Indiana: Back on Track

Governor Holcomb's top priority is keeping Hoosiers safe and healthy. That's why he is continuing to look at COVID-19 data to help inform his decisions as we continue to get Indiana back on track. 

This week he announced that while a few restrictions will lift this weekend to allow for outdoor events – where the risk of COVID-19 transmission is up to 19 times less – the majority of Phase 4 will remain in place through at least July 17. This new phase is set to last from July 4 through July 17. For the full details of Phase 4.5, click here. 

Here’s what we can now expect in Indiana for the next few weeks as part of the Back on Track plan:

• Social Gatherings: Following the CDC’s social distancing guidelines, gatherings will be limited to up to 250 people.
• Eating Out: Dining room food service may continue up to 75 percent capacity as long as social distancing is implemented.
• Bars: Bar seating in restaurants may continue operations at 50 percent capacity with social distancing.
• Entertainment: Cultural, entertainment, amusement parks, tourism sites and similar facilities may continue operations open at 50 percent capacity.

As always, state and local communities can impose stricter guidelines – and places like Elkhart County will remain in Stage 4 until at least July 13.

Why the delay? Governor Holcomb has always said this will be a data-driven decision, and here’s where the data currently stands:

• Hospitalizations: Indiana is seeing a slight uptick in our hospitalization rate, from 595 Hoosiers on June 26 to 668 Hoosiers on July 1. While the uptick isn’t as strong as a few other states – it’s still an important change to watch.
• Surge Capacity: Indiana’s hospital surge capacity still remains strong, with 40% of ICU beds available and 83% of ventilators available.
• Testing: We’ve seen increases in Indiana’s testing positivity rates, but the good news is that there are 200 testing sites across the state – so anyone can now get tested (and for free at state-sponsored sites).
• Contact Tracing: Indiana’s contact tracing team is making 2,500 daily calls to people who have tested positive or their close contacts.

If the guiding principles of Governor Holcomb's Back on Track plan look good -- including numbers of hospitalizations, surge capacity, availability of testing and expanded contact tracing -- then we should move to phase 5 by July 18. However, that will require the work of all Hoosiers!

While you’re out this 4th of July weekend, please remember to be safe. Practice social distancing, wear your mask, and let’s look out for our fellow Hoosiers!

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