Indiana will enter the next stage of its reopening plan Friday, June 12, a couple days early.
Stage 4 of the “Back on Track” plan allows groups of up to 250 people to gather. Retail stores no longer have capacity limits, though the state still urges proper social distancing.
Gov. Eric Holcomb says some locations will now get their first opportunity to reopen to the public since the pandemic began.
“Cultural and entertainment tourism sites such as museums and zoos and aquariums are all up to 50 percent of capacity," Holcomb says. "Movie theaters, bowling alleys open at 50 percent.”
Bars and nightclubs can now also open at 50 percent capacity. So, too, can amusement and water parks and playgrounds.
State Health Commissioner Dr. Kris Box says parents still need to take precautions with their kids at those public locations.
“Carry that hand sanitizer along with you. Encourage your children to wear masks if they can, especially if they’re on the merry-go-round with another five or six kids," Box says. "Encourage them to social distance – but I know they’re probably not going to do that very well.”
Box says parents should try to avoid feeding their children at a playground.
Festivals, parades, fairs and carnivals remain closed in Stage 4. Racing venues may reopen to the public – at half capacity – beginning Friday. Peri-mutuel horse racing can also resume at Hoosier Park and Indiana Grand facilities, but those races a must remain closed to spectators.
Casinos will also reopen under Stage 4, but on their own timeline. The Indiana Gaming Commission gave the green light this week for a June 15 reopening.
Contact reporter Brandon at bsmith@ipbs.org or follow him on Twitter at @brandonjsmith5.