Stay at Home – Newest COVID-19 Orders
Governor Holcomb Issues "Stay at Home" Directives
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to grow, the Governor of Indiana has issued new and updated directives for the population on an almost daily basis. Two of those orders, issued 3-23-2020 are as follows:
The Stay at Home Directive is a detailed, 10 page order, that gives guidance on the following:
- Definition of Essential Activities. These are the things you are permitted to do outside of your home. They include things like obtaining essential supplies and services, engaging in outdoor activities, caring for loved ones, and obtaining essential health and human services. These are detailed carefully in the Order and you should review it if you have questions about what you are permitted to do.
- Definition of Essential Businesses. The Order carefully details and lists businesses that are essential. The list is long and should be carefully reviewed, particularly if you are a business owner.
- Social Distancing Requirements. Per the Order, anyone who is out of their homes for a permitted reason, is still required to comply with social distancing requirements.
In addition, the Stay at Home Directive gives further guidance to businesses which are remaining open under the Order. It states specifically that businesses should:
- Allow employees to work at home and telework as much as possible.
- Encourage sick employees to stay at home until they are symptom free and fever free for at least 72 hours.
- Update sick leave and PTO policies.
- Separate employees who are ill and restrict access until they are recovered.
- Reinforce key messages to employees about social distancing, and essential hygiene (ie couch and sneeze etiquette and hand washing).
- Perform enhanced cleaning of commonly-touched surfaces and providing disposable wipes for employees to use in wiping services.
- Create a backup plan in the event it becomes necessary to close your business perpetually.
Other Items Covered in Today's Orders:
- The Indiana primary elections have been delayed until 6-2-2020.
- State issued licenses, certifications and permits that expire during the public health emergency are automatically extended to 5-22-2020.
- State IDs, Drivers Licenses and Vehicle Registration renewals are extended.
- Foreclosure and eviction proceedings are stayed during the public health emergency.
- Utilities are prohibited from disconnecting services as long as the public health emergency remains in effect.
All of the Governor's Orders can be reviewed in detail here -