Gov. Eric Holcomb announced he signed an executive order to require Hoosiers to stay at home unless it is an essential errand, work or business effort as a way to slow the spread of COVID-19.
The order is in effect from March 25-April 6.
"It is spreading to all counties," Holcomb said.
He encouraged state residents to get groceries "only when you need them." He says the next two weeks will be crticial in the fight to stop the spread of COVID-19.
He also announced that all non-essential state services are going on hiatus and if Hoosiers need to renew licenses or registrations, they would get a 60-day extension.
He says an emergency operations center has been opened in central Indiana to help coordinate the medical response to the disease statewide.
"We are moving into the patient surge," he said.
On March 1, Indiana had 1 case of coronavirus and now the state has 259 cases.
Last week 54,000 Hoosiers had to file for unemployment.
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Administration guidance says essential business and services allowed under the order include (but are not limited to) grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations, police stations, fire stations, hospitals, doctor’s offices, health care facilities, garbage pickup, public transit, and public service hotlines.
Restaurants and bars will remain open too but only to offer carryout and delivery, not in-person dining.
The Holcomb administration says Indiana State Police and local law enforcement will help enforce the order. But people won’t be stopped driving to work or going for a walk.
Outdoor recreation is still allowed under the stay-at-home order, though the state urges people to observe the six-foot social distancing guideline.
The order officially takes effect at the end of the day Tuesday. Holcomb's order has the support of Indiana legislative leaders.
Holcomb ended his remarks with the phrase "Indiana Strong."
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At noon today Gov. Eric Holcomb will hold a news conference regarding the latest steps the state is taking to combat COVID-19.
You can watch the news conference below. You can also listen to it live on 88.1 WVPE.
