by Kathie McDonald-McClure

On May 1, 2020, Governor Eric Holcomb announced a 5-state roadmap to get Indiana “Back on Track” by July 4, 2020, Independence Day.  Since March 24, 2020, the state had been in Stage 1, with only essential manufacturing, construction, infrastructure, government, business, healthcare and other critical businesses and operations remaining been open, while K-12 school buildings were closed and all their activities were canceled.  Indiana is currently in Stage 2 which it began rolling out on Monday, May 4, 2020, by lifting restrictions in the following areas: travel restrictions lifted; social gatherings of up to 25 people allowed (subject to CDC social distancing guidelines); manufacturers, industrial and other infrastructure operations that had not been operating as essential business allowed to reopen; retail and commercial businesses allowed to reopen at 50% capacity; shopping malls allowed to reopen at 50% capacity with indoor seating limited to 25% capacity.

On May 11, 2020, the state continued to roll-out Stage 2 by easing the following restrictions: restaurants and bars that serve food allowed to reopen at 50% capacity (but bar seating to remain closed); personal services (hair salons, barber shops, nail salons, spa and tattoo parlors) by appointment only.  Hoosiers 65 and over and those with high-risk health conditions – who are the most susceptible to the coronavirus – should remain at home as much as possible.  Anyone working in an office setting are encouraged to continue working remotely preferably at home where possible.

On May 24, 2020, the state will move to Stage 3 which will include an easing of restrictions on the following businesses and operations, provided health indicators remain positive: Social gatherings of up to 100 people may occur; retail stores and mails may move to 75% capacity; movie theaters may open at 50% capacity and mall common areas (food courts and sitting areas) may move to 50% capacity; playgrounds, tennis courts, basketball courts, pools, campgrounds and gyms and fitness centers may open with restrictions and social distancing.  Individuals at risk, including those over 65, may venture out cautiously. Those who can work remotely should continue to do so.

Indiana’s Back on Track reopening plan incorporates a “Back on Track Engine”, a 3-pronged approach to stay ahead of COVID-19 through testing, contact tracking and adequate personal protective equipment (PPE).  Visit the Back on Track Indiana website for additional details including Industry Specific Guidance, Small Business PPE Marketplace hub, and Places of Worship guidance and more. The Governor has continued to emphasize that its Back on Track roadmap is subject to change depending on health indicators and as more is known about the coronavirus disease.