Hamilton County business owners excited for ease in restrictions, still being cautious

(WISH) — Most of Indiana will move to Stage 5 of Gov. Eric Holcomb’s reopening plan, wiping out nearly all restrictions put in place since the pandemic began.

Some business owners in Hamilton County are looking forward to the ease in restrictions, set to begin on Saturday.

“We are ecstatic,” said Cami O’Herren, who owns The Wellington Fishers Banquet & Conference Center.

That means size limits will be removed for social gatherings and meetings that have less than 500 people, as long as face coverings are worn and social distancing is being used.

Restaurants, gyms, bars, personal services like barber shops, plus indoor/outdoor venues may open at full capacity.

“Having full capacity is just very beneficial for all businesses. Restaurants, movie theaters, all these hospitality-type industries which have taken a huge hit. Being at full capacity, we are just thrilled,” said O’Herren.

At The Wellington O’Herren and her team are preparing for a wedding this weekend.

“We have a lot of brides that will bring masks for all their guests, and you can see, at each table, they have hand sanitizer,” she said.

In Carmel, at InCycle, owner Cathy Miller is also ready for Stage 5.

“I’m really excited that the state is progressing,” said Miller.

They’ve got masks, hand sanitizer, and Plexiglas in front of the instructor’s bike. Spin bikes and weights must be wiped after each use. They’ve removed some spin bike seats to keep guests at least 6 feet apart.

“Even though we’re moving forward to Stage 5, we’re going to stay where we are right now, because I feel like maintaining that social distance will give our clients and any new clients that come in the confidence that we’re still keeping them very safe and protected,” said Miller.