Phase three of Gov. Eric Holcomb’s “Back On Track Indiana” plan goes into effect May 30 at midnight and lifts crowd restrictions for religious services, although Monroe County officials are urging caution.
Monroe County Health Officer Dr. Thomas Sharp issued a health order deviating from the state's guidance on group gatherings.
The state's plan allows for gatherings of up to 100 people, but the health order for Monroe County will limit gatherings to 50 people through June 15. Churches and religious services are exempt from these gathering limits.
“We would encourage them not to do that. Hold off, use streaming or whatever other services you’ve been able to do as long you possibly can,” said Monroe County Health administrator Penny Caudill.
She says phase three means weddings, funerals and worship services don’t have a maximum capacity limit.
“However, everything around it does,” Caudill says. “The reception, the visitation or any group meals or meetings around those events are subject to a 50-person limit.”
Caudill says Monroe County is staying a step behind the state by capping public gatherings at 50 people as a precaution.
“We got to this point because we followed the directions of our health experts,” Caudill says. “We feel like our numbers are doing well and holding stable, but we don’t want to rush it.”
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