More details about the reopening are expected to be released at a briefing involving city, county and health officials on Friday. (Barbara Brosher)
Monroe County will begin relaxing COVID-19 restrictions for some businesses as early as Saturday, Monroe County Health Administrator Penny Caudill says.
Caudill said on a Zoom meeting of the county commissioners this morning some businesses including restaurants will be able to begin reopening at 50% capacity. She also asked churches to wait until June to begin in-person services again and that all gatherings should be limited to 25 people through May 30.
More details are expected to be released at a briefing involving city, county and health officials on Friday.
Gov. Eric Holcomb announced his five-stage plan to reopen on May 1 with a lot of the state opening May 4.
The same day county officials issued a local health order that extended the local stay-at-home order until 11:59 p.m. May 15, which is this Friday. Caudill and other health and government officials said the county had not met data measures outlined by the CDC.
Caudill said she expects restaurants and personal service businesses such as hair salons will be allowed to open to 50% capacity Saturday if they follow guidelines set by the state. These would include accommodations for social distancing, wearing face coverings.
Local testing, hospitalization and ventilator data are some of the many numbers Caudill and her team are looking at to make reopening decisions. She also says a new testing site should be up and running by the end of the week.
READ MORE: New COVID-19 Testing Site To Open In Downtown Bloomington
The Commissioners also approved funding totaling $24,000 for businesses affected by the pandemic. The following businesses will receive money from the County’s food and beverage tax fund:
- Fishin’ Shedd — $5,000
- Wampler House — $8,900
- On Pointe Pet Sitting Services — $1,200
- Cleaning Revolution — $8,900
Commissioners are still accepting applications for grants and are still considering some applicants. The county has approved payments to more than a dozen businesses already.
This story has been updated. Bob Zaltsberg contributed to this report.
Contact Matt at mrasnic@iu.edu or on Twitter @Matt_Rasnic.
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