Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
On Friday, Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb announced his five stages of reopening the state, with the final stage beginning July 4.
“Across Indiana, we have witnessed a spirit of cooperation and caring for others that has touched my heart. May this spirit of appreciation for one another carry on long after the scourge of COVID-19 is behind us,” Holcomb said in a provided news release. “Hoosiers have done this together, and together we will come out a stronger Indiana.”
Holcomb’s goal is to have Indiana back on track by the Fourth of July holiday, but cautioned that was subject to change if the COVID-19 numbers take a turn for the worse.
The state will move to reopen while continuing to monitor and respond to these four guiding principles:
• The number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients statewide has decreased for 14 days.
• The state retains its surge capacity for critical care beds and ventilators.
• The state retains its ability to test all Hoosiers who are COVID-19 symptomatic as well as healthcare workers, first responders and frontline employees.
• Health officials have systems in place to contact all individuals who test positive for COVID-19 and expand contact tracing.
Stage 1
The state has been in “Stage 1” since mid-March, according to the governor’s plan. The phase includes essential construction, infrastructure, manufacturing, government, business and other critical operations remaining open. Schools have been closed.
Stage 2
On Monday, May 4, Stage 2 begins for most of Indiana’s 92 counties. The exceptions include Marion and Lake counties, which begin the second stage on May 11, and Cass County on May 18. Those 65 years old and older, or at high risk, should remain at home as much as possible, Holcomb stated.
Social gatherings of 25 people will be allowed, following the Center for Disease Control’s social distancing guidelines.
The remaining manufacturers, industrial and other infrastructure operations that had not been considered essential may open. Hoosiers who can work from home are encouraged to continue to do so.
Retail and commercial businesses may open at 50% capacity. Examples include apparel, furniture, jewelry and liquor stores that have been operating as curbside or delivery only. Shopping malls can open at 50% capacity with indoor common areas restricted to 25% capacity.
Restaurants and bars that serve food may open starting May 11 at 50% capacity, but bar seating will remain closed. Personal services such as hair salons, barber shops, nail salons, spas and tattoo parlors also may open on May 11 by appointment only and must follow social distancing guidelines.
Starting May 8, for all of the state’s counties, indoor worship services may also convene, following specific social distancing guidelines – while those 65 and older and those at elevated risk will be asked to stay home.
Stage 3
Stage 3 begins May 24. Those who are in the high-risk groups can venture out, but should be cautious. Social gatherings of up to 100 may happen under CDC social distancing guidelines, and face coverings are recommended.
Nursing homes remain closed to visitors. There are no travel restrictions.
Retail stores and malls may move to 75% capacity while maintaining social distancing. Mall common areas, such as food courts and sitting areas, are limited to 50% capacity.
Gyms and fitness centers may open with restrictions. Class sizes and equipment must be spaced to accommodate social distancing. Limited class sizes. Equipment must be cleaned after each use, and employees are required to wear face coverings.
Playgrounds, tennis courts, basketball courts and similar facilities may open with social distancing guidelines in place.
Community pools may open, according to CDC guidances. Campgrounds may open with social distancing limitations and sanitation precautions.
Movie theaters may open at 50% capacity, while the CDC has provided guidance about day camps and overnight camps.
What remains closed are bars and nightclubs; cultural, entertainment and sports venues; and K-12 facilities and activities.
Stage 4
Stage 4 begins June 14 if the state is still on track, Holcomb said. Face coverings will be optional, while Hoosiers 65 and older and those with known high-risk medical conditions should adhere to social distancing guidelines and remain cautious.
Social gatherings of up to 250 people may take place following the CDC social distancing guidelines. This limit applies to wedding receptions, parties and other events where people are in close physical contact for extended periods of time.
Nursing homes will remain closed to visitors.
During Stage 4, state government building access restrictions will be lifted. Professional office building employees may resume work at full capacity.
Retail stores and malls may open at full capacity with social distancing guidelines in place. Dining room service may open at 75% capacity. Bar seating in restaurants may open at 50% capacity, while bars and nightclubs may open at 50% capacity adhering to social distancing guidelines.
Cultural, entertainment and tourism businesses may open at 50% capacity. This includes museums, zoos, bowling alleys, aquariums and similar facilities.
Recreational sports leagues and tournaments may resume, while the CDC will provide guidance about day camps and overnight camps.
Large venues may open with adherence to social gathering guidelines.
Amusement parks, water parks and similar facilities may open at 50% capacity; reservations will be required to limit the number of customers at any one time.
What will remain closed will be large events, such as conventions, sporting events, fairs, festivals and parades.
Stage 5
It is at the final and fifth stage, beginning July 4, that the state will decide how to begin the 2020-21 school year.
Hoosiers 65 and older and those with known high-risk medical conditions should adhere to social distancing guidelines and remain cautious at work and in the community.
Remote work is optional, as are face coverings.
Social gatherings of over 250 people may take place following the CDC social distancing guidelines.
Nursing home guidance will continue to be evaluated.
Retail stores and malls may operate at full capacity at this point, as can restaurants, bars and nightclubs and personal services. Restrictions will be lifted at gyms and fitness facilities.
Conventions, sporting events, fairs, festivals, the state fair and like events may resume.
Restrictions will be lifted at amusement parks, water parks and similar facilities. Social distancing guidelines should be maintained.
The CDC will provide guidance about day camps and overnight camps.
