3 counties keep virus restrictions as Indiana relaxes many starting Saturday

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Indiana on Saturday advances to a revised Stage 5 of the Back on Track plan, keeping a mask mandate but eliminating many other restrictions as Hoosiers work toward a recovery during the coronavirus pandemic.

The revised Stage 5 plan as well as a statewide mask mandate are to be in effect through Oct. 17. However, Marion, Monroe and Tippecanoe counties in central Indiana have kept some more stringent limits in place.

Outline of Indiana Back on Track’s Stage 5

• FACE COVERINGS over the nose and mouth are required for all Hoosiers inside a business, a public building or other indoor spaces open to the public. Masks also are required in outdoor public spaces wherever it is not feasible to maintain 6 feet of social distancing from another person not in the same household, and while using public transportation or while in a taxi, private car service or a ride-sharing vehicle.
• MASK EXEMPTIONS includes people in private offices, private workspaces or meetings in which 6 feet of social distancing can be achieved and maintained between people not in the same household; children up to age 8; people with medical conditions, mental health conditions, or disabilities; people who are deaf or hard of hearing; people with work where masks would create a risk; people consuming food or drink at restaurants; people who are exercising or engaging in sports activities if they can maintain 6 feet in social distancing; drivers who are alone in their vehicles; people at swimming pools, lakes or similar bodies of water are exempt if they can maintain social distancing; incarcerated people; homeless people; people giving speeches for broadcast if they can maintain social distancing; and people in religious services if they can maintain social distancing with other people not a part of their household. Children age 2 or younger
• PEOPLE 65 AND OLDER, people at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19, and people who are sick or have underlying medical issues are urged to protect their exposure by limiting trips outside their homes.
• MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING, wash your hands, and do not go to work or school or in public places if you feel sick.
• SIZE LIMITATIONS FOR SOCIAL GATHERINGS AND MEETINGS have been eliminated. Organizers of events that will include more than 500 people must submit a written plan to their local health department.
• IN SCHOOLS, students in Grades 3-12 and other adults must wear face coverings or face shields, with exceptions during educational instruction where social distancing is in force. All people on buses are encouraged to wear masks. Masks are not required during recess. At extracurricular activities, people not engaging in physical activity must wear masks when social distancing is not in force.
• RESTAURANT AND BARS that offer food service may open at full capacity. Appropriate social distancing must be maintained between tables. Bar section customers must be seated.
• BARS AND NIGHTCLUBS may open at full capacity. Customers must be seated, and social distancing is required.
• INDOOR AND OUTDOOR VENUES may open at full capacity.
• SENIOR CENTERS and congregate nutrition sites may reopen according to Indiana Family and Social Services Administration guidelines.
• GYMS, FITNESS CENTERS, personal services and workout facilities may resume normal operations.
• NURSING HOMES and assisted living facilities are required to provide visitation opportunities.
• ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS can be taken by the Indiana State Board of Health, local health departments and other law enforcement officials against businesses and other entities failing to comply with public health restrictions.

Marion County restrictions

Marion County officials said Friday they are relaxing some restrictions starting Monday, but will remain more restrictive than the Stage 5 Indiana Back on Track plan.

• RESTAURANTS, BARS, nightclubs and food establishments can have up to 50% indoor capacity and 100% outdoor capacity. Restaurants and bars will continue to close at midnight.
• MUSEUMS AND ENTERTAINMENT venues can have 50% capacity.
• GYMS AND FITNESS centers can have 50% capacity.
• LIVE ENTERTAINMENT can resume at bars and performance venues with a 10-feet distance between the stage and audience. Audiences also have to social distance.
• CHURCHES can have services at 75% capacity.

• Enforcement, nightlife compliance under scrutiny as Marion County rolls out new restrictions

Monroe County restrictions

Monroe County Health Department said Thursday it will keep limits on the size of gatherings in place although the state is eliminating those limits starting Saturday. These limits include Indiana University and the city of Bloomington.

• NONCOMMERCIAL GATHERINGS, such as those in a private residence, are limited to 50 people.
• INDOOR COMMERCIAL EVENTS remain limited to 100 people and outdoor commercial events are limited to 150 people.
• EXEMPTIONS to the gathering size limits can be applied for on the Monroe County website.

Tippecanoe County restrictions

Tippecanoe County Health Department said Friday that restaurant and bar restrictions will remain in effect throughout the county. These limits include Purdue University, Lafayette and West Lafayette.

• RESTAURANT CAPACITY will continue to be limited to 75% both indoors and outdoors.
• BAR CAPACITY will continue at 50%. Dance floors are not allowed to be used.
• CLOSING TIME for restaurants, bars and nightclubs must be no later than midnight. They can reopen no earlier than 5 a.m. The hour restrictions do not apply to drive-thru, curbside or delivery services.
• SOCIAL DISTANCING is still required at all establishments.

“The implementation of Stage 5 brings Indiana to a new normal,” Gov. Eric Holcomb said in the executive order issued Thursday. “To allow our economy to remain fully reopen and protect our health, each and every Hoosier should adhere to CDC (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guidance and take responsibility for their safety and the health and safety of those around them.”

Indiana recorded 3,340 deaths related to the virus in Indiana as well as 226 probable deaths related to COVID-19 from March 15 through Wednesday. In addition, Indiana recorded 115,407 positive COVID-19 cases from 1,963,006 virus tests of 1,341,462 Hoosiers tested from Feb. 26 through Wednesday. An online dashboard updates these numbers each day at noon.