State officials have placed more restrictions on public interaction to limit the spread of the coronavirus.
Gov. Eric J. Holcomb on April 6 issued a new two-week stay-at-home order, meant to limit in-person interaction. As of April 7, there were 5,507 positive reported cases in Indiana and 173 deaths, according to the state’s website dedicated to the outbreak.
“Hoosiers have done a great job adapting to the new rules put in place during this public health emergency, but I believe the next two weeks to one month could be the most critical for all of us,” said Holcomb. “So I am asking you to take even more precautions: only make in-person purchases when absolutely needed and use other delivery and pickup options when available. Limit who is traveling with you and entering stores.”
The state has created a frequently asked questions website for the governor’s updated stay-at-home order.
Highlights of Holcomb’s executive order:
- Retail businesses that provide life necessities remain open but should limit the number of customers in within their establishments at any given time; implement hours for elderly and other vulnerable populations, as well as limit hours of operation to restock and clean; and comply with all mitigation measures to protect employees and the public. A list these businesses are included in the executive order.
- All other retail business can remain open if sales are limited online or call-in ordering with delivery or curbside pickup.
- Professional services should be conducted virtually or by telephone.
- All campgrounds will be closed except for those who use recreational vehicles or cabins as their primary residence. State parks remain open to daily visitors.
- Residents are reminded that all public and private gatherings of any kind, which includes more than 10 people are prohibited.
- All employers, regardless of type, must continue to comply with the Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards and safety and health standards established and enforced by IOSHA. IOSHA is actively accepting and investigating complaints of violations. The complaint process is acessible on the agency’s website.
- A multi-agency enforcement response team has been created led by the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission to respond to and investigate other violations of the new order.
