INDIANAPOLIS — Following the release of Governor Holcomb’s Back on Track Indiana plan, Mayor Joe Hogsett and Dr. Virginia Caine, director of the Marion County Public Health Department joined city and community stakeholders to offer additional guidance for Indianapolis residents regarding local stay in place orders, large gatherings, and enforcement mechanisms. Marion County has the highest number of positive cases and deaths in the state.
On May 13, the Mayor and Dr. Caine introduced a modified Phase II reopening in Marion County on Friday, May 15. Based on the latest medical data, the following initiatives were announced:
• Non-essential retail stores may reopen at 50% capacity in the store at one time, and must observe physical distancing guidelines.
• Restaurants may open for outdoor seating with strict social distancing on May 22, with indoor seating at 50% capacity opening as early as June 1.
• Malls and individual retail stores within malls may re-open at 50% capacity with appropriate physical distancing.
• Liquor stores may reopen with 50% capacity at a time with physical distancing.
• Gyms, salons, spas, and museums must remain closed.
In addition to the lifting of some restrictions, the city is launching a program to provide face coverings to residents free of charge. They will also partner with the Indy Chamber to launch a program to provide reimbursement for small businesses that must get personal protection equipment to reopen. Business owners should visit response.indychamber.com/restart for more information.
The city also announced that they are looking into ways to allow restaurants to offer more outdoor seating and other businesses to offer improved physical distancing within existing outdoor seating. They are conducting surveys online at indy.gov/dineout where owners can leave feedback and suggestions.
During this transition, residents are encouraged to continue wearing face masks in public, frequent hand washing, and confining public outings to essential transactions only.
Residents and affected workers impacted by COVID-19 restrictions should visit the city’s resource guide, which can be viewed at indy.gov/covid. Individuals who are unable to navigate the city’s Web site can call 317-327-4MAC between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to talk to a customer service representative.