Indiana will continue easing the stay-at-home restrictions in stages over the next two months, as long as new COVID-19 cases don’t delay those plans. Gov. Eric Holcomb Friday unveiled a roadmap for the next two months, as midwestern states begin to move to a new normal from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Many of the details below could change based on hospitalized COVID-19 patients, ICU and ventilator availability, testing capabilities, and centralized contact tracing, but this is the current plan state officials are using.
Stage One: Present – May 4
The stay-at-home order that was set to expire Friday will be extended to Monday for most counties. The state is currently in the first of five stages.
The three counties that will stay in stage one instead of moving to stage two are Marion, Lake and Cass. The current plan is for Marion and Lake to move into stage two on May 11, with Cass moving on May 18. As has been the case, any more restrictive local ordinances will take precedence.
Stage Two: May 4 – May 24
In stage two, the state plans to ease the restriction on social gatherings from 10 people to 25 people, if they follow social distancing guidelines. That new 25-person limitation does not include restaurants and places of worship.
Most retail businesses will be able to operate at 50% capacity. Stores inside malls will be able to operate at 50% capacity, but the mall common areas (such as food courts) will operate at 25%.
After a county has been in stage two for a week with no major issues, hair salons and barbershops will be able to open by appointment only. Restaurants and bars that serve food will be able to open at 50% capacity.
Visitation in nursing homes, casinos, nightclubs, gyms, zoos, concerts, fairs, movie theaters, amusement parks will all be closed in stage two.
People age 65 or older, or those with health conditions should remain home in stage two.
Hoosiers will also be able to convene in their churches or other places of worship in stage two. On May 8, Holcomb is lifting the restriction on people inside churches. This will take effect statewide, including Marion, Lake and Cass counties.
The state will issue guidance on its preferences for churches – seats should be marked, 6 feet between families, etc.
Stage Three May 24- June 13
When Indiana moves into stage three, gyms, fitness centers, playgrounds, tennis courts and theaters will be able to operate at half capacity.
The maximum capacity for retail stores and malls will be moved up from 50% to 75% (while still maintaining social distancing).
The restriction on social gatherings will be eased from 25 people to 100 people.
Stage Four June 14-July 4
In stage four, the restriction on social gatherings will be increased from 100 people to 250 people.
Retail stores and malls will be able to operate at full capacity. Dining rooms in restaurants will be able to operate at 75% capacity, with bars and nightclubs at half capacity.
Museums, zoos and aquariums can reopen. Sports leagues and tournaments can resume in stage four.