Last Wednesday Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb announced that most of Indiana would enter Stage 3 of Indiana’s Back on Track plan last Friday. Marion, Lake and Cass counties will go into Stage 3 on June 1.
What does this mean?
Social gatherings can include up to 100 people.
Restaurants can serve customers at 50% capacity.
Retail stores can operate at 75% capacity.
Gyms may reopen with restrictions.
Community pools and campgrounds can open.
Recreational sports practices may begin following guidelines (contact sports will need to wait).
Basketball and tennis courts and soccer and baseball fields may open.
Youth summer day camps may begin.
Raceways can begin competition with no spectators.
State park inns are reopening.
Initially Stage 3 was not supposed to start until May 24, so why on Friday? The decision was data-driven. As Governor Holcomb said, “Your actions add up and make a difference.”
Indiana’s guiding reopening principles are led by the following:
• Hospitalizations – The number of Hoosiers hospitalized with COVID-19 has dropped from 118 on April 14 to 53 on May 15.
• Surge Capacity – 39% of Indiana’s ICU beds are currently available, along with 81% of the state’s ventilators.
• Testing – Daily testing has increased to an average of 5,500 – 6,000 tests per day, with more than 180 testing sites available throughout the state.
• Contact Tracing – Indiana has more than 500 contact tracers on the job right now with a capacity for 7,500 calls each day, and that’s helping limit the virus’ spread.
But according to officials, it’s every Hoosier’s responsibility to make sure the state stays on track. Continue to follow guidelines – wear masks, keep a six feet distance from others, and practice good personal hygiene.
PULL QUOTE
“We’ve earned the ability to continue to move forward because people have been paying attention to wearing a mask, physical distancing — it’s really made a difference.”
– Gov. Holcomb
