INDIANAPOLIS – On May 13, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett and Marion County Health Director Dr. Virginia Caine announced that the city would lift certain restrictions to allow more businesses to open in the coming weeks. The city took the following steps:
• On May 15 limits on public gatherings, including religious services, was increased to 25 people or fewer.
• Non-essential retail stores, including those at malls, could reopen at 50 percent capacity with social distancing.
• Indianapolis Public Library branches could begin providing curbside pickup only. The library announced that on Monday, May 18, five locations are available for limited curbside pickup service: Central Library, East 38th Street, Glendale, Pike, and Southport. Curbside pickup will be available at these branches Sunday through Friday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Patrons will be able to request materials (holds) online or over the phone, and pick up items at these locations. Patrons with a hold they were unable to pick up before library’s closure on March 14, can call one of the five curbside branches to have it re-routed for pick up at that location. Patrons can adjust holds at the IndyPL Web site on their account page. Return of physical materials will only be via book drops, which will be opened at all locations. All returned items will be quarantined in accordance with established health guidelines before recirculation. Materials that were checked out before our closure must be returned by June 8. All new physical item checkouts — books, movies, and music — will have a 21-day checkout time. All fines and late fees will continue to be waived until further notice.
Officials also announced that beginning May 22, restaurants may open for outdoor seating with strict social distancing guidelines. Indoor seating at 50 percent is possible as soon as June 1. Salons and other personal services are targeted for June 1 reopening with social distancing, if data allows.
Non-essential manufacturing and industrial activities are also targeted for June 1 for re-opening.
Mayor Hogsett and Dr. Caine also announced measures to help residents and businesses participate in the reopening. This includes providing access to free face coverings for all Marion County residents and a $5 million grant program with the Indy Chamber that will provide reimbursements of up to $5,000 in qualified PPE expenses for small businesses. Businesses interested in PPE reimbursement can go to www.response.indychamber.com/restart to sign up to receive updates. Restaurants wanting to connect with the city to explore opportunities for additional outdoor seating space can visit indy.gov/dineout.
