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[Southsider2k12]

https://www.theindychannel.com/news/coronav...ronavirus-fight

By: Katie Cox

INDIANAPOLIS — Governor Eric Holcomb has ordered Hoosiers to stay home as the state and country continue to try and fight the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19.

“The next two weeks are critical if we are to slow the spread of COVID-19, and we must slow the spread. You must be part of the solution, not the problem,” said Gov. Holcomb.

The first positive case of COVID-19 in Indiana was reported on March 6. Since then the number of positive cases has increased on a near daily basis, escalating as the capacity to test has grown. As of this morning, the number of tests completed in Indiana is 1,960, the number of positive cases is 259 and 7 deaths have been reported.

“I’m setting the example by sending state government personnel home to work to the maximum extent possible and closing our facilities to public interaction beginning Tuesday, for at least the next two weeks,” said Gov. Holcomb.

[diggler]

Governor sets tentative schedule for reopening Indiana's economy

Dan Carden May 1, 2020



Hoosiers this year might appreciate, a little more than usual, the "independence" component of Independence Day.

On Friday, Gov. Eric Holcomb detailed a process for reopening Indiana's economy amid the coronavirus pandemic that potentially culminates in everything returning to "normal" by July 4.

The Republican chief executive said he's confident Indiana hospitals now have the critical care beds and ventilator capacity, and the state has sufficient testing and contact tracing resources, to begin relaxing the stay-at-home order that has limited Hoosiers to their residences, except for "essential" travel and employment, since March 23.

Holcomb said he's grateful to all Hoosiers for staying home and helping to "slow the spread" and "flatten the curve" over the past six weeks. He said that means Indiana's health care system was not overwhelmed by the initial surge of coronavirus cases and remains capable of treating the anticipated number of new infections.

"Look, without a therapeutic or a vaccine, unfortunately, we're going to lose people all over the world," Holcomb said. "So our effort going forward will be all about managing through this crisis."

"I'm praying for a vaccine. But we've got to do what we can do right now, and we're taking the responsible steps and allowing folks to responsibly and safely return to some normal aspects of their life."

As a result, beginning Monday in all but three counties (including Lake), Holcomb is authorizing shopping malls, commercial businesses and other retailers to open at 50% capacity; manufacturers and industrial operations to open at full capacity if they follow federal health and safety guidelines; public libraries can open; half the Bureau of Motor Vehicles offices will open by appointment only; and the prohibition against all but essential travel is lifted.

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In addition, office workers may return to their jobs, though continued remote operations are recommended; social gatherings can consist of up to a maximum of 25 people, instead of 10; county and local government offices can reopen; and religious entities may resume regular services beginning May 8, provided social distancing and sanitation guidelines are followed.

The governor said the openings, except for religious services, won't take effect in Lake and Marion counties until May 11, and Cass County until May 18, since those counties lead Indiana for COVID-19 cases, and Holcomb said he wants to be sure hospitals can handle the expected increase in coronavirus cases after partially reopening the economy.

Then, beginning May 11 nearly everywhere in the state, and May 18 in Lake and Marion counties, restaurants and bars that serve food can resume dine-in service at 50% of capacity; and personal services businesses, such as hair salons, barber shops and tattoo parlors, can reopen by appointment only, provided social distancing and other safety measures are followed, according to the governor's order.

In every case, Holcomb said it remains up to individual companies and business owners to decide whether to reopen.

He said local governments also can continue imposing more stringent requirements than the loosened state limits on businesses.

Even as businesses reopen, Holcomb said individuals over age 65 and people with underlying health conditions still should stay home as much as possible, all Hoosiers should continue following social distancing and personal hygiene guidelines, and he recommends — but is not requiring — people cover their faces while out in public.