Governor Announces Roadmap to Safely Reopen Indiana

For Immediate Release:
Friday, May 1, 2020

INDIANAPOLIS – Governor Eric J. Holcomb today announced the Back On Track
Indiana plan to safely open the economy and remain vigilant about protecting
Hoosiers’ health and wellbeing.

“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,” Gov.
Holcomb said. “Hoosiers have done this together and together we will come
out a stronger Indiana.”

Gov. Holcomb has used data to drive decisions since the state’s first case
of the novel coronavirus in early March and he will continue to do so as the
state contemplates a sector-by-sector reset. 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 health care 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

As we lift restrictions and more people return to work, visit a store or
restaurant, and participate in more activities, the number of COVID-19 cases
will increase. If we cannot meet these principles, all or portions of the
state may need to pause on moving forward or we may return to an earlier
phase of the governor’s stay-at-home order.

Indiana Back On Track has five stages. Beginning Monday, May 4, nearly all
of Indiana will move to stage 2. For three counties – Cass, Lake and Marion
counties – stage 2 will begin at a later date. Phase 2 may begin on Monday,
May 11 for Lake and Marion counties. Phase 2 may begin on Monday, May 18 for
Cass County. Local governments may impose more restrictive guidelines.

In Stage 2 to protect the most vulnerable to COVID-19, Hoosiers 65 and over
and those with high-risk health conditions – who are the most vulnerable to
the coronavirus – should remain at home.

Essential travel restrictions will be lifted, and social gatherings of up to
25 people will be permitted following the CDC’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 8th, 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.

If health indicators remain positive, the state will move to stage 3. To
learn more about the different stages and the associated dates to get a
better understanding about where we’re going as a state, click here to see
the full plan: BackOnTrack.in.gov

The Governor will sign executive orders implementing the plan. The executive
orders will be posted at this link: www.in.gov/gov/2384.htm

The Critical Industries Hotline continues to be available from 9 a.m. to 6
p.m. ET Monday through Friday to respond to business and industry questions
about whether a business is considered essential. The center may be reached
by calling 877-820-0890 or by emailing covidresponse@iedc.in.gov
<mailto:covidresponse@iedc.in.gov>