Governor Eric J. Holcomb today announced the Back On Track Indiana plan to safely open the economy and remain vigilant about protecting Hoosiers’ health and wellbeing.
“Across Indiana, we have witnessed a spirit of cooperation and caring for others that have touched my heart. May this spirit of appreciation for one another carry on long after the scourge of COVID-19 is behind us,” Gov. Holcomb said. “Hoosiers have done this together and together we will come out a stronger Indiana.”
Gov. Holcomb has used data to drive decisions since the state’s first case of the novel coronavirus in early March and he will continue to do so as the state contemplates a sector-by-sector reset. The state will move to reopen while continuing to monitor and respond to these 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
As we lift restrictions and more people return to work, visit a store or restaurant, and participate in more activities, the number of COVID-19 cases will increase. If we cannot meet these principles, all or portions of the state may need to pause on moving forward or we may return to an earlier phase of the governor’s stay-at-home order.
Indiana Back On Track has five stages.
Beginning Monday, May 4, nearly all of Indiana will move to stage 2. For three counties – Cass, Lake and Marion counties – stage 2 will begin at a later date.
Phase 2 may begin on Monday, May 11 for Lake and Marion counties.
Phase 2 may begin on Monday, May 18 for Cass County. Local governments may impose more restrictive guidelines.
In Stage 2 to protect the most vulnerable to COVID-19, Hoosiers 65 and over and those with high-risk health conditions – who are the most vulnerable to the coronavirus – should remain at home.
Essential travel restrictions will be lifted, and social gatherings of up to 25 people will be permitted following the CDC’s social distancing guidelines.
The remaining manufacturers, industrial and other infrastructure operations that had not been considered essential may open. Hoosiers who can work from home are encouraged to continue to do so.
Retail and commercial businesses may open at 50% capacity. Examples include apparel, furniture, jewelry, and liquor stores that have been operating as curbside or delivery only. Shopping malls can open at 50% capacity with indoor common areas restricted to 25% capacity.
Restaurants and bars that serve food may open starting May 11 at 50% capacity, but bar seating will remain closed. Personal services such as hair salons, barbershops, nail salons, spas, and tattoo parlors also may open on May 11 by appointment only and must follow social distancing guidelines.
Starting May 8th, for all of the state’s counties, indoor worship services may also convene, following specific social distancing guidelines – while those 65 and older and those at elevated risk will be asked to stay home.
If health indicators remain positive, the state will move to stage 3.
To learn more about the different stages and the associated dates to get a better understanding of where we’re going as a state, click here to see the full plan: BackOnTrack.in.gov
Stage 3 would begin May 24th and would include the opening of:
Retail stores and malls may move to 75% of capacity while maintaining social distancing.
Mall common areas, such as food courts and sitting areas, are limited to 50% capacity.
Gyms and fitness centers may open with restrictions. Class sizes and equipment must be spaced to accommodate social distancing. Limited class sizes. Equipment must be cleaned after each use, and employees are required to wear face coverings.
Playgrounds, tennis courts, basketball courts, and similar facilities may open with social distancing guidelines in place.
Community pools may open according to CDC guidance.
Campgrounds may open with social distancing limitations and sanitation precautions.
Movie theaters may open at 50% capacity; some theater companies have identified specific hygiene and social distancing guidelines.
The CDC will provide guidance about day camps and overnight camps.
Stage 4 begins June 14 and plans include opening the following:
State government building access restrictions will be lifted.
Professional office building employees may resume work at full capacity.
Retail stores and malls open at full capacity with social distancing guidelines in place.
The dining room service may open at 75% capacity.
Bar seating in restaurants may open at 50% capacity.
Bars and nightclubs may open at 50% capacity adhering to social distancing guidelines.
Cultural, entertainment, and tourism businesses may open at 50% capacity. This includes museums, zoos, bowling alleys, aquariums, and like facilities.
Recreational sports leagues and tournaments may resume.
The CDC will provide guidance about day camps and overnight camps.
Large venues may open with adherence to social gatherings guidelines.
Amusement parks, water parks, and like facilities may open at 50% capacity; reservations will be required to limit the
a number of customers at any one time.
Large events, such as conventions, sports events, fairs, festivals, and parades would remain canceled at this time.
Stage 5 would begin on July 4 with the following reopening:
Retail stores and malls may operate at full capacity.
Restaurants, bars, and nightclubs may operate
at full capacity.
Personal services may open at full capacity.
Restrictions are lifted at gyms and fitness facilities.
Conventions, sports events, fairs, festivals, the state fair, and like events may resume.
Restrictions are lifted at amusement parks, water parks, and like facilities.
Social distancing guidelines should be maintained.
The CDC will provide guidance about day camps and overnight camps.
The Governor will sign executive orders implementing the plan.
The Critical Industries Hotline continues to be available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday to respond to business and industry questions about whether a business is considered essential. The center may be reached by calling 877-820-0890 or by emailing covidresponse@iedc.in.gov
