INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) — President Donald Trump is pointing to America beginning to reopen in the coming weeks and maybe even days for some states and regions. Even Governor Eric Holcomb said he was thinking early May for when Indiana could possibly start reopening.
So what would the reopening look like?
President Trump's plan will be done in three phases with certain people, businesses and activities opened up for each.
First, though, states and regions must be able to check off the following requirements:
Symptoms
- Downward trajectory of influenza-like illnesses (ILI) reported within a 14-day period
- Downward trajectory of covid-like syndromic cases reported within a 14-day period
Cases
- Downward trajectory of documented cases within a 14-day period
OR
- Downward trajectory of positive tests as a percent of total tests within a 14-day period (flat or increasing volume of tests)
Hospitals
- Treat all patients without crisis care
- Robust testing program in place for at-risk healthcare workers, including emerging antibody testing
Each time those requirements are met without a state or region seeing a rebound in COVID-19 cases, they can move on to the next phase.
Phase 1
Individuals
Vulnerable individuals should continue to shelter in place. That means if you live in a home with someone who is considered vulnerable to COVID-19 you should take precautions to isolate them if you are no longer social distancing.
When anyone is out in public, they should maximize physical distance from others.
You should continue to avoid gatherings where there are more than 10 people.
You will need to minimize non-essential travel and follow CDC guidelines about isolating after you travel.
Employers
Companies should continue to try and have employees work from home whenever possible. That could include returning workers in phases.
Common areas like a break room should remain closed.
Companies should try to minimize non-essential travel and follow CDC guidelines on isolation when they get back.
Special accommodations should be considered for employees that fall into the vulnerable population group.
Specific types of employers
Schools, day cares and camps that are closed right now should remain closed.
Visiting senior living facilities and hospitals will still be prohibited.
Large venues can operate under strict physical distancing protocols.
Examples:
- Sit-down dining
- Movie theaters
- Sporting venues
- Places of worship
Elective surgeries can resume as long as it is outpatient.
Gyms can reopen if there is physical distancing and the facility adheres to strict sanitation.
Bars should remain closed.
Phase 2
If a state or region has not seen a rebound in cases and can check off the initial requirement for starting Phase 1 a second time, they can implement Phase 2.
Individuals
Vulnerable individuals should continue to shelter in place. If you live in a home with someone who is considered vulnerable to COVID-19 you should continue taking precautions to isolate them if you are no longer social distancing.
When you are out in public, you should maximize physical distance from others.
You should avoid gatherings where there is more than 50 people.
Non-essential travel can resume.
Employers
These remain the same as Phase 1, minus the travel guidance.
Companies should continue to try and have employees work from home whenever possible. That could include returning workers in phases.
Common areas like a break room should remain closed.
Special accommodations should be considered for employees that fall into the vulnerable population group.
Specific types of employers
Schools, day cares, camps and other youth activities can reopen.
Visiting someone at a senior care facility or the hospital is still prohibited.
Bars will be able to reopen. They will have to have reduce the number of people allowed in a standing-room area.
Phase 3
If a state or region is still not seeing a rebound in COVID-19 cases and can check off the requirements for starting the phases for a third time, they can begin Phase 3.
Individuals
Vulnerable individuals can start interacting with the public again, but limit large group gathering and continue social distancing.
Even low-risk people should minimize time spent in crowded areas.
Employers
There is no longer restrictions for staffing or worksites.
Specific types of employers
You will now be able to visit someone at a senior care facility or hospital.
Large venues can operate with only limited physical distancing.
Gyms can operate normally as long as standard sanitation is happening.
Bars can allow more people in standing room areas.
