Gov. Holcomb: Indiana Remains In Stage 4.5 Through August 27

Local governments may impose more stringent guidelines if they choose to do so.

(Indianapolis, Ind.) – Indiana remains in Stage 4.5 of the Back on Track plan.

Governor Eric Holcomb made the announcement during a media briefing on Wednesday afternoon. The governor says the state will remain in Stage 4.5 through August 27.

“I’m optimistic by nature, but I’m also optimistic about where we’re heading,” said Holcomb. “With some recent requirements and recommendations, I think we can get there. I want to be safe, not sorry.”

Provisions of Stage 4.5 will remain as they are.

Local governments may impose more stringent guidelines if they choose to do so.

Gov. Holcomb also announced that the moratorium on evictions from rental properties and the prohibition on filing foreclosures will be extended through August 14. This aligns with the executive order on the disconnection of utility services.

Gov. Holcomb has also modified the requirement for masks in school buildings. 

Following consultation with the Indiana State Department of Health and the Indiana Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the mandatory mask order for schools has been modified to allow students to remove masks for classroom instruction when they are able to maintain at least three to six feet of distance between students.

Dr. Kristina Box reported 630 new positive COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, bringing the state total to 64,299. Data from the Indiana State Department of Health shows eight new COVID-19 related deaths in the last month. The ISDH says there have been 2,733 COVID-19 related deaths since the virus outbreak.

Locally, positive cases range from 423 in Dearborn County to 38 in Ohio County. Dearborn, Ohio, Ripley and Switzerland counties have combined for 37 COVID-19 related deaths. Ohio County has reported zero deaths.

To date, more than 724,000 Hoosiers have been tested. The total positivity rate stands at 8.9 percent.

The 20 to 29-year-old age group has seen the most positive cases in Indiana at 18 percent. Most deaths have come in individuals age 60 and up.

According to the ISDH, 84.8 percent of the state’s ventilators are available. ICU bed availability stands at 43.1 percent.

For more information, visit https://www.coronavirus.in.gov/2393.htm.

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