INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) — Governor Eric Holcomb announced his plan on Friday to reopen Indiana.
The plan includes 5 stages and Indiana is already in stage 1 which allowed elective surgeries, essential business and critical infrastructure.
State officials expect COVID-19 cases will increase with each stage, but the focus will be on making sure health care capacity is able to handle those cases.
There will be four requirements to begin the stages:
- The number of hospitalized patients statewide has decreased for 14 straight days.
- The state retains surge capacity to handle patients needing ICU care and ventilators.
- To be able to test all Hoosiers with COVID-19 symptoms.
- Have the ability to contact all individuals who came in contact with someone testing positive for COVID-19 and expand contact tracing.
Here is how the stages will work:
Stage 1
During Stage 1, gatherings should still be limited to 10 people or fewer.
Bars and Gyms remain closed while restaurants can continue operating with carryout or pickup service.
Stage 2 - May 4
May 11: Lake and Marion counties — May 18: Cass County
(Local governments can impose guidelines that are more strict than the state recommendations)
- People who are 65 and older along with those having high-risk health conditions should stay home.
- Everyone is encouraged to wear face masks in public.
- Social gatherings can be up to 25 people as long as there is social distancing.
- Essential travel restrictions will be lifted.
- Remote work encouraged to continue wherever possible.
- Manufacturers, industrial operations and other infrastructure that has not been open to date - can reopen.
- Half of BMV branches will reopen Monday with more in the coming weeks - appointment only.
- Public libraries can reopen.
- Retail and commercial businesses will be allowed to operate at 50 percent capacity.
- Shopping malls may open at 50 percent capacity with indoor common areas at 25 percent capacity.
- After a county has been in Stage 2 for one week, personal services like hair salons can reopen by appointment only and with social distancing.
After a county has been in Stage 2 for one week, restaurants can reopen at 50 percent capacity. People will need to sit at small tables and not at the bar.
What remains closed in Stage 2
- Bars and nightclubs
- Gyms
- Community centers
- Venues including: sport, fairs, theme parks, movie theaters, bowling alleys, wedding, funeral, etc.
- Basketball courts, playgrounds, water parks and swimming pools
- Adult day cares remain closed through May 31
- Casinos
- Campgrounds
- K-12 and other educational buildings
- No visitors to nursing homes or funerals
Religious services
Beginning May 8, religious services (statewide – no exceptions) may convene inside places of worship. Updated guidance will be coming.
A religious service will need to comply with social distancing - seating spaced apart.
It is recommended for people to wear face coverings.
Churches will not be subject to the 25 person social gathering limitation.
They are encouraged to conduct as many activities as possible virtually and potentially add more services to allow for smaller groups.
Stage 3 - May 22
(NOTE: This has changed from the original May 24)
Some counties will continue on their delayed timeline.
A series of other locations and businesses will be able to reopen at this point.
- Gyms and fitness centers
- Tennis courts, other facilities
- Movie theaters at half capacity
- Retail stores and malls to 75 percent capacity
- Social gatherings of up to 100 people
Stage 4 - June 12
Some counties will continue on their delayed timeline.
More businesses will be able to open and larger gathering will now be allowed.
- Social gatherings up to 250 people
- Retails stores and malls at full capacity
- Dining room services to 75 percent capacity
- Bars and nightclubs can open at 50 percent capacity
- Cultural entertainment and tourism can open at 50 percent capacity (Including zoos, museums, etc.)
- Movie theaters and bowling alleys can reopen at 50 percent
- Amusement parks and water parks at 50 percent capacity (Reservation system recommended)
- Community youth and adult recreational games, leagues, and tournaments may resume
- Racing venues may open at 50 percent with social distancing
- Racing at Hoosier Park and Indiana Grand facilities can begin with no spectators
- Charity gaming and casinos may open June 15
- Playgrounds may reopen
- State government buildings open by appointment
NOTE: Festivals, fairs, parades, and carnivals remain closed.
Stage 5 - July 4
Some counties will continue on their delayed timeline.
The state will begin to open sports venues and other large facilities.
- Fairs and festivals will be allowed.
- Retail and restaurants can function at full capacity.
- Restrictions will be lifted at amusement parks, water parks, etc.
During stage 5, state officials will look at how to approach and handle the new school year.
Summary of all 5 stages:
