Indiana’s stay-at-home order will gradually be lifted starting Monday. Stores currently restricted to curbside pickup will be able to open to the public at 50-percent capacity on May 4, with restaurants to follow a week later. But anyone age 65 or older should continue to stay home, if possible.
The five-stage plan to get Indiana “Back on Track” was unveiled by Governor Eric Holcomb Friday. “With our collective efforts, those efforts will help us reach a goal of having Indiana back on track by July 4, Independence Day,” Holcomb said. “Of course, this road map is subject to change. New guidance provided regularly and the more that is known about this disease every day may alter our course.”
Monday’s move to Stage 2 will mean that local non-essential travel will be allowed, gatherings of up to 25 people may take place, public libraries may open, and any manufacturers that have been closed may resume operations.
Worship services will be allowed to resume on May 8, but Holcomb stressed that there will be specific social distancing guidelines. “My preference is that you continue virtual and outdoor services,” he said. “And church leaders, we need you to keep your congregations safe.”
Hair salons, barber shops, spas, tattoo parlors, and other personal services may open by appointment only on May 11. Those who work in offices are encouraged to work from home, if possible.
Almost anything that will be allowed to open will have a number of restrictions in place. Lake and Marion counties will not move to Stage 2 until May 11, and Cass County won’t go to Stage 2 until May 18. Additionally, any local government could choose to impose stricter guidelines.
As for future stages, the move to Stage 3, currently targeted to begin May 24, will allow for gatherings of up to 100 people. That’s when movie theaters, gyms, and playgrounds would be allowed to reopen. Stage 4 will allow for gatherings of up to 250 people, plus the opening of museums, zoos, recreational sports, and amusement parks.
Sporting events, fairs, and festivals will not be allowed until Stage 5, which the governor hopes to reach on July 4.
Holcomb said progress will depend on four conditions being met: a decrease in the number of COVID-19 patients in the hospital, the surge capacity of critical care beds and ventilators, the ability to test anyone showing symptoms, and the ability to track those who test positive. “If we cannot continue to meet our four guiding principles, all or portions of the state may need to pause or even return to an earlier phase of our stay-at-home order,” he said. “In other words, this is up to each and every one of us, all of us.”
The governor also praised Hoosiers for their efforts so far, and said he believes that future historians will look back on this as Hoosiers’ finest hour.
