State moving to Stage 4 earlier than scheduled
Staff report
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb on Wednesday said he will enact Stage 4 of the state’s pandemic recovery plan two days earlier than expected.
Stage 4 will begin at 12:01 a.m. on Friday instead of Sunday as previously planned, he said, because the state was seeing positive signs in its ongoing fight against the COVID-19 virus.
Individual counties are allowed to enact more restrictive guidelines than the state’s. Marion, Lake and Cass counties have been following a slower timeline than the rest of Indiana.
Here’s what happens under Stage 4, according to the state plan:
– Social gatherings of up to 250 people may take place following CDC social distancing guidelines;
– Restaurant dining room service may operate at 75% capacity with social distancing;
– Retail stores and malls may operate at full capacity with social distancing guidelines in place;
– State government building access restrictions will be lifted;
– Professional office building employees may resume work at full 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 sites may open at a 50% capacity. This includes museums, zoos, aquariums, and similar facilities;
– Movie theaters, bowling alleys and similar facilities may open at 50% capacity, adhering to social distancing guidelines;
– Community youth and adult recreational games and leagues may resume with restrictions;
– Raceways may open at 50% capacity;
– Pari-mutuel horse racing may begin with no spectators at Hoosier Park and Indiana Grand facilities;
– Charity gaming and casinos may open June 15 with the approval of the Indiana Gaming Commission;
– Amusement parks, water parks and like facilities may open at 50% capacity.
Indiana State Department of Health officials said Hoosiers should continue to wear face masks in public and work remotely when possible. Those 65 and older and those with known high-risk medical conditions should adhere to social distancing guidelines and remain cautious at work and in their communities.
