New Restrictions Will go Into Effect in Dubois County, and Others, This Weekend

BY: DAVID SHEPHERD, NEWS DIRECTOR / NI CONTRIBUTED TO THIS REPORT

STATEWIDE -- The coronavirus pandemic continues to take its toll on our region and officials are preparing to implement new restrictions in response to the surge in cases.  

Health officials reported 35 new cases of COVID-19 in Dubois County Wednesday.  Our positivity rate is up to 14.6%.  That’s a few points higher than it was the day before at 12.2%

Dubois, Martin, Orange, Daviess, Pike and Spencer Counties are now under CODE ORANGE designation.  Perry County was placed under a CODE RED Wednesday.  Crawford County is at YELLOW.

During his weekly COVID-19 news conference Wednesday, Indiana governor Eric Holcomb announced he is signing a new executive order on Sunday that will focus on the state's coronavirus map and the coronavirus restrictions for counties that are "orange" and "red."

"We are in the middle of a second surge," he said.

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The governor announced that social gatherings will be limited to 50 people in counties that are orange, and 25 people in counties that are red. If you have an event that wants more than that you will have to submit plans and get approval from local health officials.

"Please keep your family gatherings small. Keep them shorter than normal. Limit them to immediate family or a small social 'pod' or gather outside," said Holcomb.

Holcomb said they are not closing restaurants and bars, but hours may be restricted depending on what local health departments say, and they will be continuing to require masks.

Hospitals and long-term care facilities may also have limitations on visits.

"This year has been hard. It is going to get harder if we don't commit to...wearing a mask, socially distancing, staying home if you're sick, and washing your hands," said Dr. Kris Box, State Health Commissioner.

See what each color code means below.....