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City-County Council votes to stick with Marion County health orders

The Indianapolis City-County Council vote came during a Monday evening meeting.
Credit: Darren Baker - stock.adobe.com

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis City County Council voted Monday to maintain current orders in place from the Marion County Health Department.

The body adopted Proposal 170, an ordinance ratifying public health orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

"This evening, the Indianapolis City-County Council considered and ratified the most recent Public Health Order issued by Marion County Health Department Director Dr. Virginia Caine," said Council President Vop Osili. "I am thankful that my colleagues voted to continue standing firmly behind Dr. Caine’s leadership and her commitment to making local public health decisions based on science and data. 

"As we have done since the virus arrived in Indiana, the Council will continue to work together for the best interests of our community. In a time of great uncertainty, our city’s residents can be certain of this: the Indianapolis City-County Council will remain strictly focused on safeguarding their health and doing whatever is necessary to bring our city back stronger than ever."

Marion County Health Director Dr. Virginia Caine released the following statement following the council vote: 

"Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Marion County Public Health Department has worked closely with local, state, and federal officials, as well as partners in health, education, and the many sectors of our economy, embracing best practices and smart public health policies while preserving and protecting our local economy to the greatest extent possible. The ability to make quick decisions at a local level is critical to protecting Hoosiers during a public health crisis. I am grateful to Mayor Joe Hogsett, President Vop Osili, and the Indianapolis City-County Council for taking swift action tonight to ratify the latest public health orders, keeping our residents safe and our city headed back on track."

Under the latest orders from the Marion County Health Department, effective May 6, face coverings are required indoors or outdoors when social distancing of at least six feet isn't possible to maintain. The mandate does not apply to children, those with health-related reasons to not wear a mask, those receiving care in a medical facility and several other situations.

The county requires businesses to enforce mask requirements for staff and guests. 

Social gatherings are limited to 50 people or fewer or 50 percent of a venue's capacity in the case of pre-planned gatherings, meetings and special events. The health order also outlines occupancy guidelines for libraries, bars and nightclubs, restaurants, shopping malls and private clubs.

Click here to read the full health order from the Marion County Health Department.

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