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Still Unclear How Indiana Businesses Will Enforce Reopening Restrictions

Many retail businesses can now reopen in most of the state – but only at 50 percent capacity.
Many retail businesses can now reopen in most of the state – but only at 50 percent capacity.

Gov. Eric Holcomb didn’t shed any more light Monday on how businesses can be reasonably expected to enforce new COVID-19 restrictions as they’re allowed to reopen.

Holcomb’s loosened regulations were unveiled last week. Many retail businesses can now reopen in most of the state – but only at 50 percent capacity. Holcomb general counsel Joe Heerens says they must also produce a safety plan in the next week, which includes an employee health screening process and enhanced cleaning.

“Providing hand sanitizer and other disinfectants as well as complying with social distancing requirements and separation measures and wearing face coverings,” Heerens says.

READ MORE:  Governor Holcomb Outlines How – And Why – The State Will Reopen

But asked whether he really expects employees to bar customers from entering – or kick others out – Holcomb says consumers should expect businesses to be prepared.

“It’s going to require businesses themselves and state government – all of us – to be policing ourselves,” Holcomb says.

The governor also reminded people they can file complaints about workplace safety concerns with the state.

As of last week, the state issued verbal warnings to businesses in less than 10 percent of the complaints it investigated. Zero cease-and-desist orders were issued.

Contact Brandon at  bsmith@ipbs.org or follow him on Twitter at @brandonjsmith5.

For the latest news and resources about COVID-19, bookmark our Coronavirus In Indiana page  here.

This is a rapidly evolving story, and we are working hard to bring you the most up-to-date information. However, we recommend checking the websites of the  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  or the  Indiana State Department of Health  for the most recent numbers of COVID-19 cases.

Brandon J. Smith has previously worked as a reporter and anchor for KBIA Radio in Columbia, MO. Prior to that, he worked for WSPY Radio in Plano, IL as a show host, reporter, producer and anchor. His first job in radio was in another state capitol, in Jefferson City, as a reporter for three radio stations around Missouri. Brandon graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a Bachelor of Journalism in 2010, with minors in political science and history. He was born and raised in Chicago.