Monroe County will enter phase three of Gov. Eric Holcomb’s “Back on Track Indiana” plan May 30 at midnight. County health officer Dr. Thomas Sharp issued a health order deviating from the guidance on group gatherings.
The governor’s plan would allow for gatherings of up to 100 people in phase three but Sharp’s order is limiting gatherings in Monroe County to 50 people or less, rather than the 100-person limit set by the state.
The order was signed Thursday and takes effect Saturday. This order will last through June 15.
Kathy Hewett is the lead educator for the Monroe County Health Department.
Hewett says moving into stage 3 means retail stores and malls can bump their capacity to 75 percent, and other services will be allowed to reopen.
“Adult daycare services can open. Raceways can open without spectators," she says. "And gyms can open following guidance and restrictions.”
Places of worship have no gathering limit, though virtual services are encouraged to continue if possible.
Also included in the order are suggestions for wearing face coverings in public, maintaining social distancing practices and frequent hand washing.
Monroe County officials say that the decision to move to phase three in Indiana's plan based on the infectious disease rate among people tested, as well as other factors.
"Staying in less restricted times is going to require people wear face coverings while they're in public and keep social distancing," says Julie Thomas, president of the Monroe County Commissioners.
Bente Bouthier contributed to this report.
Contact Matt at mrasnic@iu.edu or on Twitter @Matt_Rasnic.
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