Indiana Health Commissioner Dr. Kris Box is reminding Hoosiers of the importance of following COVID-19 safety precautions as “Stay-At-Home” restrictions are lifted across the state.

Box says the only reason Indiana can start to reopen – and stay reopened – is changed behaviors.

“We’ve stayed home, especially when you’re sick. We’re disinfecting surfaces more and more; we’re washing our hands. We’ve avoided large groups," Box says. "And we have to keep doing that.”

Box emphasizes the importance of wearing a mask when around other people outside the home – even though she says some people might think that’s “overkill.”

Box says the “new normal” will look different – but it’s safer.

“And no matter how much you want to, don’t hug your elderly mom or grandma on Mother’s Day," Box says. "In fact, avoid hugs and kisses and handshakes completely here for a while.”

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Box does not recommend wearing gloves when out in public – she says they can give people a false sense of security. Realistically, she says, frequent hand washing will be more effective.

Contact Brandon at bsmith@ipbs.org or follow him on Twitter at @brandonjsmith5.

This is a rapidly evolving story, and we are working hard to bring you the most up-to-date information. However, we recommend checking the websites of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the Indiana State Department of Health for the most recent numbers of COVID-19 cases.