Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb on Monday announced a “stay at home” order for Hoosiers as the state tries to slow the spread of COVID-19 during the coronavirus pandemic. The governor said Hoosiers should only go out for essential errands, work or business. While Terre Haute City offices are closed, Mayor Duke Bennett says City services will continue. You can read Mayor Bennett's letter here.
So what does that mean for us? Here is a localized Q&A based upon the state's guidelines.
WHY IS THERE A STAY-AT-HOME ORDER?
The stay-at-home order was issued to protect the health, safety and well-being of Hoosiers. Staying home and keeping physically separated is critical to reducing the spread of COVID-19 in our community. Adhering to the order will save lives, and it is everyone's responsibility to do our part.
WHAT DOES THE STAY-AT-HOME ORDER MEAN?
Unless you work for an essential business or operation, or are doing an essential activity, you must stay home.
WHAT IS "ESSENTIAL BUSINESS"?
Essential businesses and services include but are not limited to Grocery Stores, Pharmacies, Gas Stations, Hospitals, Doctor’s Offices, Healthcare Facilities, Utilities, Public Transit, and public service hotlines. The Governor's explanation of 'Essential Businesses," can be found here.
WHAT IS 'ESSENTIAL ACTIVITY"?
Essential activities include but are not limited to activities for Public Safety, necessary supplies and services, outdoor activity, certain types of essential work, and to take care of others.
WHAT IS THE TIMEFRAME FOR THE STAY-AT-HOME ORDER?
The Stay-At-Home Order remains in effect through Monday, April 6th at 11:59 pm, but could be extended if the outbreak warrants.
IS THIS MANDATORY OR A RECOMMENDATION?
This order is mandatory. For everyone's safety, people must stay home and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
WILL STREETS & ROADS BE CLOSED?
No, the roads will remain open. You should only travel if it is for your health or essential work.
I WORK FOR AN ESSENTIAL BUSINESS. WILL I BE ALLOWED TO TRAVEL TO AND FROM WORK?
Law enforcement will not be stopping drivers on their way to and from work, traveling for an essential activity such as going to the grocery store, or just taking a walk.
WILL GROCERY STORES & PHARMACIES REMAIN OPEN?
Yes, grocery stores and pharmacies are essential services. Click to view our directory listings of local Grocery Stores and Pharmacies.
CAN I STILL ORDER TAKEOUT AND DELIVERY FROM RESTAURANTS AND BARS?
Yes, restaurants and bars can continue to provide takeout and delivery, but should be closed to dine-in patrons. Please call ahead to order. For a complete listing and contact info for local restaurants, check out our Restaurants Page.
CAN I VISIT FAMILY OR FRIENDS?
For your safety and everyone else's, you should remain at home to help fight the spread of COVID-19. You may visit family members who need medical or other essential assistance, such as ensuring an adequate food supply.
CAN I LEAVE MY HOME TO EXERCISE?
Outdoor exercise such as running or walking is acceptable. However, gyms, fitness centers and associated facilities will be closed to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. While exercising outside, you still should practice social distancing by running or walking at least 6 feet away from other people.
CAN I GO TO THE PARK?
City & County parks remain open, but buildings are closed and programs and services (like camping) have been postponed. Families will be able to go outside and take a walk, run or bike ride, but they should continue to practice social distancing by remaining 6 feet away from other people. Playgrounds are closed because they pose a high risk of increasing spreading the virus. You can view a complete listing of Local Parks here.
CAN I TAKE MY CHILD TO DAYCARE?
Yes, daycares are considered an essential business. Like any business, daycares are open or closed at the discretion of their operators. Please call to check on the status. You can view our listing of local Daycare Providers here.
CAN I PICK UP MEALS AT MY CHILD'S SCHOOL?
Yes, the Vigo County School Corporation is providing free food services to students on a pickup and take-home basis at select locations. You can view Vigo School's map of Food Pick-Up Sites here.
CAN I GO TO THE HAIR SALON, BARBER SHOP, NAIL SALON, SPA OR TATTOO PARLOR?
No, these businesses have been ordered closed. Once businesses reopen, we encourage you to shop local. You can view or comprehensive listing of Local Businesses on our Business Directory.
CAN I ATTEND A RELIGIOUS SERVICE?
Large gatherings, including church services, will be canceled to slow the spread of COVID-19, but religious leaders have been encouraged to continue livestreaming services while practicing social distancing with one another. You can view a list of local Places of Worship here. Feel free to reach out to them, leave a message and see if and how they offer livestream services.
CAN I LEAVE MY HOME TO DO LAUNDRY?
Yes, Laundromats, dry cleaners and laundry service providers are considered essential businesses. You can view our listing of local Cleaners and Laundromats here.
CAN I WALK MY DOG OR GO TO THE VET?
You are allowed to walk your dog and seek medical care for your pet should they require it. Practice social distancing while out on walks, maintaining at least 6 feet from other neighbors and their pets. You can view a listing of local Veterinary Services here.
WILL PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION, RIDE-SHARING AND TAXIS STILL CONTINUE?
Public transportation, ride-sharing and taxis should only be used for essential travel.
HOW CAN I GET MEDICAL CARE?
If you develop symptoms such as fever, cough and/or difficulty breathing, and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or have recently traveled from an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19, stay home and call your healthcare provider.
If you suspected you have COVID-19, please call the healthcare provider in advance so that proper precautions can be taken to limit further transmission. Older patients and individuals who have severe underlying medical conditions or are immunocompromised should contact their healthcare provider early, even if their illness is mild.
If you have severe symptoms, such as persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse, or bluish lips or face, contact your healthcare provider or emergency room and seek care immediately, but please call in advance if possible. Your doctor will determine if you have signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and whether you should be tested.
Nonessential medical care such as eye exams and teeth-cleaning should be postponed. When possible, health care visits should be done remotely. Contact your health care provider to see what tele-health services they provide. You can view a listing of local healthcare providers here.
WHAT IS THE GUIDANCE FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES?
State-operated developmental centers, intermediate care facilities for individuals with developmental disabilities and community integrated living arrangements will continue to provide care. All in-home direct care staff are considered essential staff and should continue to support individuals in the home setting.
If you have specific questions about your support and services, reach out to your provider or individual service coordination agency.
WHAT IF MY HOME IS NOT A SAFE ENVIRONMENT?
If it is not safe for you to remain home, you are able and encouraged to find another safe place to stay during this order. Please reach out so someone can help. You can call the domestic violence hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE or your local law enforcement.
WHAT ABOUT HOMELESS PEOPLE WHO CANNOT STAY AT HOME?
State and local agencies are partnering with community organizations to ensure the homeless population has safe shelter.
For more information on the governor's coronovirus response, check out coronavirus.in.gov.