Ind. Governor Outlines Five-Stage "Back On Track" Plan

Indiana is moving forward with a plan to fully reopen its economy by July 4.

(Indianapolis, Ind.) – Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb has laid out a meticulous plan to reopen Indiana’s economy.

Speaking at the Statehouse on Friday, Holcomb said he has a five-stage plan to fully reopen all aspects of the economy “Back on Track” by July 4.

Governor Holcomb has used data to drive decisions since the first case of the novel coronavirus was confirmed in early March.

“That will continue to be our practice as we contemplate a sector-by-sector reset,” said Holcomb. These are the four guiding principles that will determine if stages to reopen various sectors of the economy will move forward:

There are four guiding principles that will determine if stages to reopen various sectors of the economy will move forward:

• Monitor the number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients
• Retain the capacity to treat a surge of patients
• Have the ability to test all Hoosiers who are COVID symptomatic; 100,000 more Hoosiers will be tested per month.
• Have the ability to contact trace all case; A 500 person call center is being is being open to centralize contact tracing.

Governor Holcomb says the state is currently in Stage 1. Essential manufacturing, construction, government, and healthcare offices have been open, while schools have been closed. Just this week, elective medical procedures have resumed.

Stage 2 will take place over the next three weeks as nearly all of Indiana will begin steps to reopen various sectors of business. Areas hit the hardest with COVID-19 cases like Marion, Lake and Cass counties will begin to reopen at a later date.

Stage 2 includes:

• Hoosiers 65 and over and those with high risk health conditions who are the most susceptible to the coronavirus should remain at home as much as possible
• Local governments may impose more strict guidelines
• Essential travel restrictions are eliminated and gatherings of up to 25 people are permitted
• The remaining manufacturers that had not been considered essential will also be able to open
• Retail and commercial businesses will open at 50 percent capacity
• Shopping malls may open at 50 percent capacity with indoor common areas restricted to 25 percent capacity
• Personal services like hair salons barber shops, spas and tattoo parlors also may open may 11 by appointment only
• Restaurants and bars that serve food may open May 11 at 50% capacity, but bar seating will remain closed
• Those who work in offices are encourages to work remotely whenever possible. "If anyone can work from home we encourage you to do so," Holcomb said.

Beginning May 8, religious services may convene inside places of worship with more than 10 people. Churches will not be subject to the 25-person social gathering limitations.

Stage 3 is scheduled to start on May 24. At that time, the state restrictions will allow for:

• Individuals at risk, including those over 65 may venture out cautiously
• Those who can work remotely should continue to do so
• Social gatherings up to 100 people may occur
• Retail stores and malls can move to 75% capacity
• Playgrounds, tennis courts, basketball courts, pools, campgrounds, gyms, fitness centers and more may reopen with restrictions and social distancing

“We’re Hopeful we have the momentum to move into this stage later in May,” said Holcomb. “we will be cautious and make the best decisions for Hoosiers based on the situation at that very moment.”

If the state is still on track on June 14, Stage 4 will go into effect, allowing social gatherings of up to 250 people. Large venues and state buildings will open, retail stores and malls will go to full capacity and restaurants and bars serving food can open to 75 percent capacity.

Recreational sports may resume on June 14.

Governor Holcomb hopes the state is ready to enter Stage 5 by July 4. At that time, fairs, festivals, and sporting events may resume. Retail and restaurants would go to full capacity. Even at Stage 5, Hoosiers will be expected to maintain social distancing. 

The governor added that Stage 5 would be the time to decide how to approach the next school year.

To get fully back on track will require constant vigilance from all of us,” said Holcomb. “This is up to each and every one of us.”

Holcomb added that portions of the state could return to earlier stages if a surge in COVID-19 happens.

To date, the Indiana State Department of Health has confirmed 18.630 positive cases of COVID-19 and 1,062 deaths. As of last week, more than 515,000 Hoosiers applied for unemployment insurance benefits.

Learn more about Holcomb’s five-stage “Back on Track” plan at www.backontrack.in.gov.