EXECUTIVE ORDER: 20-46

FOR: BACK ON TRACK INDIANA: STAGE FIVE CONTINUED

TO ALL WHOM THESE PRESENTS MAY COME, GREETINGS:

WHEREAS, on March 6, 2020, I issued Executive Order 20-02 [20200311-IR-GOV200091EOA] which declared a public health emergency exists throughout the State of Indiana as result of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in the United States and a confirmed report of the disease in our State and this initial declaration has been extended by me in subsequent Executive Orders (Executive Orders 20-17, -25, -30, -34, -38, -41 & -44);

WHEREAS, on March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 to be a global pandemic and, on March 13, 2020, the President of the United States declared a national emergency with respect to this dangerous virus;

WHEREAS, as of the date of this Executive Order, the virus has now spread to every county in our State, with over 139,000 confirmed cases and over 3,600 deaths;

WHEREAS, as Governor, under Indiana's Emergency Management and Disaster Law, Ind. Code ch. 10-14-3 ("Emergency Disaster Law"), I have authority to take actions necessary to prepare for, respond to and address a public health disaster emergency including the following:

WHEREAS, in addition to the authority granted to me by the Indiana General Assembly, the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) has been granted authority under Title 16 of the Indiana Code to take measures in connection with prevention and suppression of disease and epidemics;

WHEREAS, to reduce and slow the spread of COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the ISDH recommended implementation of mitigation strategies to contain this virus including engaging in social distancing and wearing face coverings in public settings and when around people who don't live in the same household;

WHEREAS, in order to take all necessary steps to increase containment of this virus, I have issued various Executive Orders including a stay-at-home order, closure of state government buildings and restrictions on retail establishments and on in-person dining at restaurants;

WHEREAS, by consulting with experts and utilizing a data-driven approach to make decisions based on facts, science, and recommendations from experts in health care, business, labor, and education, we began to reopen our Hoosier economy while prioritizing Hoosiers' health in the process;

WHEREAS, to continue mitigation of COVID-19 and to lower the risk of a resurgence, a measured and staggered approach to reopening businesses and entities has been instituted. Five stages were outlined initially with each ensuing stage being subject to fewer restrictions and limitations than the previous stage;

WHEREAS, as key data points regarding COVID-19 improved, the Hoosier state transitioned into Stage 5 on September 26, 2020, which is set for expiration at 11:59 p.m. on October 17, 2020, unless modified or extended;

WHEREAS, key data points on COVID-19 pertaining to the Hoosier state's positivity rate, the number of new cases per 100,000 people and hospitalizations have been increasing in Stage 5, and thus, additional monitoring is warranted before considering further modifications;

WHEREAS, additionally throughout many areas across the United States, there are signs of increased coronavirus spread and evidence of resurgence in areas where there has been significant reopening of businesses and easing or disregard of mitigation efforts and this also warrants additional monitoring;

WHEREAS, based on all of the above, the State of Indiana will remain in Stage 5 for a period of four additional weeks which will allow all businesses to remain open and operational while continuing to require a few strategic and critical measures to protect Hoosiers from the spread of this dangerous virus.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Eric J. Holcomb, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor by the Indiana Constitution and the laws of the State of Indiana, do hereby order:

IT IS SO ORDERED.