It’ll probably be at least a few weeks before Indiana will reopen for business, but Governor Holcomb suggests putting a plan in place now. During Tuesday’s COVID-19 press conference, the governor said a reopening date will become apparent based on the numbers, but businesses will have to know how to do it when the time comes.
“We don’t have a date yet, but just like a farmer, I’d start tilling the ground right now,” Holcomb said. “I’d start preparing right now, so you don’t wake up when the time is ready and, by the way, your competitors are opened up and you’re not.”
Holcomb is currently collecting recommendations from industry associations on how businesses can safely reopen, and that information will help guide future executive orders. These guidelines could include physical changes to workspaces but also policy updates for things like travel, outside visitors, and longer-term sick leave. Workers could also be encouraged to bring their own lunches rather than gather in cafeterias.
If workers are asked to use things like face masks, gloves, or hand sanitizer, Holcomb said efforts are underway to make sure businesses will be able to get them. “Now that’s happening right now in companies all over the State of Indiana, for our essential companies,” he noted. “They have already started to turn and burn and re-acclimate and reorient the way they do business. And so we’ll absolutely be able to point out places, repositories where you can order as well, to make sure that your employees are safe doing business at your establishment.”
The governor’s stay-at-home order runs through at least May 1. He expects businesses to be able to reopen some time next month.
