Indiana Governor Issues Restrictions Following State’s First COVID-19 Death

Gov. Holcomb

As Indiana announces the first death from the novel coronavirus in the state, Gov. Eric Holcomb has detailed additional efforts by the state to help slow the spread of the virus. Among the new directives, the governor is requiring all bars, nightclubs and restaurants to close to in-person patrons, though they may provide takeout and delivery services through the end of the month. Additionally, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett has declared a local disaster emergency for Marion County in response to the coronavirus outbreak.

This story by Alex Brown originally appeared in Inside Indiana Business.

Holcomb’s office adds the state will adhere to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention limiting in-person events to no more than 50 people.

Currently, the state says 273 public school districts in Indiana are closed, using e-learning days, or on spring break and have announced a future closure. The Indiana Department of Education is working with the remaining 16 public school districts to determine their next steps.

Holcomb is encouraging hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to cancel or postpone elective and non-urgent surgical procedures immediately. “This action will help the healthcare system conserve resources and personnel necessary to meet emerging health needs,” the state said in a news release.

The state has also postponed the inaugural Indiana Global Economic Summit, which was set to take place in late April. The summit, which was first announced in December, has been described as the “Business Super Bowl” and was meant to bring together CEOs from businesses throughout the world as well as government, academic and other business leaders.

The Indiana Department of Workforce Development is suspending rules requiring certain unemployment insurance claimants to physically appear at a WorkOne location to receive reemployment services for the next four weeks. “This will ensure that individuals who may be symptomatic do not have to physically appear to continue their unemployment insurance eligibility.”

You can learn more about the state’s response to the coronavirus by clicking here.