Governor Holcomb Ending Stage 5; New Restrictions Based On Color-Coded Map

County's that are orange or red will have specific requirements under the new executive order.

(Indianapolis, Ind.) – Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb is ending Stage 5 of the Back on Track plan. 

Stage 5 will come to an end this weekend due to surging COVID-19 numbers. 

When the governor announced Stage 5 in September, the state's positivity rate was at 3.9 percent. Today, it stands at 10.3 percent, according to the Indiana State Department of Health.

"I said at that time, very deliberately that we could not let our guard down or change our good habits. Unfortunately, too many of us and around the country have let our guards down and either assumed we won't get it, or if we do so be it we'll get through it without any more universal consideration to what these multiplying numbers have on others and our system of cares. Stage 5 has been viewed by some as a reason return to the days before we even heard about COVID-19 or pandemic in a modern day sense," said Holcomb. 

The governor's executive order effective November 15 will last for at least a month with requirements being established based on a county’s status in the color-coded metrics map.

Businesses will remain open, but operators and patrons must meet certain requirements when a county is in orange or red status.

Going forward, signage stating face coverings must be worn are required at public and employee entrances. Only people wearing face coverings should be admitted.

Furthermore, all customers in restaurants, bars and nightclubs must be spaced six feet apart.

Indiana Department of Homeland Security and Alcohol & Tobacco Commission, with local partners, will continue to check businesses for occupancy, social distancing and face covering requirements.

If your county is in orange:

• Social gatherings of any kind, inside or outside, are limited to 50 people.
• Special, seasonal or commercial events planned for more than 50 people require approval of a safety plan by the local health department.
• Attendance at winter indoor K-12 extracurricular and co-curricular events is limited to 25 percent capacity.
• Capacity in common areas and break rooms should be reduced and users should be socially distanced.
• Community rec sports leagues and tournaments may continue with attendance limited to participants, required personnel and parents/guardians only.

Requirements for red counties include:

• Social gatherings of any kind, inside or outside, are limited to 25 people.
• Special, seasonal or commercial events planned for more than 25 people require approval of a safety plan by the local health department. Events are not advised to be held. College and pro sports are included.
• Attendance at winter indoor K-12 extracurricular and co-curricular activities including IHSAA sports, is limited to participants, support personnel and parents/guardians.
• Local officials may consider limiting hours for the operation of bars, nightclubs, and restaurants.
• Community recreational sports leagues and tournaments may continue with participants, required personnel and parents/guardians only.
• Senior care activities suspended.
• Hospitals, long-term care facilities and other congregate setting may impose visitation limits.
• Common areas and break rooms should be closed.

Governor Holcomb said churches and religious gatherings will remain exempt from restrictions.