Most Indiana counties will loosen some virus restrictions Monday

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Gov. Eric Holcomb on Friday introduced the state’s five-stage plan to get Indiana “back on track” after more than a month of restrictions intended to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Since March 24, when the “stay at home” order went into effect, Hoosiers were hunkered down as part of Stage 1, Holcomb said.

The second phase of that plan will start as soon as Monday for most of Indiana, but later in May for counties with higher incidence of cases.

Marion, Lake and Cass counties will stay home for another two weeks.

The other 89 counties will take the step toward reopening Indiana’s economy. Gov. Eric Holcomb started his daily briefing by expressing his gratitude.

“All across Indiana we have witnessed a spirit of cooperation and caring for others that has touched my heart. May this spirit of caring for one another carry on long after the torment of COVID-19 is behind us,” said Holcomb.

But to get this virus in the rearview mirror will take a few steps. The governor is calling Stage 2 of the road map to restoring Indiana’s economy a critical and possibly painful step. The state’s ban on all but essential travel will end, but the state wants companies to continue encouraging as much remote work as possible as the “stay at home” order is lifted.

“The remaining manufactures, industrial and other infrastructure operations that hadn’t been considered essential will also be able to open,” said Holcomb.

Starting Monday, gatherings of up to 25 people are allowed, but there are some precautions. Those who are 65 and older or have underlying, high-risk health conditions are asked to stay at home whenever possible.

Everyone is recommended to wear face coverings, practice social distancing and continue to wash their hands.

“Those that work in office settings are encouraged to continue to work remotely whenever possible; in fact, if anyone can work from home, we encourage you to do so,” said Holcomb.

On May 8, the state will allow churches to begin having indoor services. They’re still asking places of worship to practice social distancing, clean and sanitize the facilities and offer as many activities remotely as possible.

“Our preference, my preference is that you continue virtual and outdoor services, and church leaders, we need you to keep your congregations safe,” said Holcomb.

Once a county has been in Stage 2 for a week, dine-in eating at restaurants returns, but limited to half of the building’s capacity. Bars and nightclubs will remain shut down.

More on Indiana’s Five-Stage Plan

Stage 2: May 4

Stage 2 will roll out during the next three weeks, starting May 4. Marion and Lake counties, the two most populous may begin Stage 2 on May 11. And Cass County, which recently had an outbreak, may start on May 18 so that they don’t overwhelm the area health care system.

Hoosiers 65 and over and those with high-risk conditions should remain at home as much as possible.

Restrictions will be eased in a measured way, but local governments could continue more stringent guidelines, Holcomb said.

Essential travel restrictions will be lifted and gatherings permitted up to 25 people. State government offices will begin to open for limited interaction with the public. Manufacturing that had not been considered essential will be able to open.

Retail (apparel, jewelry, furniture, liquor stores) will be able to open at 50% capacity. Shopping malls can reopen at 50% capacity with indoor common areas at 25% capacity.

Restaurants and bars that serve food can open May 11 at 50% capacity, but bar seating must remain closed.

Personal services — salons, spas, barber shops, tattoo parlors — can reopen May 11 by appointment only and must follow social distancing guidelines.

Holcomb said anyone who can work from home is encouraged to continue to do so.

Starting May 8, for all 92 counties, Indiana worship services may convene, following specific guidelines. Those 65 and older or high-risk are asked to stay home. Holcomb says he prefers that congregations continue virtual services or have outdoor services. Those guidelines can be found here.

Stage 3: May 24

At that time, people with at-risk conditions and those over the age of 65 can venture out cautiously, Holcomb said.

Those who can work remotely should continue to do so.

Social gatherings of up to 100 people will be permitted.

Retail stores and malls can move to 75% capacity. Movie theaters can open at 50% capacity. Playgrounds, tennis courts, basketball courts, pools, campground, gyms and fitness centers may open with restrictions and social distancing.

The state will continue to monitor hospital admissions, capacity to test Hoosiers and analyze the contact tracing data. Stage 4 will begin on June 14. with face coverings optional, zoos and museums opening at 50% capacity and gatherings of up to 200 people.

During stages 2 and 3, face coverings are recommended, according to guidance released Friday afternoon by the governor’s office.

Stage 4: June 14

Assuming the state makes the desired progress, Stage 4 will begin June 14, Holcomb said.

Face coverings in public places will be optional.

Social gatherings of up to 250 people can take place, and large venues can reopen with adherence to social distancing guidelines.

State government buildings will reopen to the public. Professional office building employees can resume work at full capacity.

Retail stores and malls can open at full capacity, with social distancing guidelines in place.

Dining room service can be open at 75% capacity and bar seating can open at 50% capacity.

Cultural, entertainment and tourism activities can open at 50% capacity. That includes zoos, museums, bowling alleys, aquariums. Recreational sports and tournaments can resume. Amusement and water parks can reopen at 50% capacity.

Stage 5: July 4

The goal is to have all areas of the state reach Stage 5 beginning July 4. Social distancing will continue.

Fairs, festivals and sporting events can resume.

Gyms, restaurants, bars, retail and personal services can increase to full capacity.

Restrictions will be lifted at amusement parks, water parks and similar facilities. During Stage 5, the state will consider how to approach the upcoming school year, Holcomb said.

“As life starts to slowly return to that new normal, making progress toward being fully back on track will require, require constant vigilance from all of us as we lift restrictions, and more people return to work, visit a store or restaurant and participate in more activities. The number of COVID-19 cases will likewise increase. If we cannot continue to meet our four guiding principles, all of portions of the state may need to pause or even return to an earlier phase of our ‘stay at home’ order. This is up to each and every one of us, all of us,” Holcomb said.