Indianapolis Announces Additional Reopening Plans

Updated May 27 at 3:00 pm

Indianapolis city officials announced plans Wednesday to reopen more places in Marion County. Starting Friday May 29, Indianapolis will begin parts of the state’s stage three plan. 

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett says the vigilance of residents and businessess has made a difference. "I’m also confident that our commitment to a data driven health policy has saved lives,” says Hogsett.

Religious services may be held at 50 percent capacity.  Restaurants, which were limited to outdoor seating, will be allowed to open indoor seating as well, at 50 percent capacity.

Personal service businesses including hair salons and tattoo parlors may open by appointment only.  Retail stores and shopping malls may increase capacity to 75 percent.

Non contact sports fields at Indianapolis parks may reopen.  Gyms and fitness centers and swimming pools may open at 50 percent capacity, and summer days camps may open.  

Playgrounds will remain closed, along with movie theaters, live music venues and bars.

During the announcement, officials strongly reminded residents that these openings should include social distancing and face coverings whenever possible. 

Marion County reports a decrease in hospitalizations, ER visits and people testing positive for COVID-19. 

County Public Health Director Virigina Caine says Indianapolis moved slower than the state plan  because of population density.

"We want this to be a more gradual phase because we’re different, we’re unique," says Caine. 

As of Wednesday afternoon, Marion County has recorded nearly 9,400 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 546 deaths associated with the disease. More than 50,000 people have been tested.