Indianapolis, IN (March 23, 2020) — Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb on Monday ordered residents to remain in their homes except for essential errands in an effort to limit the spread of the coronavirus, mirroring similar orders in adjacent Illinois and Ohio.
Holcomb said Monday that the order still allows the state’s 6.8 million residents to seek essentials including groceries and medicine and makes exemptions for employees of crucial industries.
The governors of adjacent Illinois, Ohio and Michigan, as well other states, have ordered residents to remain in their homes, except for to perform essential tasks, to limit the spread of the coronavirus.
The governor also warned that any restaurant or bar that does not immediately comply to the state’s order to switch to a carryout-only model will have its food and beverage license suspended. The order raises plenty of questions about what’s allowed.
Here are some answers along with his public announcement below.
When does the stay-at-home order start?
The order takes effect at 11:59 p.m. Tuesday.
When does it end?
11:59 p.m. April 6, but it could be extended longer, if necessary.
Is this mandatory or a recommendation?
This order is mandatory. For the safety of all Hoosiers, people must stay home and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
How will this order be enforced?
Staying home is critical to reducing the spread of COVID-19 in your community. Adhering to the order will save lives, and it is the responsibility of every Hoosier to do their part. However, if the order is not followed, the Indiana State Police will work with local law enforcement to enforce this order. The Indiana State Department of Health and the Alcohol and Tobacco Commission will enforce the restaurant and bar restrictions.
Will the Indiana National Guard enforce this order?
No. The Indiana National Guard is aiding in planning, preparation and logistics with other state agencies. For example, the Indiana National Guard assists in distributing hospital supplies the state receives.
What is considered as an “essential” business?
The executive order Holcomb issued Monday lays out a long list of industries, businesses and services that are considered essential. Some on that list includes grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations, police stations, fire stations, hospitals, doctor’s offices, health care facilities, garbage pickup, public transit, day care centers, airport operations, utilities, convenience stores, pet supply stores, food distribution companies, animal shelters, churches, media, food banks, auto repair shops, banks, insurance companies, hardware stores, real estate firms, manufacturing companies, hotels, funeral homes, public service hotlines such as SNAP and HIP 2.0, post offices and other shipping and delivery service companies, educational institutions (but K-12 public and private schools are still closed until May 1 under a different executive order), dry cleaners and restaurants (but dine-in service is prohibited).
What about non-essential business. Do those have to close?
The executive order requires those businesses to cease operations, unless employees are working from home.
Does this apply to not-for-profits?
Yes, unless an organization falls under one of the essential exemptions. For example, not-for-profits like food banks, shelters or those that provide other social services for “economically disadvantaged or otherwise needy individuals, individuals who need assistance as a result of this emergency and people with disabilities” are considered essential.
What about churches?
Churches are required to abide by CDC guidance on social gathering, which prohibit more than 10 people together.
Restaurants were already closed, except for takeout. What else will be closed now?
All other retailers that don’t fit the “essential” definition. Also, hair salons, fitness centers/gyms, tattoo parlors, spas and barber shops will have to close. They were specifically excluded from the health care and public health operations exemption.
What is considered an essential activity?
Going to the grocery store or pharmacy, spending time outside (i.e. biking, walking, hiking, running), going to work (assuming it is at an essential business), taking care of others (i.e. delivering groceries or supplies to someone or caring for a pet), going to see a health care professional or going somewhere to purchase medical supplies.
Can I travel to and from work?
Yes. Law enforcement will not be stopping drivers traveling for essential purposes.
Can I still use public transit?
Yes, but individuals using public transit are urged to maintain a six-foot distance from others whenever possible.
Can I still take a plane out of Indiana?
Planes and other types of transportation should be used for essential travel
Can restaurants still offer carry-out?
Yes. Holcomb ordered all restaurants, bars and nightclubs to close except for carry-out and delivery services on March 16, and those establishments can continue to provide those limited services. But if a restaurant is violating the dine-in prohibition, the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission has authority to revoke an establishment’s food and beverage license.
Can groceries and other online orders still be delivered?
Yes.
Does this mean I should buy two weeks worth of groceries?
No.
“Get groceries only when you need them,” Holcomb said.
“And only buy what you need.”
What else is closed?
All amusement parks, aquariums, zoos, museums, arcades, children’s play centers, playgrounds, bowling alleys, movie theaters, entertainment venues, etc.
Gov. Eric Holcomb discusses #COVID19 in Indiana.
Posted by Governor Eric Holcomb on Monday, March 23, 2020
