Indiana to extend stay-at-home order through May 1
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Indiana’s stay-at-home order will be extended to May 1 on Monday, the governor said in Friday’s coronavirus briefing.
The order requires Hoosiers to remain in their homes except when they are at work or for permitted activities, such as taking care of others, obtaining necessary supplies, and for health and safety.
Previously, the stay-at-home order was to expire Monday.
Gov. Eric Holcomb said Friday that the state is working on a plan for a safe reopening of different sectors of the economy. The state has sent out requests to different sectors of the economy, including retailers, realtors, restaurants, tourism, small and large businesses, and local and state elected officials, to get their input on reopening.
He said, for example, the stay-at-home order may be amended regarding elective surgeries but he offered no details. However, prior to the governor’s announcement of an extension of the stay-at-home order, two health officials noted that people may not be going to doctors for conditions other than COVID-19 and putting their health at risk. Indiana health commissioner Dr. Kristina Box also noted that more hospitals beds are now being used for patients without the coronavirus than for patients with COVID-19.
The governor said the state’s pullback on the stay-at-home order will be done “methodically.” He said he understands Hoosiers’ “cabin fever” but does not want to compromise efforts to control the coronavirus.
He said most Hoosiers are playing by the rules. “The more people that get with the program means we get through it more efficiently,” Holcomb said.
Indiana State Department of Health says there are now 10,154 positive cases and 519 Hoosiers have died as a result of the virus. A total of 54,785 Hoosiers have been tested.
Portions of the existing stay-at-home order
Retail businesses that are providing the necessities of life may remain open to the public under these conditions:
- They must limit the number of customers in their facility at any given time to ensure customers remain at least six feet apart as required by the CDC’s required social distancing guidelines.
- They must limit hours of operation and should consider implementing separate operating hours for the elderly and vulnerable customers.
- They must comply with social distancing and sanitation of applicable areas and other mitigation measures to protect employees and the public.
Retail businesses that provide necessities of life include: grocery stores, supermarkets, supercenters or mass merchandizers (provided they have a sizable food/grocery section), specialty food stores, certified farmer’s markets, farm and produce stands, convenience stores and gas stations, pharmacies, auto sales, auto supply, auto maintenance and repair, farm equipment, construction equipment, bicycle shops, hardware and supply stores, office supply stores, club stores (i.e., Costco, Sam’s Club), building material and supplies stores (i.e., Lowe’s, Menards, Home Depot).
All other retail businesses not providing the necessities of life, as described above, may remain open only under the following conditions:
- Sales must be restricted to online or call-in ordering with delivery or curbside pickup.
- Businesses must comply with social distancing and sanitation of applicable areas and other mitigation measures to protect its employees and the public.
Restaurants and bars can continue to provide takeout and delivery, but should be closed to dine-in patrons.
Note: Below is the entire coronavirus briefing from Indiana officials on Friday. App users click here to view the video online.