Monday, June 1, will be a day many Indianapolis residents – especially restaurateurs – have been awaiting. On that day, the city will move to Phase 3 of its COVID-19 reopening plan, Mayor Joe Hogsett and Marion County Public Health Department Director Dr. Virginia Caine announced on May 27.
“The data has continued to point in the right direction, and my thanks go out to all Indianapolis residents who have followed the guidelines and done their part to slow the spread of COVID-19,” Hogsett said. “We must remain vigilant even as we continue to reopen our economy, which means wearing face coverings out in public and maintaining social distance when interacting with others.”
The June 1 move into Phase 3 includes the following:
- Restaurants may serve at 50% total capacity indoor and outdoor, so long as staff continue wearing PPE and patrons can keep 6 feet of distance from other tables.
- Shopping malls and retail can increase to 75% of capacity with continued social distancing.
- Public gatherings are capped at 50 individuals.
- Salons may re-open by appointment only, provided PPE is worn and other social distancing measures are met.
- Fitness centers may open at 50% capacity; community pools may also open at 50% capacity with a cap of 100 people total
Houses of worship can resume indoor service at 50% capacity on May 29, provided congregants maintain six feet of distance and wear a face covering to decrease the spread of the virus.
Playgrounds, movie theaters, performance venues, bowling allies, museums, and indoor play places must remain closed until later phases.
Additionally, the City of Indianapolis also launched indy.gov/masks, which gives access to a free face covering to residents unable to procure them on their own. More information, including timelines and locations for distribution, will be available soon. Businesses seeking face coverings and other PPE for their employees can participate in the RESTART program by going to response.indychamber.com/restart.
Residents and affected workers impacted by COVID-19 restrictions should visit the city’s resource guide, which can be viewed at indy.gov/covid. Spanish-speaking residents can view the Resource Guide at https://www.indy.gov/topic/covidesp. Individuals who are unable to navigate the city’s website can call 317-327-4MAC between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to talk to a customer service representative.
