Gov. Eric Holcomb told Hoosiers to stay at home to slow the spread of the coronavirus during a state address Monday. The new executive order to stay home goes from 11:59 p.m. March 24 to 11:59 p.m. April 6.
The order is in response to rising cases of the coronavirus in Indiana. Holcomb said there was one case of COVID-19 in Indiana on March 6, and now there are 259.
“The next two weeks are critical if we are to slow the spread of COVID-19, and we must slow the spread,” Holcomb said. “You must be part of the solution, not the problem.”
Several other states in the country have taken similar steps, including Illinois and Michigan.
Holcomb also said only essential members of the workforce such as hospital staff, police and child protective services should be out working. Other essential businesses include grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations and public transit.
Beginning Tuesday, state government offices, including branches of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, will be closed to in-person public activity until at least April 7.
He said public safety functions will continue, and state employees will work remotely when possible.
Because of the closures, driver’s licenses and registrations will be extended for 60 days, and people will not get citations for expired licenses, Holcomb said.
All restaurants in Indiana are still required to close dining areas and only do carry out and to-go orders. Those who don’t comply can have their food and beverage licenses suspended, Holcomb said.
“The state of our state is in a much different place,” Holcomb said.
