Dataset: local government mask orders preceding statewide orders by US states.

We present a database listing local government mask orders for COVID-19 that were enacted between April and September, 2020, prior to the date that the governors issued statewide mask wearing mandates. We obtained data from a Google search of web pages of local and national commercial and public broadcasters and newspapers, and of the orders themselves.  In the database, we present data identifying the county, municipality or tribal council, date of the order, and the source's internet address. In the 34 states with statewide orders, local governments in 21 of these states issued mandates in 218 municipalities, 155 counties, and 1 tribal council.  The dataset can be accessed from https://doi.org/10.7939/DVN/NDFEHK.