Mayor Parry would like to clear up any confusion on the latest Governor’s Executive Order issued on 4-20-20. This Order is in effect through 11:59pm on May 1^st.

The Mayor’s Order which was recently approved and extended by our City Council, is in effect until 11:59pm on May 6^th.

As the law allows, City government is allowed to make the Governor’s Order stronger yet not weaker. For example, we presently have a curfew in Michigan City from 10:00pm to 5:00am,where this is not a County-wide or State-wide order.

The Governor has relaxed a couple of stipulations in his most recent order which include allowing, nurseries, landscapers, and greenhouses to operate maintaining the number of visitors and proper social distancing. Besides veterinary care, also permitted is pet grooming at a pet salon, store or by a mobile unit however not allowed to operate inside any home.

Commencing on Sunday at 11:59pm, April 26^th, hospitals, surgical centers. dental and clinics will be able at their discretion and with having adequate person protective equipment (PPE), conduct diagnostic evaluations and elective surgeries.

FOR SPECIFICS OF THE GOVERNOR’S ORDERS REFER TO: https://www.in.gov/gov/2384.htm

SOME OF THE MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS IN REGARD TO BOTH ORDERS ARE:

Are all of these Orders mandatory or a recommendation? All Orders are mandatory. For the safety of all Citizens, people must stay home and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

What businesses can be open to in-person, in-store shopping? Retail businesses that are providing the necessities of life may remain open to the public under the following conditions:

• They must limit the number of customers in their facility at any given time to ensure customers remain at least six feet apart as required by the CDC’s required social distancing guidelines.
• They must limit hours of operation and should consider implementing separate operating hours for the elderly and vulnerable customers.
• They must comply with social distancing and sanitation of applicable areas and other mitigation measures to protect employees and the public.

Retail businesses that provide necessities of life include: grocery stores, supermarkets, supercenters or mass merchandizers (provided they have a sizable food/grocery section), specialty food stores, certified farmer’s markets, farm and produce stands, convenience stores and gas stations, pharmacies, auto sales, auto supply, auto maintenance and repair, farm equipment, construction equipment, bicycle shops, hardware and supply stores, office supply stores, club stores (i.e., Costco, Sam’s Club), building material and supplies stores (i.e., Lowe’s, Menards, Home Depot).

• What about other businesses besides essential services? All other retail businesses not providing the necessities of life, as described above, may remain open only under the following conditions:

• Sales must be restricted to online or call-in ordering with delivery or curbside pickup.
• Businesses must comply with social distancing and sanitation of applicable areas and other mitigation measures to protect employees and the public.

• Can I go outside to exercise or visit a park?
• State parks remain open, but campgrounds, welcome centers, inns, cabins and other buildings are closed.  Washington Park and the Skate Park in Michigan City remain CLOSED. Families can go outside and take a walk, run, ride a bike, go fishing or boating, 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. Gyms, fitness centers and associated facilities are also closed to reduce the spread of the coronavirus.
• We have a fishing charter lined up for this week are we still allowed?
• No. fishing charting services are not allowed in Michigan City during this time.
• Can I attend a religious service?
• CDC guidance restricts gatherings, including religious services, to ten or less people to slow the spread of COVID-19. Religious leaders are encouraged to continue livestreaming services while practicing social distancing with one another.
• Why are stores not allowing family members to shop together?
• This is to mitigate the amount of people in stores that shop together
• Can I leave my home to do laundry?
• Yes, Laundromats, dry cleaners and laundry service providers are considered essential businesses.
• What is an essential activity?
• Essential activities include activities needed for sustenance, necessities of life, health, education, or employment, and as necessary to take care of others while applying social distancing requirements.

When does this order end?

The Governor’s Order ends on Friday, May 1, at 11:59 p.m. ET, but could be extended if the outbreak warrants it.

The Mayor’s Order approved by City Council ends on May 6^th, at 11:59pm.

Please note that this is subject to change or discontinued at the Governor’s or Mayor’s Order or discretion