INDIANAPOLIS — Governor Eric Holcomb has ordered Hoosiers to stay home to help combat the spread of COVID-19 in the state.
The executive order will remain in effect through April 20 and may be reassessed and adjusted as necessary.
The order requires all Hoosiers to stay home unless it is absolutely necessary that they leave or they work in an essential field.
But what does a "stay-at-home" order actually mean?
You can still get groceries, pick up lunch at your child's school and order food for carryout and delivery. You can also do your laundry and pickup your prescriptions — all things that are considered essential activities.
All non-essential businesses will be closed during the order.
Wondering if YOUR job is essential? Read the full list below from the governor's executive order.
Indiana Essential Businesses and Operations List:
Stores That Sell Groceries and Medicine
- Grocery stores, pharmacies, certified farmer’s markets, farm and produce stands, supermarkets, convenience stores, and other establishments engaged in the retail sale of groceries, canned food, dry goods, frozen foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, pet supplies, fresh meats, fish, and poultry, prepared food, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, any other household consumer products (such as cleaning and personal care products), and specifically includes their supply chain and administrative support operations. This includes stores that sell groceries, medicine (including medication not requiring a medical prescription), and also that sell other non-grocery products, and products necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences and Essential Businesses and Operations.
Food, Beverage, and Agriculture
- Food and beverage manufacturing, production, processing, cultivation, including farming, livestock, fishing, baking, and other production agriculture, including cultivation, marketing, production, and distribution of animals and goods for consumption; and businesses that provide food, shelter, and other necessities of life for animals, including animal shelters, rescues, shelters, kennels, and adoption facilities.
Organizations That Provide Charitable and Social Services
- Businesses and religious and secular non-profit organizations, including food banks, when providing food, shelter, and social services, and other necessities of life for economically disadvantaged or otherwise needy individuals, individuals who need assistance as a result of this emergency, and people with disabilities.
Religious Entities
- Religious facilities, entities and groups, and religious gatherings, provided they adhere to the CDC’s guidance on social gatherings.
Media
- Newspapers, television, radio, and other media services.
Gas Stations and Businesses Needed for Transportation
- Gas stations and auto supply, auto repair, farm equipment, construction equipment, boat repair, and related facilities, and bicycle shops and related facilities.
Financial and Insurance Institutions
- Banks, currency exchanges, consumer lenders, including, but not limited to, credit unions, pawnbrokers, consumer installment lenders and sales finance lenders, title companies, appraisers, financial markets, trading and futures exchanges, payday lenders, affiliates of financial institutions, entities that issue bonds, related financial institutions, and institutions selling financial products. Also, insurance companies, underwriters, agents, brokers, and related insurance claims and agency services.
Hardware and Supply Stores
- Hardware stores and businesses that sell electrical, plumbing, and heating material.
Critical Trades
- Building, construction, and other trades, including, but not limited to, plumbers, electricians, exterminators, operating engineers, cleaning and janitorial staff for commercial and governmental properties, security staff, HVAC, painting, moving and relocation services, and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences, Essential Activities, and Essential Businesses and Operations.
Mail, Post, Shipping, Logistics, Delivery, and Pick-Up Services
- Post offices and other businesses that provide shipping and delivery services, as well as businesses that ship or deliver groceries, food, goods, vehicles, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, or services to end users or through commercial channels.
Educational Institutions
- Educational institutions (including public and private pre-K-12 schools, colleges, and universities) for purposes of facilitating distance learning, performing critical research, or performing essential functions, provided that social distancing of six-feet per person is maintained to the greatest extent possible.
- This Executive Order is consistent with, and does not amend or supersede, any prior Executive Order regarding the closure of schools.
Laundry Services
Laundromats, dry cleaners, industrial laundry services, as well as laundry service providers.
Restaurants for Consumption Off-Premises
- Restaurants, bars, taverns, and other facilities that prepare and serve food, but only for consumption off-premises, through such means as in-house delivery, third-party delivery, drive-through, curbside pick-up, and carryout. The foregoing is addressed in Executive Orders 20-04 and 20-10. The in-person dining prohibition shall be enforced under and pursuant to the process described in Executive Order 20-10.
- Schools and other entities that typically provide food services to students or members of the public may continue to do so under this Executive Order on the condition that the food is provided to students or members of the public on a pick-up and takeaway basis only. Schools and other entities that provide food services under this exemption shall not permit the food to be eaten at the site where it is provided, or at any other gathering site due to the virus’s propensity to physically impact surfaces and personal property. This Executive Order is consistent with, and does not amend or supersede, prior Executive Orders regarding the closure of restaurants.
Supplies to Work from Home
- Businesses that sell, manufacture, or supply products needed for people to work from home.
Supplies for Essential Businesses and Operations
- Businesses that sell, manufacture, and/or supply other Essential Businesses and Operations with the support or materials necessary to operate, including computers, audio and video electronics, household appliances; IT and telecommunication equipment; hardware, paint, flat glass; electrical, plumbing and heating material; sanitary equipment; personal hygiene products; food, food additives, ingredients and components; medical and orthopedic equipment; optics and photography equipment; diagnostics, food and beverages, chemicals, soaps and detergent; and firearm and ammunition suppliers and retailers for purposes of safety and security.
Transportation
- Airlines, taxis, transportation network providers (such as Uber and Lyft), vehicle rental services, paratransit, marinas, docks, boat storage, and other private, public, and commercial transportation and logistics providers necessary for the Essential Activities and other purposes expressly authorized in this Executive Order.
Home-Based Care and Services
- Home-based care for adults, seniors, children, and/or people with developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, substance use disorders, and/or mental illness, including caregivers such as nannies who may travel to the child’s home to provide care, and other in-home services including meal delivery.
Residential Facilities and Shelters
- Residential facilities and shelters for adults, seniors, children, pets, and/or people with developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, substance use disorders, or mental illness.
Professional Services
- Professional services, such as legal services, accounting services, insurance services, and real estate services (including appraisal and title services).
Manufacture, Distribution, and Supply Chain for Critical Products and Industries
- Manufacturing companies, distributors, and supply chain companies producing and supplying essential products and services in and for industries, such as healthcare, pharmaceutical, technology, biotechnology, chemicals and sanitization, agriculture, waste pickup and disposal, food and beverage, transportation, energy, steel and steel products, petroleum, fuel, mining, construction, national defense, communications, and products used by other Essential Businesses and Operations.
Critical Labor Union Functions
- Labor union essential activities, including the administration of health and welfare funds and personnel checking on the well-being and safety of members providing services in Essential Businesses and Operations, provided that these checks should be done by telephone or remotely where possible.
Hotels and Motels
- Hotels and motels, to the extent they are used for lodging and delivery or carryout food services.
Funeral Services
- Funeral, mortuary, cremation, burial, cemetery, and related services.
You can read the full executive order from Gov. Holcomb HERE or at the bottom of this story.
→ FULL CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE FROM RTV6
The state of Indiana has also provided a long list of Frequently Asked Questions that should answer most of the questions you have.
Indiana Stay-at-Home Order Q & A
When does the order take effect?
- The Stay-At-Home Order takes effect Tuesday, March 24 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
When does the order end?
- The order ends on Monday, April 6, at 11:59 p.m. ET, but could be extended if the outbreak warrants it.
Where does the order apply?
- The Stay-At-Home Order applies to the entire state of Indiana. Unless you work for an essential business or are doing an essential activity, you must stay home.
Is this mandatory or a recommendation?
- This order is mandatory. For the safety of all Hoosiers, people must stay home and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
How will this order be enforced?
- Staying home is critical to reducing the spread of COVID-19 in your community. Adhering to the order will save lives, and it is the responsibility of every Hoosier to do their part. However, if the order is not followed, the Indiana State Police will work with local law enforcement to enforce this order. The Indiana State Department of Health and the Alcohol and Tobacco Commission will enforce the restaurant and bar restrictions.
Will the Indiana National Guard enforce this order?
- No. The Indiana National Guard is aiding in planning, preparation and logistics with other state agencies. For example, the Indiana National Guard assists in distributing hospital supplies the state receives.
What is an essential business?
- Essential businesses and services include but are not limited to grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations, police stations, fire stations, hospitals, doctor’s offices, health care facilities, garbage pickup, public transit, and public service hotlines such as SNAP and HIP 2.0.
- A list can be found in the Governor’s executive order at in.gov/coronavirus.
What is an essential activity?
- Essential activities include but are not limited to activities for health and safety, necessary supplies and services, outdoor activity, certain types of essential work, and to take care of others.
- A list can be found in the Governor’s executive order at in.gov/coronavirus.
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 the grocery store/pharmacy be open?
- Yes, grocery stores and pharmacies are essential services.
Can I still order take out/delivery from restaurants and bars?
- Yes, restaurants and bars can continue to provide takeout and delivery, but should be closed to dine-in patrons.
Can I get my groceries delivered? Can I still get my online orders delivered?
- Yes, you can still receive packages, get groceries delivered, and get meals delivered.
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 telehealth services they provide.
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 I still have to go to work?
- You should stay home unless your work is an essential function such as a health care provider, grocery store clerk or first responder. If you have been designated essential by your employer, you should continue to go to work and practice social distancing.
- A list of essential businesses can be found in the Governor’s executive order at in.gov/coronavirus.
What if I think my business should be closed, but they’re still asking me to report to work?
- Essential businesses will remain open during the stay-at-home order to provide services that are vital to the lives of Hoosiers. If you believe your business is nonessential but still are being asked to show up to work, you may discuss it with your employer.
A certain service is essential for me, but the governor didn’t include it. What do I do?
- The stay-at-home order was issued to protect the health, safety and well-being of Hoosiers. Although some businesses such as fitness centers and salons will be closed, essential services will always be available. For a list of essential businesses that will continue to operate during the order, visit in.gov/coronavirus.
Will public transportation, ride-sharing and taxis continue?
- Public transportation, ride-sharing and taxis should only be used for essential travel.
Will roads in Indiana be closed?
- No, the roads will remain open. You should only travel if it is for your health or essential work.
Can I still take a plane out of Indiana?
- Planes and other types of transportation should be used for essential travel.
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?
- The administration wants to protect the health and safety of all Hoosiers, regardless of where they live. State agencies are partnering with community organizations to ensure the homeless population has safe shelter.
Can I visit friends and family?
- For your safety, as well as the safety of all Hoosiers, 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 walk my dog or go to the veterinarian?
- 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.
Can I take my kids to the park?
- State parks remain open, but welcome centers, inns, and other buildings are closed. 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.
Can I attend a religious service?
- Large gatherings, including church services, will be canceled to slow the spread of COVID-19. Religious leaders are encouraged to continue livestreaming services while practicing social distancing with one another.
Can I leave my home to exercise?
- Outdoor exercise such as running or taking a walk 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 hair salon, spa, nail salon, tattoo parlor or barber shop?
- No, these businesses are ordered closed.
Can I leave my home to do laundry?
- Yes. Laundromats, dry cleaners and laundry service providers are considered essential businesses.
Can I take my child to daycare?
- Yes, daycares are considered an essential business.
Can I pick up meals at my child’s school?
- Yes. Schools that provide free food services to students will continue on a pickup and take-home basis.
