As anticipated by Monroe County Health Department Administrator Penny Caudill, Monroe County turned from yellow to orange, according to Indiana State Department of Health county metrics. But what does that mean for Monroe County residents?
All Indiana counties must follow the Governor Holcomb’s Executive Order 20-48. But in addition, local health officials and leaders have decided to implement additional guidelines to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Here are some of the key legal points.
According to the governor’s executive order, all Hoosiers and Hoosier businesses must:
- All Hoosiers must wear face masks when unable to maintain 6 feet of social distance.
- Hoosier businesses are open, with certain requirements for counties in orange or red.
- Businesses must display signs requiring face covering and should only admit those wearing face masks and social distancing.
- Restaurant, bar and nightclub customers must remain seated when receiving service. Non-household parties should be spaced 6 feet apart.
- Pre-K to 12 schools should consult local health departments and ISDH metrics when making decisions about in-person operations.
- The Indiana Department of Homeland Security and Alcohol and Tobacco Commission will ensure compliance of regulations.
In addition, Hoosiers should wash their hands regularly, remain home when feeling sick or symptomatic, be vigilant if older than 65, and suspend in-person visits with high risk individuals.
Monroe County has implemented its own restrictions dependent on ISDH county metrics for orange counties.
Orange Counties: Counties with a point score between 2.0 and 2.5. Community spread is approaching high levels.
- Social and event gathering sizes are limited to 25. The City of Bloomington has put in place a 15-person gathering size limit, subject to City enforcement.
- The Health Department will not be allowing exemptions to gatherings (personal or commercial) when in orange except for rare extenuating circumstances of need. These must still meet prevention measures for safety.
- No self-serve or buffet-style food service in restaurants.
- Bars/Restaurants: prefer carry out as much as possible.
- Early closure of 1:00 AM
Monroe County bar or restaurants must comply with the following guidelines:
- Patrons must remain seated and masked unless actively eating or drinking. This includes wearing a mask when ordering or being served.
- No standing, congregating or dancing allowed inside establishments.
- Restaurants are encouraged to use outdoor seating.
- Party sizes may not exceed 10. Parties should maintain 6 feet of social distancing.
- Bars must designate a single bar-top location for ordering opposed to across the entire bar.
- Restaurants and bars must place 6-foot markings on the floor when utilizing bar-top ordering.
- Air ventilation should be increased to maximum capacity, or at least six air changes per hour.
- It is recommended that patrons not wait indoors in establishments when waiting for an available table. Restaurants should utilize a reservation system and call patrons upon the availability of their table.
All counties in Indiana must adhere to the following guidelines dependent on their county metric unless specified by county officials. All but one Indiana county are orange or red.
Orange:
- Social gatherings of any kind cannot exceed 50 people.
- Special, seasonal or commercial events with more than 50 people must submit a plan to the local health department at least seven days in advance. This requirement goes into effect Nov. 22.
- Evaluate the source of positive tests, undertake target testing, quarantine and isolation.
- Local officials must convene regularly to discuss actions to decrease the spread of COVID-19 in their community.
- School officials should review plans for all extra-curricular activities and assemblies to ensure best mitigation practices.
- Common areas and break rooms must allow social distancing.
- Attendance at winter indoor K-12 activities, including IHSAA sports, must limit to 25% capacity. Support personnel and attendees must wear face coverings. Non-family groups must socially distance.
Red:
- Social gatherings of any kind cannot exceed 25 people.
- Special, seasonal or commercial events with more than 25 people must submit a plan to the local health department at least seven days in advance. This requirement goes into effect Nov. 22.
- Evaluate the source of positive tests, undertake target testing, quarantine and isolation.
- The ISDH will convene local officials to discuss actions to decrease the spread of COVID-19 in their community.
- Local officials may consider limiting bar, nightclub and restaurant hours.
- Attendance at winter indoor K-12 activities, including IHSAA sports, must limit to participants, guardians and support personnel. Support personnel and attendees must wear face coverings. Non-family groups must socially distance.
- Vulnerable populations should remain isolated. Social and holiday participation is discouraged.
- All businesses must adhere to strict social distancing guidelines. Curbside pickup is recommended.
- Senior center activities are suspended.
- Hospitals, long-term care and other congregate settings may impose visitation limits.
- Reduce the number of people in common areas or break rooms.
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