Indy, Marion County Order Remains in Place

(photo courtesy: Pixabay/Marc David)

Marion County will continue to enforce a stay-at-home order until May 15 despite the state of Indiana’s Back on Track plan that indicates the county could ease restrictions and start to reopen businesses on May 11.

“I am appreciative that the State’s approach allows Indiana cities and towns to adjust to the needs and data in their community,” said Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett.

Governor Eric Holcomb said last week as he unveiled his directives that local municipalities had the authority to supersede his guidance based on the needs of the local community.

Businesses with essential functions are permitted to remain open and their employees are permitted to continue traveling to work.

The Marion County Public Health Department said all Marion County residents are asked to wear a face mask or covering and continue to maintain good hygiene, frequent hand washing, and proper social distancing.

“We are closely monitoring COVID-19 data each day to understand the impact this is having in Marion County,” said Dr. Virginia, Caine, director of the health department. “While there is reason to be hopeful, we can’t relax quite yet.”

Once Marion County lifts its local orders, the mayor said he intends to adopt the same Back on Track phasing structure as all other 91 counties.

“While we are not yet able to say what precise date we will get to, for example, a phase 3, Indianapolis residents and businesses should begin educating themselves on what each of those five phases permits. They should begin preparing for the reopening of their businesses at an appropriate time.”

The restrictions also apply to places of worship in Marion County, delaying their opening. During his media briefing Wednesday morning, Hogsett acknowledged this Sunday is Mother’s Day, an important time for families to gather for worship.

“I know how heartbreaking this is for congregations across our city, said Hogsett. “But it is in our faith that we find our strength and I will call upon that strength for at least another week as we work to ‘love our neighbors’ through our sacrifice.”

Dr. Caine said local data will be analyzed through the weekend and additional guidance on the timing of future phases of reopening will be given early next week.

“Everyone’s continued hard work and patience is needed to slow the spread of this virus even more and help put our community on a positive path moving forward,” Caine said.