WFHB Bloomington Community Radio
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Governor Eric Holcomb announced in his Friday briefing Indiana will start reopening amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Governor Holcomb discussed next steps in reopening state’s economy by July 4th, saying he will initiate a sector-by-sector reset.
Holcomb said the state will reopen with four guiding principles:
1. Monitor the number of hospitalized Covid-19 patients.
2. Retain the capacity to treat a surge of patients.
3. Have the ability to test all Hoosiers who are symptomatic with Covid-19.
4. Have the ability to contract trace all cases.
He also announced next steps in a 5-stage roadmap for reopening the economy with an official ready-to-reopen date of Independence Day, July 4th, although this date is subject to change.
Stage One includes the time until today, when the governor first issued a stay-at-home order and essential business were forced to close.
Several counties with more prevalent cases of coronavirus will act under Stage One, while other counties will move onto Stage Two. These counties include: Marion County, Lake County and Cass County, all with respective dates where they are allowed to move into Stage Two.
Stage Two begins May 4th. Stage Two will ease more restrictions. Social gatherings are permitted, but only up to 25 people. Restaurants will reopen at 25 percent capacity on May 11th.
Essential travel restrictions will also be lifted. State government offices will begin to open with limited interaction with the public. Remaining manufacturers who were not considered essential will also reopen. Retailers will also begin to reopen under 50 percent capacity. Shopping malls may open at 50 percent capacity with indoor common areas at 25 percent capacity.
Restaurants and bars that serve food will open starting May 11th at 50 percent capacity. Bar seating will remain closed.
Office settings are encouraged to continue working remotely.
Indoor religious services may continue and now are allowed to have more than 10 people to attend. Those 65 and older and more at-risk people are asked to stay home. Social distancing guidelines still apply.
Stage Three is set to begin May 24th. At-risk people will be allowed to venture out cautiously. Social gatherings of up to 100 people may occur. Pools, playgrounds, campgrounds and gyms will reopen with restrictions.
Stage Four begins on June 14th. Face coverings will be optional. Zoos and museums can reopen at 50 percent capacity. State government buildings will reopen. Dining room service will increase to 75 percent capacity.
Recreational sports can resume at 50 percent capacity. Large venues can open using social distancing guidelines. Retail stores and malls can open at full capacity with social distancing.
Stage Five begins on Independence Day, July 4th. In this stage, fairs, festivals and sporting events will resume. Retail and restaurants will expand to full capacity. Amusement and water park restrictions will be lifted.
In this stage, the decision to reopen schools for the Fall 2020 semester will be made. We will have more extensive coverage on Governor Holcomb’s announcement this coming week on the WFHB Local News.
