INDIANAPOLIS, IN (WTVB) – Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb continued the process of reopening the state, laying out a five stage plan Friday in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Holcomb said the state is using four principles to inform its reopening strategy: evidence of a 14-day decrease in the number of hospitalized patients, retaining the capacity of ICU beds and ventilators, the ability to test all Hoosiers who show symptoms of COVID-19, and the ability to contact trace all cases. The governor said the state has either met these principles are has ramped up efforts to do so.
Holcomb said reopening will happen in five stages, with the goal of having the state “back on track” by July 4. He cautioned that the plan is subject to change.
*Stage 1 is the phase Indiana has been in since mid-March. In this phase, essential manufacturing, construction, infrastructure, government, business and other critical operations remain open. Schools remain closed.
*Stage 2 will begin Monday, May 4 for most counties. The stage includes: Those 65 and older or high-risk should remain at home as much as possible. Social gatherings can increase to 25 people. Restaurants can open at 50% capacity starting May 11.
Essential travel restrictions will be lifted. Remaining manufacturers that were not considered essential will be able to open. Retail and commercial businesses will open at 50% capacity.Restaurants and bars that serve food may open for dine-in starting May 11 at 50% capacity, but bar seating will remain closed.
Personal services such as hair salons and tattoo parlors can begin to open May 11 by appointment only. They must follow social distancing guidelines.
Those who work in office settings are encouraged to work remotely whenever possible.
Starting May 8, for all counties, Indiana worship services may convene, with social distancing, though virtual or drive-in services are still encouraged. Those 65 and older are asked to stay home.
**On May 24, Stage 3 may begin: Those who are high-risk may venture out, cautiously. Those who can work remotely should continue to do so. Social gatherings of up to 100 people may occur. Retail stores and malls can go up to 75% capacity. Movie theaters can operate at 50% capacity.
**If still on track, the state can move to Stage 4 by June 14. Face coverings will be optional. Zoos and museums can open at 50% capacity. Social gatherings of up to 200 will be allowed. State government buildings will reopen to the public.
Office employees can resume work at full capacity. Retail can open at full capacity. Dining service can open at 75% capacity. Recreational sports and leagues can resume.
**Stage 5 would begin July 4. Fairs, festivals and sporting events can resume, with social distancing guidelines. Remote work will still be optional. Retails stores, gyms, personal services and dining can operate at full capacity. Restrictions will be lifted at amusement parks and like facilities.At Stage 5, the state will decide how to approach the next school year.
“Now comes the hard part,” Holcomb said. He said the plan will require “constant vigilance” from everyone, adding the number of cases will likely continue to increase. If the four principles aren’t met, the plan could change. “This is up to each and every one of us,” he said.
On the seemingly symbolic July 4 date for Stage Five, Holcomb said, “it just played out to July as we were looking at the data before us.”
