INDIANAPOLIS — Friday's latest updates on the coronavirus pandemic.
ISDH updates coronavirus numbers in the state
The Indiana State Department of Health reported that there are more than 1,000 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state, totaling more than 115,000 cases in the state.
Eighteen more Hoosiers have died from the virus, totaling more than 3,300 deaths.
Nearly 2 million Hoosiers have been tested.
Marion County easing some restrictions beginning Monday, including capacity at restaurants, bars, gyms, churches
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett and Marion County Public Health Department Director Dr. Virginia Caine provided an update of Marion County restrictions on various activities and COVID-19 data.
Starting Monday, Sept. 28, the following changes go into place:
- Restaurants, bars, nightclubs and food establishments may have up to 50 percent indoor capacity and 100 percent outdoor capacity. Restaurants and bars will continue to be closed at midnight.
- Museum, cultural sites, music venues and other similar businesses are now able to open to 50 percent capacity.
- Gyms, fitness centers and similar businesses can also expand to 50 percent capacity.
- Live entertainment can resume at bars, clubs and performance venues with certain social distancing precautions in place. A 10-foot buffer should be maintained between the stage and audiences, as well as audiences social distancing themselves.
- Assisted living facilities may be open to indoor visitation.
- Funeral homes and churches can have indoor services at 75 percent capacity. Outdoor services can operate at 100 percent capacity.
"Our approach will always be guided by the best available data and the consultation of health experts," Hogsett said.
Hogsett said they are working on recommendations for Halloween and will provide an update next week.
Hogsett said the seven-day moving average rate for all tests has fallen from 5.6 percent at the beginning of the month to 4.8 percent as of Thursday, Sept. 24.
Marion County is twice as populous as Indiana's next most populous county, so that is why Hogsett said restrictions are tighter than the rest of the state.
The rest of the state will enter Stage 5 of the reopening plan Saturday, Sept. 26 and last through Oct. 17.
Stage 5 changes:
- A mask mandate will continue.
- Size limitations will be removed for gatherings and meetings. Organizers of events with more than 500 people will need to submit a written plan to the local health department.
- Restaurants and bars that serve food can open at full capacity. Appropriate social distancing will need to be maintained. A bar section must have people seated.
- Bars and nightclubs can open at full capacity. Customers must be seated, and social distancing is required.
- Indoor and outdoor venues can open at full capacity.
- Senior centers and congregate nutrition sites may reopen according to FSSA guidance.
- Personal services, gyms, fitness centers and workout facilities may resume normal operations.
- Nursing homes and assisted living facilities are required to provide visitation opportunities.
Latest US, world numbers
There have been more than 6.97 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the U.S. as of 3:30 a.m. ET Friday, according to Johns Hopkins University. There have been more than 202,000 deaths and 2.71 million people recovered.
Worldwide, there have been 32.23 million confirmed cases with more than 983,000 deaths and 22.23 million recoveries.
The real number of people infected by the virus around the world is believed to be much higher — perhaps 10 times higher in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — given testing limitations and the many mild cases that have gone unreported or unrecognized.
For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness like pneumonia, or death.
'Angels in the Outfield' showing at Victory Field Friday evening
If you're looking for something to do with the family, Victory Field could be the spot for you.
The stadium will become an outdoor movie theater. Here is the remaining schedule:
- Friday, Sept. 25 — "Angels in the Outfield"
- Friday, Oct. 9 — "A League of Their Own"
Gates open at 6 p.m. and showtime is 7 p.m. for each movie. Tickets are $10 to $25, or you can reserve a 6-person pod on the field for $75.
Click here for more information.