Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb issued Executive Order 20-14 for the continuation of Executive Orders 20-04, 20-10 and 20-11 pertaining to restaurants and alcoholic beverages to prevent establishments from having in-dining services. This limits the establishment to carry out and drive-thru services.
In Wayne County, carry-out is only available from curbside service, and no one is allowed to enter the establishment to order food or pick up food.
Establishments are encouraged to use cashless methods for payment and to also use online ordering and payments as much as possible. This order is extended until 11:59 p.m. April 6.
Indiana and Wayne County continue to be under Gov. Holcomb’s Executive Order 20-08, the Directive for Hoosiers to Stay Home. This order is slated to end at 11:59 p.m. April 6. The stay-at-home order also requires all non-essential business to close. Non-essential business includes but are not limited to, beauty salons and hairdressers, tattoo parlors, dog groomers, gyms, fitness centers, nail salons, tanning beds, massage parlors and many others.
The Wayne County Health Department expects the governor to extend both the restaurant order and the stay-at-home order until at least the end of April or the middle of May.
“You do not close up your umbrella in the middle of the storm and by lifting these orders prior to the epidemic peaking and the numbers coming down would be doing the same thing,” said Wayne County Health Officer Dr. David Jetmore.
“At this point, if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, you should be responsible and stay home. It that simple, stay home! Most people will experience mild symptoms of a cough, a fever and/or a headache. They will feel bad for a while and then get better. But if they do not say home, they will spread this virus to someone who will get severe symptoms,their lungs will not be able to function, and they will succumb to the disease. We cannot be more clear, if you are sick, stay home. Everyone else should be staying home too and only leaving for essential visits to your grocery store, pharmacy or physician.”
Human coronaviruses most commonly spread from an infected person to others through:
• • Respiratory droplets released into the air by coughing and sneezing;
• • Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands;
• • Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands; and
• • Rarely, fecal contamination.
The best way to protect yourself from any respiratory illness, including the flu, is to:
• • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• • Avoid close contact (within 6 feet) with people who are sick.
• • Stay home when you are sick.
• • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
You should wear a mask if a healthcare professional recommends it. A facemask should be used by people who have COVID-19 and are showing symptoms to protect others from the risk of infection.
Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) will provide updates as new information becomes available. Visit the ISDH website at in.gov/coronavirus for the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Indiana.
The Wayne County Health Department can be reached at (765) 973-9245.