BREAKING: Governor Announces State is ready to Begin Moving Ahead in a Measured Way

BREAKING NEWS

STATEWIDE -- The state is ready to move ahead "in a measured way to begin opening our state," Mr. Holcomb said just moments ago.

He hopes to have Indiana back on track by July 4th.

“Across Indiana, we have witnessed a spirit of cooperation and caring for others that has touched my heart. May this spirit of appreciation for one another carry on long after the scourge of COVID-19 is behind us,” Gov. Holcomb said. “Hoosiers have done this together and together we will come out a stronger Indiana.”

The governor laid out four guiding principles that will determine if stages to reopen various sectors of the economy will move forward:

  1. The number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients statewide has decreased for 14 days
  2. The state retains its surge capacity for critical care beds and ventilators
  3. The state retains the ability to test all Hoosiers who are COVID-19 symptomatic, as well as healthcare workers, essential workers, first responders, and others as delineated on the ISDH website
  4. Health officials have systems in place to contact all individuals who test positive for COVID-19 and complete contact tracing

State officials will begin rolling out Stage 2 of the Indiana Back on Track plan on Monday, May 4th.  During this phase, those 65 and older and those with underlying health conditions are being encouraged to stay at home as much as possible.

Retail stores can resume operations at 50% capacity while practicing social distancing.  Groups / gatherings of up to 25 people will be allowed.  Those who are able to work from home are still encouraged to do so as much as possible.

Starting May 8th, religious services in the state may resume while practicing social distancing.  Those over 65 or who have other health conditions are encouraged to continue viewing services remotely from home.

Restaurants and bars can reopen on May 11th, practicing social distancing and operating at 50% capacity.  Bar seating must remain closed.  Essential travel restrictions will be lifted. Remaining manufacturers that were not considered essential will be able to open.

Personal care shops like hair salons, spas, barber shops and tattoo parlors can resume services by appointment only and while practicing social distancing.

The previous Stay-at-Home order was set to expire tonight at midnight.

He is still speaking.  Updates as they come in .

This story is developing.  Check back momentarily for more information.