Governor: ‘Ready to Move Ahead’ with Reopening
Gov. Eric Holcomb announces plans for state's reopening.
Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowGovernor Eric Holcomb says the state of Indiana is ready to reopen for business, but it will be in incremental stages extending to July 4. Governor Eric Holcomb on Friday announced the Back On Track Indiana plan to reopen for business.
“We are ready to move ahead in a measured way,” said Holcomb in his daily press briefing. “To safely open the economy and remain vigilant about protecting Hoosiers’ health and wellbeing.”
The plan has five stages. The state has been at Stage 1 since the beginning of the healthcare crisis.
Holcomb said Stage 2 begins for most of the state on Monday, May 4. Manufacturers, previously considered non-essential, may open. The state is still encouraging Hoosiers who can work from home to continue that practice.
While retail shops can reopen on May 4, Holcomb said they are limited to 50% customer occupancy. Restaurants will remain closed to dine-in service for an additional week. On May 11, restaurants will be allowed to welcome dine-in customers, but at 50% occupancy.
”Making progress towards being fully back on track will require – require – constant vigilance from all of us,” said Holcomb. “As we lift restrictions, more and more people can return to work, visit stores and restaurants.”
Marion and Lake counties, with denser populations, will not enter Stage 2 until May 11th. Cass County, which has the third-highest number of positive cases of COVID-19, will remain restricted until May 18.
The governor says Indiana will move to reopen while continuing to monitor and respond to four guiding principles:
- The number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients statewide has decreased for 14 days
- The state retains its surge capacity for critical care beds and ventilators
- The state retains its ability to test all Hoosiers who are COVID-19 symptomatic as well as health care workers, first responders, and frontline employees
- Health officials have systems in place to contact all individuals who test positive for COVID-19 and expand contact tracing
The governor warned the number of COVID cases will likely increase as Hoosiers let down their guard.
“If we can’t continue to meet our four guiding principles, all or part of the state may need to pause or return to an earlier phase of the stay at home order,” warned Holcomb. “This is up to each and every one of us.”
If health indicators remain positive, the state will move to stage 3 and subsequent phases.
Click here to learn more about the different stages and the associated dates.
Officials are reacting to Holcomb’s plan:
City of Indianapolis, Mayor Joe Hogsett
“I want to thank Governor Holcomb, Dr. Box, and our partners at the State of Indiana for their work to provide today’s set of policy recommendations. I am particularly appreciative that this statewide strategy will continue to allow counties to address the unique challenges faced by densely populated areas such as Indianapolis.
In the coming days, Marion County public health leaders will analyze this phased approach to assess how it can be implemented in Indianapolis. It is my intention to provide additional guidance to residents and businesses next week as to how we can begin to work our way through these phases.”
Indiana Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Kevin Brinegar
“What Governor Holcomb outlined today is a thoughtful, comprehensive approach that manages to achieve that delicate balance of recognizing that businesses have to start resuming operations while doing so in the safest way possible for employees, as well as customers.
“When business suffers, employees and their families feel it – and this period has been especially hard for almost everyone. We have to begin to return to some sense of normalcy, and the Governor’s gradual stages are the best way to achieve that.”
House Speaker Todd Huston
“I commend Governor Holcomb on his thoughtful and sensible approach to opening Indiana’s economy. Hoosiers are anxious to reopen their businesses and get back to work. This plan strikes an appropriate balance of protecting vulnerable Hoosiers while responsibly opening businesses throughout the state. Additionally, I am very pleased the governor laid out a long-term plan so Hoosiers know what to expect in the coming weeks and months.”
Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray
“Gov. Holcomb has put forth a detailed road map for how our economy can open in the coming weeks that gives due regard for the safety of all of us. I, like many Hoosiers, am glad to see the reopening of retail stores – safely – and updated recommendations allowing for safe, in-person church services. I commend the governor for these steps and I know Hoosiers are looking forward to getting back to work. It will be important to watch the data and continue to be vigilant to ensure the virus does not rebound, but this is a good step forward for Indiana.”
Indiana Republican Party Chairman Kyle Hupfer
“Today, Governor Holcomb outlined the most comprehensive, data-driven, and well-thought-out plan for reopening a state in the entire country. Hoosiers have benefited from his steady, thoughtful leadership since day one of this pandemic. Governor Holcomb is getting us back on track and our state will emerge from this crisis stronger than ever before.”
Indiana Restaurant and Lodging Association, Patrick Tamm, CEO/President
“We are thankful for Governor Holcomb’s guidance and wise decision to provide the industry appropriate time to reengage with our employees and suppliers. While 66 percent of all Indiana restaurants are completely closed at this time and over 80 percent of our employees had to be laid off – it’s important for our industry to strengthen, renew and deliver the Hoosier Hospitality that we are known for,” Tamm said. “To further that commitment, we are also releasing the “Hoosier Hospitality Promise” which is our commitment to all Hoosiers that we are taking any and all necessary steps to maintain the health and safety of both guests and our team members.”
View the full briefing in the video below: