Governor Eric J. Holcomb announced last week that after two months of being in Stage 4.5, Hoosiers will be moving to the final stage of his Back on Track plan to get Indiana back to some form of normalcy after the Covid-19 pandemic that has left more than 3000 Hoosiers dead and over 116,000 in Indiana infected with this new virus.
The plan is temporary, however, until the rate of infection can be studied over the next few weeks to see how Hoosiers can handle being out more often.
Although face coverings are still being required, the Big Ten will begin playing football without fans and everyone is still being asked to maintain social distancing of 6 feet, especially
in public spaces and when you are in close contact with others who are not members of your household, Hoosiers are asked to practice the following:
• Wash your hands frequently; use hand sanitizer
when hand-washing is not available
• Do not go to work or other locations when you
feel sick or symptomatic
• Hoosiers 65 and older and those with known
high-risk medical conditions should remain
vigilant about protecting their exposure to
COVID
• Limit gatherings with those outsides of
your household or regular social bubble
• Hoosiers who will be in contact with individuals
65 and older and those with known high-risk
medical conditions should remain vigilant about
exposure
• Consider obtaining a COVID test before
prolonged exposure to high-risk
individuals. A COVID test before visiting
may enable you to make an informed
the decision about contact with other persons.
Do not visit if you are positive or
symptomatic
• Maintain 6 feet of social distancing
indoors and outdoors and wear a mask for
the protection of other individuals and
yours
• Maintain hygiene standards
What’s New in Stage 5?
IN EXECUTIVE ORDER 20-43, the governor has noted the following:
• Size limitations removed for social gatherings and meetings
• Face coverings are required
• Social distancing of at least 6 feet is required between non-household members
• Organizers of events that will have more than 500 people are required to submit a written plan to their local health
department.
• Restaurants and bars that offer food service open at full capacity
• Bar section customers must be seated, whether at a table or counter
• Social distancing required as a seating consideration
• Provisions must be made so individuals, households or parties are spaced six feet apart from another individual, household
or party
• Bars and nightclubs open at full capacity
• Customers must be seated, whether at a table or counter
• Social distancing required as a seating consideration
• Indoor and outdoor venues of all types may open at full capacity
• Social distancing of at least 6 feet is required among non-household members, especially for indoor events where
attendees may be gathered for extended time periods. The coronavirus is often spread among groups of people who
are in close contact in a confined space for prolonged periods of time
• Singing or speaking loudly, such as coaching or cheering, increases the spread of respiratory droplets and the risk for
COVID-19 transmission. Please take appropriate precautions to socially distance and consider additional spacing when engaged in these activities
• Businesses should make customers aware of the precautions they are taking to ensure safety
• Senior centers and congregate nutrition sites may reopen according to Family and Social Services Administration guidance. Detailed guidance may be found on backontrack.in.gov
under the Industry Guidelines section.
• Personal services may resume normal operations. Face coverings and social distancing are required
• Gyms, fitness centers and workout facilities may resume normal operations. Face coverings and social distancing are required
• Consider limitations on class sizes and spacing of equipment
• Continue cleaning regimen after each equipment use and class
• Nursing homes and assisted living facilities are required to provide visitation opportunities. Detailed guidance may be found on backontrack.in.gov under the Industry Guidelines section.
