STEUBEN COUNTY, IN (WTVB) – What a difference a few miles can make.
While bars and restaurants in Branch County and the rest of Michigan can only provide delivery and pickup service until at least May 28th because of the COVID-19 pandemic, establishments in Indiana can begin serving guests on Monday but with limitations.
Under a five stage plan rolled out recently by Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb, seating in Hoosier State bars that serve food and restaurants will be limited to 50 percent of capacity.
In addition, seating at bars in restaurants will not be allowed and there is to be no live entertainment.
Servers and kitchen staff must also wear face coverings.
Bar seating in Indiana restaurants is scheduled to increase to 50 percent capacity on June 14. Bars and nightclubs can operate at 50 percent capacity on that same day but social distancing guidelines will have to be followed. Bars and restaurants will be able to operate at full capacity on July fourth.
The guidelines are subject to change and local governments will have the option of imposing additional restrictions.
Meanwhile, Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association President and C.E.O. Justin Winslow is calling for Governor Whitmer to re-open bars and restaurants on May 29, the day after the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order expires.
A roadmap to reopening has been released to establishments which shows what steps to take during the “new normal”. The association has pointed out 20 restaurants a day in Michigan have gone out of business under the coronavirus restrictions.
But under the governor’s six stage plan for reopening, dining rooms will not reopen until the virus is considered contained.
