together for the common purpose of helping their neighbors in times of trouble.
"We're reminded about what we always knew about Indiana, and that's we're a strong, resilient group of Hoosiers and there's no challenge we can't overcome when we come together," Holcomb says in the ad.
"What brings us together is so much stronger than anything, including a pandemic, that could ever tear us apart. Nothing is stronger than that bond we have for our neighbors and for our community — that's powerful."
The ad, which never directly addresses the election or asks for support from voters, ends with Holcomb saying over an image of his campaign logo: "We are one Indiana, and we are one Indiana for all. It just makes you proud to be a Hoosier."
Kyle Hupfer, Holcomb's campaign manager and chairman of the Indiana Republican Party, said the ad buy totals "seven figures," or at least $1 million, and aims to remind Hoosiers of the economic momentum Indiana enjoyed prior to March and the prosperity to come following COVID-19.
"We're launching the first ad of Indiana's 2020 general election with a message of Hoosier unity throughout this crisis, and Governor Holcomb's commitment to restart Indiana’s economic engines," Hupfer said.
"Fewer than 100 days remain between now and Election Day, and while our state faces rising challenges, Governor Holcomb knows that we're strongest when we come together."
It's unlikely Dr. Woody Myers, the Democratic nominee for governor, will respond to Holcomb's ad blitz with a television commercial of his own, possibly ever.
As of June 30, Holcomb enjoyed a 111 to 1 fundraising advantage over his Democratic opponent, with more than $8 million in the bank compared to Myers' $72,000 cash on hand, according to campaign finance reports.
Lindsay Shipps Haake, communication director for Myers' campaign, said the governor's ad "is nothing more than deceptive marketing."
"In reality, Eric Holcomb is leaving Hoosiers to fend for themselves during COVID-19, instituting a toothless mask order and protecting big industry while we all suffer, some still waiting for unemployment checks from March," she said. "Hoosiers can do better and Woody Myers is the answer."
State records show there have been 68,433 confirmed COVID-19 infections in Indiana since March 6, and 2,780 Hoosier deaths due to the coronavirus.
Indiana

Gov. Eric Holcomb announced Wednesday he will sign an executive order directing Hoosiers to wear face masks in public places where it's not possible to maintain six feet of social distancing.
The Republican chief executive said the face mask requirement takes effect Monday in all 92 Indiana counties and every community across the state. Click here for more information.
Lake County

The Lake County Health Department is ordering every person inside a business, or any other indoor public space, to wear a mask over their mouth and nose at all times — effective immediately.
Dr. Chandana Vavilala, the county's health officer, said July 20 she and the Lake County Board of Health determined a mask order is needed to minimize the spread of the coronavirus in Indiana's second-most populous county.
According to her order, the mask requirement applies throughout the county, even in municipalities that have not adopted their own mask orders, except for Gary and East Chicago, which have their own health departments. Click here for more information.
LaPorte County

A widespread mask mandate went into effect July 17 in LaPorte County.
In a 2-1 vote, the LaPorte County Commissioners voted to require residents to wear face coverings in public settings, to protect public health and to help curb the spread of the coronavirus.
Gary

Mayor Jerome Prince on July 17 mandated face coverings in the city when people gather outside and during indoor settings with others who are not from the same household or crowds of strangers. Click here for more information.
Merrillville

Town officials are asking masks be worn in public establishments.
In a Facebook post, the Town of Merrillville said beginning at 11 a.m. July 20, face masks will be required while in public buildings "of any type" until further notice. More information here.
Beverly Shores

The town of Beverly Shores issued a face covering mandate in an emergency order, official documents said.
The order went into effect July 17 and declared a local disaster public emergency in Beverly Shores, according to a document released on the town’s website. More information here.
Hammond municipal buildings

People who step foot inside a city municipal building are required to wear a face covering, officials announced July 13. Click here for more information.
WiseWay Market

WiseWay Market will now require shoppers to wear face masks inside its stores to curb the spread of COVID-19, it announced July 20. Click here for more information.
Strack & Van Til

"Starting on Thursday, July 23, Strack & Van Til will require customers to wear a mask or face covering when shopping in our stores," Strack & Van Til CEO and President Jeff Strack said. Click here for more information.
Walt's Food Center

Walt's Food Center has joined the growing list of retailers both in the Region and nationwide to require customers to wear masks or face coverings as positive COVID-19 cases mount around the country.
"We are at Walt’s requiring masks for people to enter our stores," company spokesperson Jenna Sluiter said.
Menard's

In early July, Menard's announced it would be requiring masks at all stores. Click here for more information.
Meijer

Meijer started requiring masks in its stores on July 20. Click here for more information.
Jewel-Osco

Starting on July 21, Jewel-Osco will start requiring customers to wear masks to limit the spread of coronavirus.
"Effective July 21, 2020, we will require customers across all of our locations to wear face coverings when shopping with us, for their protection and for that of our associates," the retailer posted on Twitter. More information here.
Horseshoe Casino

Caesars Entertainment, owner of Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, announced June 24 it is requiring everyone indoors at its properties to wear masks at all times, except when eating or drinking. Click here for more information.
Illinois Secretary of State

Face masks are required, Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced July 9. Click here for more information.
Indianapolis

Face masks are required in all public places in Indianapolis as of July 6, city officials announced Thursday. Click here for more information.
Starbucks

Starbucks' mask mandate went into effect July 15. "In its continued effort in prioritizing the health and well-being of partners (employees) and customers, Starbucks today announced that beginning on July 15, it will be requiring customers to wear facial coverings while visiting all company-owned café locations in the US," a company statement read July 9. Click here for more information.
Walmart

Walmart will require customers to wear face coverings at all of its namesake stores, making it the largest retailer to introduce such a policy that has otherwise proven difficult to enforce without state and federal requirements. Walmart's mask mandate was scheduled to begin July 20. Click here for more information.
Sam’s Club

Walmart announced that its Sam's Club stores will require masks in addition to its namesake stores, effective July 20. Click here for more information.
Costco

Costco Wholesale Club was one of the first major retailers to require face coverings for customers at all of its stores. The policy went into effect in early May. Click here for more information.
Best Buy

Best Buy, the nation's largest consumer electronics chain, will require customers to wear face coverings at all of its stores nationwide, even in states or localities that don't require them to do so. Best Buy's mask mandate went into effect July 15.
Kohl's

"As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, face covering mandates have grown to apply to approximately 70% of our store base, therefore we’ve made the decision to take a consistent approach across our entire store fleet," Kohl's said in its statement. Kohl's mask mandate was scheduled to begin July 20. Click here for more information.
Kroger

In a statement, Kroger writes, "With the increase in COVID-19 cases across the country, we are committed to doing our part to help reduce the spread of the virus. Starting July 22, we will require all customers in all locations to wear a mask, joining our associates who continue to wear masks." Click here for more information.
Dollar Tree

“In accordance with guidelines from the CDC, we are requiring all associates, customers and vendors to wear cloth face coverings when inside our stores,” a Dollar Tree statement read July 8. Click here for more information.
Target

Target has joined a list of the nation's largest retailers that will require customers to wear masks as cases of COVID-19 spike. The policy will go into effect Aug. 1. More than 80% of Target's 1,800 stores already require customers to wear masks due to local and state regulations. Target said that it will hand out masks at entrances to those who need them. Click here for more information.
CVS

CVS released the following statement July 16: "With the recent spike in COVID-19 infections, we're joining others in taking the next step and requiring all customers to wear face coverings when entering any of our stores throughout the country effective Monday, July 20. To be clear, we're not asking our store employees to play the role of enforcer. What we are asking is that customers help protect themselves and those around them by listening to the experts and heeding the call to wear a face covering." Click here for more information.
Lowe's

Lowe’s announced it will require customers to wear face coverings when shopping in its stores beginning July 20. Lowe’s will offer masks at the customer service desk for those who need them. They will be available while supplies last.
Home Depot

Home Deport will require customers to wear masks or facial coverings while inside stores beginning July 22. Small children or those who have a valid medical condition will not be required to wear a mask. Click here for more information.
PetSmart

PetSmart announced that all customers are required to wear masks at its stores. Click here to for more information.
Walgreens

Walgreens' mask requirement started July 20. Click here for more information.
Aldi

"The health and safety of our employees, customers and the communities we serve will always be our highest priority. With that focus in mind, effective July 27, face coverings will be required to enter ALDI stores." Click here for more information.