INDIANAPOLIS — On March 5, 2020, the novel coronavirus came to Indiana, and the first patient was officially recorded on March 6. The first case was reported in Marion County — a resident who had attended a conference in Boston and was likely infected there. On March 16, the state recorded its first death from COVID-19 and on March 19, the governor announced a statewide shutdown that included closures of K-12 schools, bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and later, salons, and non-essential businesses. A statewide face mask mandate was implemented in late July and has not been lifted.
The restrictions were meant to “flatten the curve” and ensure hospitals would not be overwhelmed with cases and there would be enough ventilators and other equipment to go around.
An increase in cases over the summer of 2020 flattened, but it just the calm before the real storm. A surge in cases rose alarmingly beginning in September, then peaked in December 2020 and January 2021. Positive cases have dramatically declined through February — still higher than the summer of 2020, but edging steadily downward.
Fewer people are being hospitalized, and fewer people are dying than in the first wave of the pandemic, as health care professionals have developed better protocols for treating the virus. However, as of February 28, the state has seen 662,213 positive cases, and 12,162 Hoosiers have lost their lives to COVID-19.
In December, two vaccines were made available to the most vulnerable population in the state, including the elderly, first responders, and health care professionals. On February 28, another vaccine was made available to the public. As of February 28, the CDC notes that just over 16% of Hoosiers have received at least one shot of one of the vaccines.
In response to the decrease in cases, city officials recently announced changes to restrictions on venue capacities beginning March 1.
• Bar capacity increased from 25% to 50% with bar seating, as long as social distancing is followed
• Indoor restaurant capacity moved from 50% to 75% with social distancing
• Curfews for bars, restaurants, and music venues moved from midnight to 2 a.m.
• Gyms and music venues can operate at 50% capacity, up from the 25% capacity allowed before
Face masks are still required in public spaces unless eating or drinking.
The governor announced an extension of restrictions by county, based on the color-coded map. The state face mask mandate also remains in effect.
