Indiana’s public health emergency has been extended through the end of July. Governor Eric Holcomb extended his emergency declaration for a 16th time in an executive order Wednesday. That will bring the public health emergency to almost 17 months.
In a separate order, the governor extended several COVID-19-related flexibilities. That means temporary licensing for health care workers will continue through September, and EMTs and trained National Guard members can continue to administer vaccines. The order also lets the Family and Social Services Administration waive requirements for certain programs and remain eligible for emergency federal funding.
The state’s remaining mask requirements have been lifted. Schools were one of the last places the state required them. Now, that decision will be left up to individual school boards.
Wednesday’s orders note that Indiana has seen significant improvements, but it currently ranks 38th for the rate of eligible individuals who’ve gotten at least one dose of the vaccine and COVID-19 continues to spread.
