Health Department adds clarity to governor’s stay at home order

Dubois County Health Department issued an update on the governor’s executive order issued Monday afternoon.

Governor Eric J. Holcomb issued a two-week Stay at Home Order for the state of Indiana to reduce the spread of COVID-19. This statewide order goes into effect from March 25 through April 7.

Residents of Indiana are mandated to remain in their homes, except for necessary work, taking care of others, obtaining essential supplies and services, for health and safety, and for outdoor activity while maintaining social distancing. 

This order does include withholding from visiting family and friends, unless a family member needs medical or other essential assistance, such as adequate food supply, the health department stated in a press release.

Essential businesses and services may remain open at this time.  These businesses and services are encouraged to promote health and safety to customers and employees, such as but not limited to restricting hours and social distancing policies.  

Non-essential businesses must cease operations for the duration of the governor’s order.

Staying home is critical to reducing the spread of COVID-19 in our community. If this order is not followed, the Indiana State Police will impose local law enforcement to enforce this order. The Indiana State Department of Health and the Alcohol and Tobacco Commission will enforce restaurant and bar restrictions.  

For complete information on Governor Holcomb’s executive order, in addition to explanation of essential and non-essential businesses, please visit www.IN.gov.

Indiana will open a call center, the Critical Industries Hotline, on Tuesday, March 24, 2020 at 9 a.m. to help guide businesses and industries with the executive order.

You can contact the Critical Industries Hotline at 877-820-0890 or by emailing covidresponse@iedc.in.gov.  This call center is for business and industry questions only.