Stay-at-Home Order: Can I Go Outside?
Stay at Home Order
Stay-at-Home Order: Can I Go Outside?
Yesterday in Indiana, Governor Holcomb, issued a state-wide Stay-at-Home Order because of COVID-19 (coronavirus). In Indiana, there are new restrictions across the state. The Order requires us to do or not do certain things. Some businesses have to close but there are exceptions.
There are several states like Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois that surround us and they have issued stay-at-home orders or shelter-in-place orders. In Indiana, this order takes effect from March 25th, 2020 to April 7, 2020. We don’t know how long the emergencies caused by COVID-19 will last.
What Does It Mean?
What does the stay-at-home order actually mean? Well, it means that you should stay indoors and only leave for essential purposes. So, yes, you can go outside for essential purposes. However, follow the latest social distancing guidelines.
Nonessential government and business operations will close. There are some exemptions. I will not give an exhaustive list but will attach the Order here. Review the Order to get all the exemptions or check out the FAQ here.
Some of the activities that are essential are things that relate to the health and safety of you and the members of your house.
- getting medical supplies
- getting medication
- visit a doctor or health care professional
- going to the grocery store
- delivering food or delivering groceries or
- cleaning products to
- caring for members of your family
- caring for a pet at another household
- jogging in public (adhere to the social distancing guidelines)
- walking your dog (adhere to the social distancing guidelines)
Some of the businesses that are exempted and allowed to remain.
- legal services (law firms/law offices)
- grocery stores
- obtaining supplies to work from home businesses
- police stations
- fire stations
- hospitals
- health care facilities
- trash pick up
- public transit
- laundry services/dry cleaners
- construction hardware stores
- auto repair places
- accountants
Some businesses that will close:
- hair salons
- spas
- nail salons
- tattoo parlors
- barbershops
- gyms
- eating inside sit-down restaurants
Who Enforces the Order?
First, the Indiana National Guard is not currently being tasked with enforcement of this Order. The Indiana State Department of Health and the Alcohol and Tobacco Commission will enforce the Order as it pertains to restaurants and bars. The Indiana State Police will work with local law enforcement to enforce this Order.
What Do I Do If I’m Sick?
If you develop symptoms such as fever, cough and/or difficulty breathing, and/or have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or have recently traveled from an area with the ongoing spread of COVID-19, stay home and call your health care provider. Also, reduce your contact with others (self-quarantine) to reduce the spread of the virus.
Nonessential medical care such as routine eye exams and teeth-cleanings should be postponed/rescheduled for a later date.
Will I Get Arrested?
Although not explicitly mentioned in the governor’s order, it is possible. Indiana Code 10-14-3-29 provides for the purposes of emergency control and protect and provide for the public safety and welfare of citizens. The penalty for violation of an emergency order under Indiana Code 10-14-3-34 states; A person who knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly violates this chapter commits a Class B misdemeanor.
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