Tippecanoe County eases COVID-19 restrictions at bars and restaurants

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WISH) — The Tippecanoe County Health Department on Wednesday announced it will be easing COVID-19 restrictions for bars and restaurants, effective Thursday.

The previously required 1 a.m. closure of restaurants and bars will be lifted. Bar-top seating will also now be permitted during all operating hours as long as social distancing is practiced.

The county has maintained a yellow status with the Indiana State Department of Health for four consecutive weeks, allowing for the easing of restrictions.

The capacity requirements for bars and restaurants has not changed and will remain at 75%, the department said.

Indiana State Department of Health on Wednesday reported 20 additional COVID-19 deaths, for a total of 11,825. There are 955 Hoosiers hospitalized with COVID-19.