#NEW: In a few minutes, Gov. Holcomb is expected to announce whether Indiana will move to Stage 5 of reopening on July 4.
I'll follow along below
#NEW: Gov. Holcomb announces Indiana moving to "Stage 4.5" until July 18. Says things will mostly stay the same.
Says Indiana is mostly holding steady on 4 key reopening principles. But have seen uptick in daily positivity rate and hospitalization rate.
#NEW: Gov. Holcomb says because of surge around the country, cautious reopening makes sense.
Stage 4.5 means capacities will mostly stay the same--outdoor activities mostly permitted. Outdoors much safer than indoors. Local parades, fireworks OK--masks, soc. distance
#NEW: Gov. Holcomb says 250 number stays the same for next 2 weeks until July 18. Gyms, personal services, fitness centers continue at same level.
Fairs, festivals can move forward with right provisions. Conventions may continue too.
#NEW: Dr. Box says 490 Hoosiers have been tested for coronavirus. Testing available at 200 sites across state. Anyone can be tested for free at state-operated sites.
#NEW: Dr. Rusyniak says data and reporting for long-term care facilities will now be available for each facility.
This will take time to build and develop. Will go back to March 1. By mid-July, will be available in trial version. 2-4 weeks later, fully operational.
490 *thousand* Hoosiers. D'oh!
#NEW: Dr. Box says hospitalization numbers had trended down until past week. But numbers have once again increased.
33 new COVID patients admitted every day. ICU beds and ventilator availability staying the same. Contact tracing: 650 ppl trained, working. Reaching 75% ppl
#NEW: Dr. Box says still scaling up the number of contact tracers. Still a percentage who test positive who can't be reached bc different number, or who won't respond.
Mentions increase in Elkhart County--more than 400 new cases in 7 day period.
#NEW: Gov. Holcomb says wearing masks is essential for reopening. Says we know it limits the spread--this can save lives, helps healthcare not get overwhelmed.
Announces new masking campaign: #MaskUpHoosiers
#NEW: Dr. Box says 43% of ppl in Fairbanks study tested positive and had no symptoms. Says it's vital to wear masks.
Says if we're going to return to new normal, every Hoosier needs to wear a mask. Knows it's an inconvenience, but says it's worth it to save someone's life.
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