Marion County extends ‘stay-at-home’ order until May 15
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Indiana’s current statewide stay-at-home order expires on Friday, May 1.
Governor Eric Holcomb is expected to discuss the next steps for the state on Friday.
On Thursday morning, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett and Marion County health officials announced they are extending Marion County’s stay-at-home order until May 15.
“It’s clear from talking to state leaders and community stakeholders that the challenges we face here in Indianapolis are unique – a city filled with large venues, densely populated neighborhoods, and active business centers. To ensure that we see continued progress in our fight against this virus, we must recommit to our social distancing efforts even as we plan for the future,” said Mayor Hogsett. “I appreciate Governor Holcomb’s partnership as he and his team continue to address the diverse needs of Hoosier communities.”
The new Marion County order, to be issued on Friday, will maintain current restrictions on non-essential businesses. Restaurants will still be able to offer carry out or delivery services and grocery stores, pharmacies and other essential businesses will remain open. Also with the new order, farmers markets and golf courses will be allowed to open on May 2 but with strict sanitation and social distancing guidelines.
“We are seeing some signs of progress and I would like to thank the residents of Marion County for taking the public health guidance and travel restrictions so seriously,” said Dr. Caine, with the Marion County Health Department. “As we promised at the beginning of this outbreak, we are closely monitoring the data and continually adjusting restrictions to reflect current trends. Still, there is more work to be done to ensure we keep Indianapolis residents safe during this difficult time.”
Dr. Caine has major concerns about reports Simon Property Group intended to open malls in Indiana this weekend.
“From the public health perspective, we’re very concerned about letting a large retail establishment be open when we’re still having greater than 100 cases a day,” said Dr. Caine. “So when we already have over 100 cases a day, opening up a large retail establishment would just increase our number dramatically, put other citizens at risk considerably, and it may undo all the good work we have put in place related to our shelter-in-place and staying at home philosophy.”