After Governor Eric Holcomb announced the lifting of social distancing restrictions across Indiana on Friday, the state is set to reopen today.
Governor Holcomb’s five-phase plan to slowly reopen Indiana was based on a decline of coronavirus hospitalizations, refined testing measures, and less medical equipment in demand.
The ending of the six-week stay-home order today will allow stores, factories and libraries to reopen. The following Monday, May 11, restaurants can resume dine-in service, and barbers and hairdressers can reopen.
But the restrictions aren’t being lifted completely. Stores and restaurants will have to limit customers to half capacity, and you’re encouraged to wear a mask if you go out.
The opening phases of the governor’s plan also allows for small gatherings of up to 25 people, but those who are 65 or above are encouraged to remain home.
Houses of worship can reopen Friday, May 8 — all other mass gatherings are limited to 25 people. Bars, gyms and casinos are still closed. Holcomb says if everything goes well, the plan is to go back to normal on the Fourth of July.
But Marion and Lake Counties remain under full lockdown for another week, and Cass County for two weeks. Nearly half the state’s coronavirus cases are in those three counties.
Stage 2 Beginning May 4th
Hoosiers 65 and over and those with high-risk health conditions should remain at home whenever possible. This is the population that is most vulnerable to the coronavirus
• Recommend that residents wear face coverings in public settings. Residents also should continue to practice social distancing and good hygiene
• Social gatherings of 25 people may take place following the CDC social distancing guidelines. The coronavirus is often spread among groups of people who are in close contact in a confined space for an extended period of time. This limit applies to such events as wedding receptions, birthday parties, Mother’s Day gatherings, and others where people are in close physical contact for extended periods of time
• Essential travel restrictions are lifted; local non-essential travel allowed
• Continue remote work whenever possible
RELIGIOUS SERVICES – MAY 8
Religious services may convene inside places of worship. There are specific practices that should be considered for in-person services that are driven by social distancing guidelines and protections for those 65 and older and individuals with known high-risk medical conditions. Examples of services include weddings, funerals, and baptisms.
WHAT OPENS
• Manufacturers, industrial operations, and other infrastructure that has not been in operation may open following OSHA and CDC guidelines.
• About half of the state’s Bureau of Motor Vehicle branches will open with services by appointment only; the remainder of branches will continue to open over the next two weeks
• Public libraries may open according to their own policies and CDC guidelines
For additional information, visit backontrack.in.gov.
