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Dubois County outlines reopening initiative

ByFree Press Staff Reading Time: 4 minutes

A packet of information outlining the county’s plan for reopening as well as information and helpful numbers for continued guidance will be circulated to businesses, organizations and groups in the coming days.

The county-wide initiative, Together we Thrive, includes a letter signed by Jasper Mayor Dean Vonderheide, Huntingburg Mayor Denny Spinner, Ferdinand Town Manager Chris James and Dubois County Commissioner Chad Blessinger, that introduces the package. Here is that letter:

The Covid-19 pandemic is a challenge unlike anything we’ve ever experienced. The response to this virus by local, state and federal officials to counter the spread of the virus has been unprecedented.

The requests to shut the doors of businesses of all sizes was one that was not made lightly. We know this was a hardship on all of you, but your willingness to comply has helped counteract the spread of this virus throughout Dubois County.

Because of your actions, Dubois County has positioned itself to re-open under the guidelines of the State of Indiana. While it’s true this re-opening will be slow and deliberate, the Re-Open Dubois County Task Force was created to help lead the way. This task force has developed a comprehensive community initiative, known as Together We Thrive, to address challenges impacting our cities and the county as a whole. Supporting local is always an important cause, but never more than now. We are all in this together, and together we will thrive again.

Please let the enclosed (attached below) packet act as the starting point to assist your business in re-opening. It is to be understood that Dubois County will follow the direction of the State of Indiana and Governor Holcomb’s orders on re-opening. The work and direction of the Re-open Dubois County Task Force will evolve as conditions improve and as resources become available. Depending on the direction from state and local health department officials – indicators may dictate a lengthening or even a regression to more stringent guidelines. The suggestions and recommendations are simply that — they do not encompass every industry, but rather represent a robust starting point for how general businesses can operate again safely while protecting employees and customers.

The embedded document outlines the county’s plan for reopening which closely follows the plan outlined by Gov. Holcomb last Friday.

We are in the second phase of the planned reopening. Here is a rundown of how we are to operated during this phase.

All Hoosiers

  • Continue remote work whenever possible
  • 65 and older & high-risk citizens stay at home whenever possible
  • Essential travel restrictions lifted; stay close to home
  • Recommend all residents wear face coverings in public
  • No social or mass gatherings of more than 25 people
  • Religious services may convene inside places of worship on May 8

Manufacturing, Industrial, Construction

  • Open; must meet IOSHA, CDC guidelines
  • Screen employees daily; utilize face coverings according to best practices guidelines
  • Make provisions to maintain social distancing
  • Consult industry best practices
  • Provide employees, customers w/your COVID-19 policies

State, County, & Local Government

  • Some BMV branches will open by appointment only on May 4; limited public access to state buildings begins May 11
  • Screen employees daily; face coverings highly recommended
  • Make provisions for social distancing
  • Provide employees, customers w/your COVID-19 policies
  • County, local governments determine their own policies
  • Public libraries may re-open according to their own policies

Office Settings

  • Remote work encouraged whenever possible; as needed, return workers in small waves
  • Screen employees working in offices daily
  • Make provisions for social distancing

Retails, Malls, Commercial Businesses

  • Open at 50% of capacity; pickup, delivery preferred
  • Mall common areas limited to 25% capacity
  • Screen employees daily; face coverings highly recommended
  • for employees & customers
  • Make provisions for social distancing
  • Provide employees, customers w/your COVID-19 policies

Healthcare

  • Nursing Homes closed to visitors
  • Congregate settings for seniors, adult day cares closed through at least May 31

Restaurants, Bars with Food

  • Dining room service may open at 50% capacity a week after the start of Stage 2
  • Bar seating closed; no live entertainment
  • Screen employees daily; employees must wear face coverings
  • Consult Indiana Restaurant & Lodging Association best practices
  • Provide employees, customers w/your COVID-19 policies

Bars & Nightclubs

  • Closed

Personal Services (Hair, Nails, etc.)

  • Open by appointment only; beginning a week after the start of Stage 2
  • Work stations spaced to meet social distancing guidelines
  • Screen employees daily
  • Employees & customers must wear face coverings
  • Consult industry best practices; provide/post COVID-19 safety plan

Gyms & Fitness

  • Closed

Cultural Entertainment, Sports Venues, Tourism

  • Closed; state parks remain open with social distancing
  • Golf courses open
  • Drive-in theaters may open

Playground, Water Parks, Amusement, etc.

  • Closed

Other

  • Campgrounds closed except for permanent RV or cabin residents
  • Boating allowed; must follow social gathering policy
  • Visitors to beaches & shorelines must adhere to social gathering
  • policy & social distancing guidelines
  • K-12 buildings, facilities, & grounds closed thru June 30;
  • DOE developing special guidance for graduation ceremonies
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