INDIANAPOLIS — New COVID-19 outbreaks across the country have put the brakes on reopening plans here.
Nearly 30 states saw increases of 25 percent or more positive cases in the last two weeks, which is why Governor Eric Holcomb is pressing pause.
"The volatility that we see, especially around our own borders, is of concern," said Holcomb.
The number of people hospitalized has also increased. Health leaders say on Wednesday, 668 were treated for COVID-19, compared to 595 a week ago. As of June 25, there were about 33 new patients being admitted every day, according to State Health Commissioner Dr. Kristina Box.
"There are steps we can take to decrease the risk, but we can't make it zero," said Dr. Graham Carlos, chief of medicine for Eskenazi Health.
Carlos urges the public to take precautions.
"Unlike the flu, which really goes away in the summer months, this virus is not doing that, and states like Florida have a lot of heat. The virus is very much present," said Carlos.
States like Florida, Tennessee, Ohio and South Carolina saw some of the biggest increases.
"It's indoors that it becomes a problem because in temperature and humidity-controlled environments, the virus can exist on surfaces and as we cough, speak loudly, sing, sneeze, we disperse these viral droplets, and it can spread," said Carlos.
It's why wearing masks is so important.
"We in health care are asking everyone to trust us here and now that this is an important measure to protect you and those people that you love," said Carlos.
All of these precautions are made so Indiana and the world can get back on track.
“While most of our health indicators remain positive, our data indicates a need to be extra cautious, which is why we will pause much of our Back on Track roadmap,” Holcomb said. “I urge Hoosiers to maintain vigilance in social distancing and wearing masks so we can continue to reopen our state for business.”
While a few restrictions will lift on July 4 in version 4.5 of the plan, most will stay in place. Elkhart County will remain fully in Stage 4 until at least July 17. Local governments may impose more restrictive guidelines.
With Phase 4.5, the state will delay increasing capacity in some businesses including dining rooms, bars and entertainment venues.
Under the revised plan, beginning July 4, fairs, festivals and other similar outdoor events may open. Pari-mutuel horse racing and county and state fair racing may begin with 50 percent spectator capacity. Youth overnight camps may open.
K-12 school operations may begin the 2020-21 academic year on July 1. Extra-curricular and co-curricular activities may resume July 6.
Outdoor visitation is required at assisted living facilities and nursing homes beginning July 4, and indoor visitation may begin. Hospital visitations with precautions are encouraged.
Through at least July 17, the following restrictions will continue:
- Social gatherings following the CDC’s social distancing guidelines will be limited to up to 250 people. This limit applies to wedding receptions, parties, and other events where people are in close physical contact for extended periods of time, particularly indoors.
- Dining room food service may continue operations at up to 75 percent capacity as long as social distancing is observed. Bar seating in restaurants may continue operations at 50 percent capacity. Bars and nightclubs may continue operations open at 50 percent capacity as long as they adhere to social distancing guidelines.
- Cultural, entertainment and tourism sites may continue operations open at 50 percent capacity.
- Movie theaters, bowling alleys and similar facilities may continue operations open at 50 percent capacity.
- Amusement parks, water parks and similar facilities may continue operations open at 50 percent capacity. Reservations are encouraged to limit the number of customers at any one time.
- Raceways may continue operations open at 50 percent grandstand capacity.