(Lauren Chapman, IPB News)
This week, Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb said he's not ready to set a date for loosening social distancing measures across the state or reopening Indiana's economy.
“The question is not when we are going to open the economy, it’s what parts of the economy reopen, and how they will reopen,” Holcomb told reporters at a Tuesday news conference.
READ MORE: Holcomb Stays Mum On When Indiana Economy Will Reopen
While Holcomb hinted at taking a phased approach, much like Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has been doing, he has yet to elaborate on his plans for Indiana's return to relative normalcy.
Ohio
Ohio has been under a stay-at-home order since March 23. DeWine on Monday loosened some restrictions, allowing dentists, doctors and veterinarians to head back to work come May 1. Manufacturing and distribution facilities, construction sites and general office workplaces will follow May 4.
DeWine's reopening plan, called Responsible RestartOhio, outlines "sector-specific operating requirements" for manufacturing, retail/consumer, general office workplaces and healthcare industries.
Ohio released a set of five guidelines for businesses that reopen amidst the pandemic, requiring employers to mandate face coverings for employees, conduct daily health assessments and limit building capacity, among other things.
Illinois
Illinois' stay-at-home order has been in effect since March 21.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker has extended the order through the month of May, with some modifications.
May 1 in Illinois will see the beginning of a phased reopening of greenhouses, garden centers, animal grooming services and nurseries, as well as non-essential retail stores offering pick-up and delivery.
Pritzker is, however, mandating that all Illinoisans wear face masks in public places where a six-foot distance from others is not possible.
Kentucky
Kentucky's "healthy-at-home" order has been in effect since March 26.
As coronavirus cases in the state continue to level off, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear allowed healthcare and medical clinics, physical therapy providers, chiropractors, optometrists, and some dental offices to reopen this week, given that they follow a set of safety guidelines.
And starting May 11, other sectors of Kentucky's economy will also begin to see eased operating restrictions.
Beshear's May 11 order does require Kentuckians to wear masks or cloth face coverings when out in public.
Michigan
Michigan's stay-at-home order has been in effect since March 24.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer laid out her plan for reopening the state earlier this week. It involved dividing the state into eight regions and easing restrictions based on geographical COVID-19 data.
Whitmer's current executive order expires Thursday, and Michigan Republicans have urged the Democratic governor to ease restrictions on elective medical and dental procedures.
For the latest news and resources about COVID-19, bookmark our Coronavirus In Indiana page here.
