As businesses and services are re-opening in Orange County it is important to remember why we had precautions put in place.
Although some may be tempted to see all that has been going on as simply a test to see if our residents can comply or not, please keep in mind that COVID -19 is a new and contagious virus.
With everyone being excited about this step toward what is considered normal, some precautions must continue to be in place.
The following guidelines are general guidelines for the citizens in our county as they get out and about.
These guidelines have been taken from the Governor’s order explaining through step three of the re-opening of Indiana, which will be in place through June 13.
Reopening of Indiana Businesses and Entities are done with a County by County Assessment. County Commissioners, the Local Health Officer and others assess continually what is the best thing for Orange County.
As you enter these places of business, the following guidelines are still in place to ensure your safety and good health.
Businesses must ensure a safe environment for their employees, and customers or clients, including enhanced cleaning and disinfecting; and complying with social distancing requirements
Stay at home if you are sick or have been ill. Before venturing out you should be fever-free (without the use of medication) for at least 72 hours and at least ten days have passed since symptoms first began. Use cough and sneeze etiquette, and wash hands or use sanitizer frequently.
When outside the home, individuals shall, as much as reasonably possible, maintain social distancing of at least six (6) feet from any other person, with the exception of family or household members. They are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings.
People at high risk of severe illness from COVID- 19, including those 65 and above and those who are sick or have underlying medical issues, are urged to stay in their residence when possible, except as necessary to seek medical care.
Retail businesses shall limit the number of customers in their facility at any given time to no more than 75% of occupational capacity. They should consider limiting their hours of operation and implementing separate operating hours for the elderly and other vulnerable customers.
Retail businesses should recommend employees and customers wear face coverings, as well as continue to promote online or call-in ordering with delivery or curbside pickup.
Restaurants are able to open to in-person dining. limited to no more than 50% of seating. Bar Areas in restaurants shall remain closed. Tables or available booths should be spaced at least 6 feet apart and parties should be 6 persons or fewer. Self-service stations (salad bars, beverage stations, etc.) may have restrictions. All staff shall be screened for COVID-19 symptoms before being allowed to work; and all staff shall wear face coverings. Live music and live entertainment are not permitted.
Professional Services and other office-based businesses should be conducted virtually or by telephone whenever reasonably possible.
Personal service businesses include spas, salons, barber shops, tattoo parlors, massage salons and similar facilities may open and operate. Workstations shall be spaced to achieve social distancing. Workstations must be cleaned after each customer or client.
Places of worship and faith communities are encouraged to continue live-stream services or otherwise provide virtual services to safely serve their communities, or alternatively, conduct drive-in services. Religious services, including wedding ceremonies and funeral services, may continue and will no longer be subject to limits on social gatherings. (Please check with your funeral home for specific guidance.) Wedding receptions and visitations before or after funerals remain subject to the limitations and restrictions for social gatherings
All public and private social gatherings (outside a single household or living unit or religious service), whether familial, social, governmental, philanthropic or otherwise, are prohibited unless: gathering is limited to one hundred (100) or fewer people who must also engage in social distancing and other sanitation measures.
Drive-In theaters are allowed toa be open with restrictions. No self-ferve fod will be avaialbel and self-serve sdrink statins will have restricitons. Movie theaters will be closed at least until June 13. Playgrounds sahll remain closed. Provided they comply with social distancing requirements, individuals are permitted to engage in outdoor activities, such as golf, walking, hiking, running or biking.
Public libraries may reopen when allowed by their own policies but subject to social distancing and sanitation measures being employed.
Local units of government or political subdivisions will continue to decide how and when to reopen and provide services.
