Government responses to and political effects of the coronavirus pandemic, 2020 (Indiana)

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Ballotpedia’s coverage of COVID-19 includes how federal, state, and local governments are responding, and how those responses are influencing election rules and operations, political campaigns, the economy, schools, and more.

This article contains coverage of eight kinds of state government responses to the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. The article tracks developments in these areas that took place between the start of the pandemic in March 2020 through Dec. 4, 2020. The government responses covered here include:

* Changes to election dates and procedures in 2020
* Initial stay-at-home orders
* Executive orders
* Coronavirus-related legislation in 2020
* Changes to the state's 2020 legislative session
* Court closures
* The release of inmates
* Rent, mortgage, eviction, and foreclosure policies

Additionally, the article includes:

* Arguments related to the state's response to the coronavirus
* Individual industries and activities from May 15 through July 31
* The state's initial plan to reopen from March and April 2020 closures
* Coronavirus resources relevant to the state.

To view current coverage areas, including mask requirements, school responses, travel restrictions, and much more, click a state in the map below.

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Documenting_STATE's_path_to_recovery_from_the_coronavirus_(COVID-19)_pandemic,_2020-2021

## Contents

* 1 Changes to election dates and procedures, March 16 through November 19
* 1.1 General election changes
* 1.2 Primary election changes
* 1.3 October 13, 2020: Federal appeals court reinstates original absentee/mail-in ballot return deadline
* 1.4 September 29, 2020: Federal judge extends absentee/mail-in ballot return deadlines
* 1.5 May 12, 2020: Republican Party of Indiana cancels in-person state convention
* 1.6 April 14, 2020: Democratic Party of Indiana cancels in-person state convention
* 1.7 March 25, 2020: Indiana authorizes no-excuse absentee voting in June 2, 2020, primary election
* 1.8 March 20, 2020: Indiana postpones primary election to June 2, 2020
* 2 Statewide stay-at-home order, March 23 through December 4
* 3 Executive orders, March 30 through June 29
* 4 Court closures, March 17 through November 4
* 5 Legislative session changes, March 20 through October 1
* 6 Proposed and enacted legislation, March 25 through August 19
* 7 Rent, mortgage, eviction, and foreclosure policies, April 9 through November 24
* 8 Prison inmate release responses, March 30 through July 1
* 9 Debate in Indiana over responses to the coronavirus
* 10 Status of industries, May 15 through July 31
* 11 Initial reopening plan from March and April 2020 closures
* 11.1 Context
* 11.2 Plan details
* 11.3 Reactions
* 12 Coronavirus resources
* 12.1 State resources
* 12.2 Federal resources
* 13 See also
* 14 Footnotes

## Changes to election dates and procedures, March 16 through November 19[edit]

See also: Changes to election dates, procedures, and administration in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

### General election changes[edit]

Indiana did not modify any procedures for the November 3, 2020, general election.

For a full timeline about election modifications made in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, click here.

### Primary election changes[edit]

Indiana modified its primary election process as follows:

* Election postponements: The primary election was postponed from May 5, 2020, to June 2.
* Voting procedures: All voters were allowed to cast their ballots by mail in the primary election.
* Political party events: Both the Democratic and Republican parties of Indiana canceled their in-person state conventions. The parties opted instead to conduct convention business virtually and by mail.

For a full timeline about election modifications made in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, click here.

Click the gray bar below for more detailed information.

* Indiana election changes (click to expand)

### October 13, 2020: Federal appeals court reinstates original absentee/mail-in ballot return deadline[edit]

On October 13, 2020, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit stayed a lower court's order that had extended the state's return deadlines for absentee/mail-in ballots. As a result, the original receipt deadline (noon on November 3, 2020) was reinstated.[1]

On September 29, 2020, Judge Sarah Barker, of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, issued an order extending the postmark and receipt deadline for absentee/mail-in ballots in Indiana to November 3 , 2020, and November 13, 2020, respectively. The state appealed Barker's order to the Seventh Circuit.[1]

The Seventh Circuit panel, comprising Judges Diane Sykes, Frank Easterbrook, and Michael B. Brennan, ruled unanimously in favor of the state. Writing for the court, Easterbrook said, "That some people are unwilling to vote in person does not make an otherwise-valid system unconstitutional. It is for states to decide what sorts of adjustments would be prudent. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has caused great loss but is not a good reason for the federal judiciary to assume tasks that belong to politically responsible individuals."[1]

### September 29, 2020: Federal judge extends absentee/mail-in ballot return deadlines[edit]

On September 29, 2020, Judge Sarah Barker, of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, issued an order extending the postmark and receipt deadline for absentee/mail-in ballots in Indiana to November 3, 2020, and November 13, 2020, respectively. The full text of the order can be accessed here.[2]

### May 12, 2020: Republican Party of Indiana cancels in-person state convention[edit]

On May 12, 2020, the Republican Party of Indiana announced that it would cancel its in-person state convention, which had been scheduled to take place on June 20, 2020. Instead, the party opted to conduct convention business virtually and by mail.[3]

### April 14, 2020: Democratic Party of Indiana cancels in-person state convention[edit]

On April 14, 2020, the Democratic Party of Indiana announced that it would cancel its in-person state convention, which had been scheduled to take place on June 13, 2020. Instead, the party opted to conduct convention business virtually and by mail.[4]

### March 25, 2020: Indiana authorizes no-excuse absentee voting in June 2, 2020, primary election[edit]

On March 25, 2020, the Indiana Election Commission authorized the temporary suspension of the state's statutory absentee voting eligibility requirements, allowing all voters to cast their ballots by mail in the June 2, 2020, primary election. The commission also authorized the following changes to related election deadlines:[5]

* Deadline for requesting an absentee ballot: May 21, 2020
* Voter registration deadline: May 4, 2020

### March 20, 2020: Indiana postpones primary election to June 2, 2020[edit]

On March 20, 2020, Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb (R), Secretary of State Connie Lawson (R), Republican Party Chairman Kyle Hupfer, and Democratic Party Chairman John Zody announced the postponement of Indiana's primary election, originally scheduled for May 5, 2020, to June 2, 2020. All attendant dates and deadlines were postponed 28 days. See below for the full press release:[6]

“  |

Governor Eric Holcomb joined Secretary of State Connie Lawson, Republican Party Chair Kyle Hupfer and Democratic Party Chair John Zody today to announce an agreement to move the date of this year’s Indiana primary election from May 5 to June 2.

All dates corresponding with the primary election will be moved by 28 days to reflect the new date of the primary. For example, military and overseas ballots are required to mailed 45 days prior to the primary election, so they’ll move 45 days prior to June 2.

“The right of citizens to elect their leaders in a free and open election is one of the cornerstones of America. In order to balance that right with the safety of county employees, poll workers and voters, delaying Indiana’s primary election is the right move as we continue to do all we can to protect Hoosiers’ health,” said Gov. Holcomb.

Gov. Holcomb signed an executive order to suspend Indiana’s election statute and move the dates. The executive order is posted here: https://www.in.gov/gov/2384.htm

In addition, Governor Holcomb, Secretary Lawson, Chairman Hupfer and Chairman Zody made the following recommendations to the Indiana Election Commission.

• Suspend absentee by-mail rules to allow all Hoosiers the option to vote by mail in the upcoming primary election.

• Allow county clerks to continually mail ballots from now through 12 days out from the new primary election date.

• Confirm ballots with a May 5, 2020 date will be valid.

• Enable medical professionals to be eligible members of traveling boards to vote nursing home and hospital patients.

• Give family members the ability to deliver absentee ballots. Currently only a member of a voter’s household may take possession of their ballot.

“As Indiana’s Chief Election Officer, it is my top priority to protect our elections, but, above all else, it is my duty to protect the health and safety of Hoosiers,” said Secretary Lawson. “I believe the bi-partisan recommendations we have asked the Indiana Election Commission to take will allow us to provide all Hoosiers the opportunity to vote.

Indiana Election Commission Chairman Paul Okeson has called a meeting of the Indiana Election Commission on Wednesday, March 25 at 10 a.m. to discuss the recommendations. The meeting will be held in the south atrium of the Indiana Statehouse.[7]

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## Statewide stay-at-home order, March 23 through December 4[edit]

See also: States with lockdown and stay-at-home orders in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

On March 23, Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) issued Executive order 20-08, which directed individuals in the state to stay at home unless performing essential activities and placed restrictions on non-essential businesses.[8] On April 3, the order was extended through April 20.[9] On April 17, Holcomb extended the stay-at-home order to May 1.[10]

The Executive Order contained a list of essential businesses and industries that would be permitted to remain open. The information below lists those businesses and industries.[11]

“  |

Excerpt from Indiana Executive Order 20-08 (March 23, 2020)

For the purposes of this Executive Order, the phrase “Essential Businesses and Operations” means Healthcare and Public Health Operations, Human Services Operations, Essential Governmental Functions, and Essential Infrastructure, as well as the following:

CISA List On March 19, 2020, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (“CISA”), issued a Memorandum on Identification of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers During COVID-19 Response. The definition of Essential Businesses and Operations in this Executive Order includes all of the workers identified in that Memorandum, which may be found or accessed at the following link: https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/CISA-Guidance-on-Essential-Critical-Infrastructure-Workers-1-20-508c.pdf.

Stores That Sell Groceries and Medicine Grocery stores, pharmacies, certified farmer’s markets, farm and produce stands, supermarkets, convenience stores, and other establishments engaged in the retail sale of groceries, canned food, dry goods, frozen foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, pet supplies, fresh meats, fish, and poultry, prepared food, alcoholic and non­alcoholic beverages, any other household consumer products (such as cleaning and personal care products), and specifically includes their supply chain and administrative support operations. This includes stores that sell groceries, medicine (including medication not requiring a medical prescription), and also that sell other non-grocery products, and products necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences and Essential Businesses and Operations.

Food, Beverage, and Agriculture Food and beverage manufacturing, production, processing, cultivation, including farming, livestock, fishing, baking, and other production agriculture, including cultivation, marketing, production, and distribution of animals and goods for consumption; and businesses that provide food, shelter, and other necessities of life for animals, including animal shelters, rescues, shelters, kennels, and adoption facilities.

Organizations That Provide Charitable and Social Services Businesses and religious and secular non-profit organizations, including food banks, when providing food, shelter, and social services, and other necessities of life for economically disadvantaged or otherwise needy individuals, individuals who need assistance as a result of this emergency, and people with disabilities.

Religious Entities Religious facilities, entities and groups, and religious gatherings, provided they adhere to the CDC’s guidance on social gatherings.

Media Newspapers, television, radio, and other media services.

Gas Stations and Businesses Needed for Transportation Gas stations and auto supply, auto­repair, farm equipment, construction equipment, boat repair, and related facilities, and bicycle shops and related facilities.

Financial and Insurance Institutions Banks, currency exchanges, consumer lenders, including, but not limited to, credit unions, pawnbrokers, consumer installment lenders and sales finance lenders, title companies, appraisers, financial markets, trading and futures exchanges, payday lenders, affiliates of financial institutions, entities that issue bonds, related financial institutions, and institutions selling financial products. Also, insurance companies, underwriters, agents, brokers, and related insurance claims and agency services.

Hardware and Supply Stores Hardware stores and businesses that sell electrical, plumbing, and heating material.

Critical Trades Building, construction, and other trades, including, but not limited to, plumbers, electricians, exterminators, operating engineers, cleaning and janitorial staff for commercial and governmental properties, security staff, HVAC, painting, moving and relocation services, and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences, Essential Activities, and Essential Businesses and Operations.

Mail, Post, Shipping, Logistics, Delivery, and Pick-Up Services Post offices and other businesses that provide shipping and delivery services, as well as businesses that ship or deliver groceries, food, goods, vehicles, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, or services to end users or through commercial channels.

Educational Institutions Educational institutions (including public and private pre-K-12 schools, colleges, and universities) for purposes of facilitating distance learning, performing critical research, or performing essential functions, provided that social distancing of six-feet per person is maintained to the greatest extent possible.

This Executive Order is consistent with, and does not amend or supersede, any prior Executive Order regarding the closure of schools.

Laundry Services Laundromats, dry cleaners, industrial laundry services, as well as laundry service providers.

Restaurants for Consumption Off-Premises Restaurants, bars, taverns, and other facilities that prepare and serve food, but only for consumption off-premises, through such means as in-house delivery, third-party delivery, drive-through, curbside pick-up, and carryout. The foregoing is addressed in Executive Orders 20-04 and 20-10. The in-person dining prohibition shall be enforced under and pursuant to the process described in Executive Order 20-10.

Schools and other entities that typically provide food services to students or members of the public may continue to do so under this Executive Order on the condition that the food is provided to students or members of the public on a pick-up and takeaway basis only. Schools and other entities that provide food services under this exemption shall not permit the food to be eaten at the site where it is provided, or at any other gathering site due to the virus’s propensity to physically impact surfaces and personal property. This Executive Order is consistent with, and does not amend or supersede, prior Executive Orders regarding the closure of restaurants.

Supplies to Work from Home Businesses that sell, manufacture, or supply products needed for people to work from home.

Supplies for Essential Businesses and Operations Businesses that sell, manufacture, and/or supply other Essential Businesses and Operations with the support or materials necessary to operate, including computers, audio and video electronics, household appliances; IT and telecommunication equipment; hardware, paint, flat glass; electrical, plumbing and heating material; sanitary equipment; personal hygiene products; food, food additives, ingredients and components; medical and orthopedic equipment; optics and photography equipment; diagnostics, food and beverages, chemicals, soaps and detergent; and firearm and ammunition suppliers and retailers for purposes of safety and security.

Transportation Airlines, taxis, transportation network providers (such as Uber and Lyft), vehicle rental services, paratransit, marinas, docks, boat storage, and other private, public, and commercial transportation and logistics providers necessary for the Essential Activities and other purposes expressly authorized in this Executive Order.

Home-Based Care and Services Home-based care for adults, seniors, children, and/or people with developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, substance use disorders, and/or mental illness, including caregivers such as nannies who may travel to the child’s home to provide care, and other in-home services including meal delivery.

Residential Facilities and Shelters Residential facilities and shelters for adults, seniors, children, pets, and/or people with developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, substance use disorders, or mental illness.

Professional Services Professional services, such as legal services, accounting services, insurance services, and real estate services (including appraisal and title services).

Manufacture, Distribution, and Supply Chain for Critical Products and Industries Manufacturing companies, distributors, and supply chain companies producing and supplying essential products and services in and for industries, such as healthcare, pharmaceutical, technology, biotechnology, chemicals and sanitization, agriculture, waste pickup and disposal, food and beverage, transportation, energy, steel and steel products, petroleum, fuel, mining, construction, national defense, communications, and products used by other Essential Businesses and Operations.

Critical Labor Union Functions Labor union essential activities, including the administration of health and welfare funds and personnel checking on the well-being and safety of members providing services in Essential Businesses and Operations, provided that these checks should be done by telephone or remotely where possible.

Hotels and Motels Hotels and motels, to the extent they are used for lodging and delivery or carryout food services.

Funeral Services Funeral, mortuary, cremation, burial, cemetery, and related services.

[7]

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## Executive orders, March 30 through June 29[edit]

See also: Executive orders issued by governors and state agencies in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

* State of Emergency declared
* Executive Order 20-02 Declaration of Public Health Emergency for Coronavirus Disease 2019 Outbreak
* Executive Order 20-03 Waiver of Hours of Service Regulations Relating to Motor Carriers and Drivers of Commercial Vehicles Transporting Good to Indiana Business
* Restaurants and bars closed to in-person customers
* Executive Order 20-04 Further Orders and Directives in Response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Epidemic
* Executive Order 20-05 Helping Hoosiers During the Public Health Emergency Delcared for the Coronavirus 2019 Disease Outbreak
* Executive Order 20-06 Temporary Prohibition on Eviction and Foreclosures
* Executive Order 20-07 Rescheduling the Primary Election Due to Public Health Emergency
* Executive Order 20-08 Directive for Hoosiers to Stay at Home
* Executive Order 20-09 Relating to the Continuity of Operation of Government
* Executive Order 20-10 Enforcement Directive Regarding Prohibition of In-Person Dining
* Executive Order 20-11 Relating to Carryout Consumption of Alcohol
* Executive Order 20-12 Further Provisions for Helping Hoosiers During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
* Executive Order 20-13 Directives to Manage Indiana’s Health Care Response For Hoosiers with COVID-19 During the Public Health Emergency
* Executive Order 20-14 Continuation of Executive Orders 20-04, 20-10 & 20-11 Pertaining to Restaurants and Alcoholic Beverages
* Executive Order 20-15 Additional Directives Regarding Governmental Functions
* Executive Order 20-16 Education Matters and COVID-19
* Executive Order 20-17 Renewal of Public Health Emergency Declaration for COVID-19 Outbreak
* Executive Order 20-18 Continued Directive for Hoosiers to Stay at Home; Extension of Continuity of Operations of Government; and Extension of Executive Orders Pertaining to Restaurants and Alcoholic Beverages
* Executive Order 20-19 Additional Directives to Manage Indiana’s Health Care Response During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
* Executive Order 20-20 Additional Education Matters and COVID-19
* Executive Order 20-21 To Implement the Cares Act and to Extend Other Portions of County Property Tax Bills
* Executive Order 20-22 Extension of Directive for Hoosiers to Stay at Home; Continuity of Operations of Government; and Executive Orders Pertaining to Restaurants an Alcoholic Beverages
* Executive Order 20-23 Additional Relief for the Business Community and Additional Health Directives in Response to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
* Executive Order 20-24 Resumption of Elective and Non-Urgent Medical Procedures
* Executive Order 20-25 Renewal of Public Health Emergency Declaration for the COVID-19 Outbreak
* Executive Order 20-26 Roadmap to Reopen Indiana for Hoosiers, Businesses and State Government
* Executive Order 20-27 Additional directives in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency
* Executive Order 20-28 Back on Track: Reopening Indiana in Stage Three
* Executive Order 20-29 First Amendment to Executive Orders 20-26 and 20-28
* Executive Order 20-30 Renewal of Public Health Emergency Declaration for the COVID-19 Outbreak
* Executive Order 20-31 Additional Extensions of Time in Response to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
* Executive Order 20-32 Back on Track Indiana: Stage Four

## Court closures, March 17 through November 4[edit]

See also: State court closures in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

* May 13, 2020: The Indiana Supreme Court released “Guidelines for resuming operations of the trial courts,” a four-phased plan to assist local courts in planning to resume full operation after the coronavirus pandemic. Phase one directives included identifying employees who could continue to work remotely and implementing social distancing and hygiene measures. Phase two would allow for the resumption of non-emergency hearings and operations. Phase three would allow for jury trials to resume. Phase four would allow for normal activity to resume. Trial courts were directed to submit transition plans to the Supreme Court approval by May 30. The court also extended the suspension of jury trials through July 1.[12]
* March 16, 2020: The Indiana Supreme Court announced that it would continue to operate but limit attendance at oral arguments to the attorneys and parties in the case.[13]

## Legislative session changes, March 20 through October 1[edit]

See also: Changes to state legislative session dates in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

No modifications to state legislative activity in Indiana were made.

## Proposed and enacted legislation, March 25 through August 19[edit]

See also: State laws in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

See below for a complete list of bills related to the coronavirus pandemic in Indiana. To learn more about a particular bill, click its title. This information is provided by BillTrack50 and LegiScan.

## Rent, mortgage, eviction, and foreclosure policies, April 9 through November 24[edit]

See also: Changes to rent, mortgage, eviction, and foreclosure policies in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

* August 14, 2020: Gov. Eric Holcomb's (R) moratorium on evictions and foreclosures ended.[14]
* July 30, 2020: Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) extended the moratorium on evictions and foreclosures through August 14.[15]
* June 24, 2020: Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) extended his prohibition on eviction proceedings through July 31. The prohibition only applied to eviction proceedings related to the nonpayment of rent.[16]
* May 21, 2020: Gov. Holcomb announced that evictions and foreclosures could not resume until on or after July 1, 2020.[17]
* March 20, 2020: Gov. Holcomb issued an executive order which paused evictions and foreclosures until Indiana's state of emergency ends.[18]

## Prison inmate release responses, March 30 through July 1[edit]

See also: State and local governments that released prison inmates in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

* Between March 30 and July 1, Indiana did not make an announcement concerning the release of incarcerated individuals due to coronavirus on a state level. A few counties made the decision to release incarcerated individuals on the local level.[19]

## Debate in Indiana over responses to the coronavirus[edit]

See also: Debate in Indiana over responses to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

Ballotpedia is covering the debate over continuing restrictions and closures in Indiana in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Click on the links below to read more about these debates.

* Debate over the stay-at-home order
* Debate over prisons and inmates
* Debate over school closures
* Debate over religious service restrictions
* Debate over election policy

## Status of industries, May 15 through July 31[edit]

Between May 15 and July 31, we conducted detailed tracking of industries and activities in each state daily.

* "Yes" means an activity was allowed or an industry was permitted to open. "No" means an activity was not allowed or an industry was not permitted to reopen.
* Some rules were applied regionally rather than statewide. Each cell shows the loosest restriction in place at the time, or the broadest level of an activity permitted in the state, even if that activity was only permitted regionally. Where applicable, we indicated that an activity was only permitted regionally, and provided details in a cell note. For example, if gyms were permitted to open in half of a state, the spreadsheet would say "Yes (regionally)," and differences between the regions would be explained in a note.
* A lack of detail in a note or parentheses does not necessarily mean that an activity or industry was "back to normal." We did our best to capture caveats, exceptions, and modifications to activities. We acknowledge, though, that states put forth a large number of requirements for many industries and activities.

## Initial reopening plan from March and April 2020 closures[edit]

Indiana released an initial reopening plan from March and April 2020 closures on May 1, 2020. An analysis of this plan appeared in our Documenting America's Path to Recovery newsletter on May 5. The sections below include an analysis of the plan, the details of the plan, and reactions from officials to the plan.

On May 1, Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) announced a reopening plan, "Back on Track Indiana." It outlines a five-stage reopening process that will lift restrictions on both individuals and businesses in phases through mid-summer. Holcomb laid out four principles for determining whether the state was ready to begin reopening: "First – that the number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients statewide has decreased for 14 days. Our current data show that, as a state, COVID patient admissions have decreased over the past 2 weeks. Second, that the state retain its surge capacity for critical care beds and ventilators. Currently, state-wide ICU bed and vent availability has remained above 40% and 70% respectively for the last 2 weeks." "The third principle is that we can test all Hoosiers who are COVID-19 symptomatic. … To help in the early detection of new cases, the state has partnered with OptumServe to add 50 testing locations in strategically located parts of the state. These sites will enable over 100,000 more Hoosiers to get tested per month, and aid in the early detection of new cases. Hoosier employers, employees, and consumers can have confidence anyone concerned they may be sick due to their symptoms, or having been in contact with someone who is, will have the ability to get tested. Which leads me to our fourth guiding principle for getting Indiana back on track – which is to contact all individuals who test positive for COVID-19 and expand contact tracing. We will aggressively track new cases through a centralized contact tracing program to help slow the spread of the virus."

#### Context[edit]

* Indiana's statewide stay-at-home order took effect on March 23 and expired on May 3.
* As of May 3, there had been 20,507 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 and 1,151 confirmed deaths in Indiana. A total of 113,297 residents had been tested, amounting to a positive test rate of 18.1 percent. As of July 2019, Indiana's population was 6.7 million. Per 100,000 residents, there have been 304.6 confirmed positives, 17.1 confirmed deaths, and 1,682.9 total tests.
* Indiana is a Republican trifecta, with a Republican governor and Republican majorities in both chambers of the state legislature.

#### Plan details[edit]

The plan's five stages are described below. In each stage, important modifications over the preceding stage are noted.

Stage 1: March 24 through May 4

* Rules for individuals: Residents subject to statewide stay-at-home order, which generally prohibited residents from leaving their homes. Exceptions made for essential activities (e.g., grocery shopping, filling prescriptions, caring for elderly family members) and traveling to and from work. Social gatherings of more than 10 people prohibited.
* Rules for businesses:
* Manufacturing, industrial, and construction businesses classified as essential permitted to continue operations, subject to social distancing and other guidelines.
* State, county, and local government offices operational but closed to the public.
* Offices classified as essential permitted to continue operations, subject to social distancing and other guidelines. Other offices required to conduct work remotely.
* Non-essential retail businesses restricted to call-in or online ordering with curbside pick-up or delivery service only.
* Essential retail businesses permitted to continue operations, subject to social distancing and other guidelines.
* Nursing homes closed to visitors. Elective health procedures allowed to resume April 27.
* Restaurants and bars that serve food restricted to carryout, curbside, and delivery service only.
* State parks and golf courses remained open. Campgrounds closed, with exceptions made for permanent RV and cabin residents.
* Closed: bars and nightclubs, personal services, gyms and fitness centers, cultural, entertainment, and sports venues.

Stage 2: May 4 through May 23

* Rules for individuals: Residents are encouraged but not required to stay home. Recommended that individuals wear face coverings when in public and practice social distancing. Social gatherings of more than 25 people prohibited.
* Rules for businesses:
* Non-essential manufacturing, industrial, and construction businesses reopen.
* Bureau of Motor Vehicle locations may open by appointment only effective May 4. Limited access to state buildings effective May 11. County and local governments to resume operations at their discretion. Public libraries reopen.
* Offices reopen, but remote work encouraged wherever possible.
* Non-essential retail businesses reopen at 50 percent capacity. Mall common areas reopen at 25 percent capacity.
* Nursing homes remain closed to visitors. Congregate settings for seniors and adult day cares closed through at least May 31.
* Effective May 11, restaurant and bar dine-in service resumes at 50 percent capacity. Bar seating remains closed.
* Effective May 11, personal service businesses resume operations by appointment only.
* Drive-in theaters reopen.
* Boating and visits to beaches allowed.
* Note: Stage 2 for Lake and Marion counties may begin on May 11 at the earliest. Stage 2 for Cass County may begin on May 18 at the earliest.

Stage 3: May 24 through June 13

* Rules for individuals: Social gatherings of more than 100 people prohibited.
* Rules for businesses:
* Non-essential retail businesses operate at 75 percent capacity. Mall common areas operate at 50 percent capacity.
* Gyms and fitness centers reopen.
* Movie theaters reopen at 50 percent capacity.
* Playgrounds, tennis courts, basketball courts, and swimming pools reopen.

Stage 4: June 14 through July 3

* Rules for individuals: Social gatherings of more than 250 people prohibited.
* Rules for businesses:
* Public access restrictions to state buildings lifted.
* Offices resume in-office work at full capacity.
* Non-essential retail businesses operate at full capacity.
* Restaurant and bar dine-in service resumes at 75 percent capacity. In bars that serve food, bar seating reopens at 50 percent capacity.
* Bars and nightclubs reopen at 50 percent capacity.
* Museums and aquariums reopen at 50 percent capacity. Large cultural, entertainment, or sports venues reopen. Amusement parks and water parks reopen at 50 percent capacity (reservations required).
* Campgrounds reopen.

Stage 5: July 4 and continuing indefinitely

* Rules for individuals: Social gathering size restrictions lifted.
* Rules for businesses: At this stage, effectively all industry groups described above may resume normal operations, with continued adherence to social distancing guidelines.

#### Reactions[edit]

* State Sen. Rodric Bray (R), Senate president pro tem, voiced support of the reopening plan: "Gov. Holcomb has put forth a detailed road map for how our economy can open in the coming weeks that gives due regard for the safety of all of us. I, like many Hoosiers, am glad to see the reopening of retail stores – safely – and updated recommendations allowing for safe, in-person church services. I commend the governor for these steps and I know Hoosiers are looking forward to getting back to work. It will be important to watch the data and continue to be vigilant to ensure the virus does not rebound, but this is a good step forward for Indiana."
* State Sen. Tim Lanane (D), the Senate minority leader, criticized the pacing of the reopening plan: "After all the sacrifices those of us in Indiana have made, the last thing we want to do is open our economy prematurely and see a new wave of this virus as a result. Indiana is not out of the woods yet with COVID-19, and until Indiana starts to see a decrease in positive tests, it’s too soon to be reopening our state at the pace and in the manner described by the Governor. The key has to be the containment and decrease of the spread of the virus, not just whether we can treat those who continue to fall ill. Just because hospitals have the capacity to treat more patients, doesn’t mean the state should be creating them."
* Kevin Brinegar, president of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, voiced support for the reopening plan: "What Governor Holcomb outlined today is a thoughtful, comprehensive approach that manages to achieve that delicate balance of recognizing that businesses have to start resuming operations while doing so in the safest way possible for employees, as well as customers. When business suffers, employees and their families feel it – and this period has been especially hard for almost everyone. We have to begin to return to some sense of normalcy, and the Governor’s gradual stages are the best way to achieve that."
* Sarah Davasher-Wisdom, president of Greater Louisville, Inc., a nonprofit group that advocates for businesses in the greater Louisville metro region, which encompasses parts of southern Indiana, voiced concerns with the differences between approaches to reopening in Indiana and Kentucky: "With differing plans and different dates, businesses on each side of the river are not really being treated equally. Some businesses in Kentucky still don't have even a projection of when they'll be able to open, whereas in Indiana, restaurants are going to be able to re-open early on." She added, "We're not taking a position on which governor was correct in the decision. It's just a matter of needing those dates to be more aligned."

## Coronavirus resources[edit]

Click the links below to explore official resources related to the coronavirus outbreak.

### State resources[edit]

* Office of the Governor of Indiana
* Indiana Department of Health
* Indiana Department of Education

Twitter feeds for government officials and agencies appear below.

### Federal resources[edit]

* Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
* National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
* Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor
* U.S. Department of Education
* World Health Organization

## See also[edit]

* Indiana
* Governor of Indiana
* Indiana State Legislature
* Indiana Supreme Court

## Footnotes[edit]

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, "Common Cause Indiana v. Lawson: Opinion," October 13, 2020
2. ↑ United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, "Common Cause Indiana v. Lawson: Order," September 29, 2020
3. ↑ The Indiana Lawyer, "Indiana Republicans call off in-person state convention," May 13, 2020
4. ↑ The Indiana Lawyer, "Indiana Democratic Convention to be held virtually," April 14, 2020
5. ↑ NWI.com, "All Indiana voters can choose to cast ballot by mail for June 2 primary election," March 25, 2020
6. ↑ WNDU, "Indiana’s primary election rescheduled due to coronavirus pandemic," March 20, 2020
7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
8. ↑ [https://www.in.gov/gov/files/Executive_Order_20-08_Stay_at_Home.pdf In.Gov', "Directive for Hoosiers to stay at home", March 23, 2020
9. ↑ WSBT, "Indiana stay-at-home order extended 2 more weeks, until April 20," April 3, 2020
10. ↑ NBC Chicago, "Indiana to Extend Stay-at-Home Order Through May 1," April 17, 2020
11. ↑ Idaho.gov Twitter account', "Indiana Essential Businesses and Operations List," accessed March 26, 2020
12. ↑ National Center for State Courts, "Coronavirus and the Courts," May 14, 2020
13. ↑ WBIW, "Indiana Judicial Branch Continues to Respond to COVID-19," March 16, 2020
14. ↑ 'IBJ, "Coalition calls for eviction prevention measures as state moratorium expires," August 14, 2020
15. ↑ State of Indiana, "Back on Track Indiana: Second Continuation of Stage 4.5," July 30, 2020
16. ↑ WDRB, "Indiana to extend eviction moratorium through July 31," June 26, 2020
17. ↑ State of Indiana, "Back on Track: Reopening Indiana in Stage Three, May 21, 2020
18. ↑ Cite error: Invalid `<ref>` tag; no text was provided for refs named `EvictMA`
19. ↑ South Ben Tribune, "St. Joseph, other counties release nonviolent inmates and limit arrests in wake of coronavirus," March 29

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