OPENING DUBOIS COUNTY: Here's What's Re-Opening Starting Today

BY: DAVID SHEPHERD, NEWS DIRECTOR

DUBOIS COUNTY -- Most local businesses are re-opening today following a lengthy closure due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Stage 2 of the governor’s plan to restart the economy begins today. 

“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.”

In this stage, essential travel restrictions have been lifted and social or mass gatherings of up to 25 people will now be permitted.

Malls, retail and commercial businesses open today at 50% capacity.  Personal services can open by appointment only starting May 11th.  This includes hair and nail salons, barber shops, tattoo parlors and spas.  The BMV also reopens today by appointment only.

During this phase, you are encouraged to wear a mask when in public.

Bars, gyms and playgrounds will remain closed until later this month.

Dining room service will reopen at 50% capacity beginning next week.

Stage 3 of the governor’s reopening plan is set to begin May 24th.  That’s when retail stores can open at 75% capacity and gyms, playgrounds campgrounds may open with social distancing limitations.

Bars and nightclubs will remain closed through Stage 3. 

Holcomb warns, even if people follow the rules, more people out and about will mean more infections. He adds, what's different is that hospitals now should have the capacity to handle it. He says if hospitalization rates start to spike or intensive-care beds become scarce, the state may have to renew restrictions.