COVID-19 vaccine eligibility will open up to all Hoosiers 16 and older on March 31, while Indiana’s statewide mask mandate will become an advisory in most circumstances starting April 6.
During a statewide address Tuesday, Governor Eric Holcomb said vaccine access has been a “life-and-death” game changer, and the federal government anticipates a large increase in distribution next week. “We’ll expand our reach by implementing a large employer vaccination program that has been in the planning stages for weeks now, to provide an even more convenient way to get vaccinated,” the governor added. “We’ll schedule additional mass vaccination clinics in April.”
Additionally, capacity restrictions on venues and social gatherings will be up to local officials rather than the state, starting April 6. The Indiana Department of Health will continue to update its county metrics map.
While Indiana plans to switch to a “state mask advisory” in a couple weeks, face coverings will still be required in certain circumstances, including all state buildings and vaccination and testing sites. The current face mask requirements for schools will remain in place until the end of the school year.
But Holcomb stressed that local governments and even individual businesses may still choose to be stricter. “When I visit my favorite restaurants or conduct a public event, I will continue to appropriately wear a mask,” he said. “It’s the right thing to do. Hoosiers who take these recommended precautions will help us get to what I hope is the tail end of this pandemic.”
However, the public health emergency is expected to be extended at least through the end of April. Holcomb noted that will let the state take action quickly if conditions change and will keep the door open to hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding.
In the meantime, the governor said all of the current restrictions will remain in place until April 5.
