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Indianapolis plans to lift all COVID-19 restrictions, including mask mandates and capacity limitations. Marion County has kept rules in place longer than the state.
In recent weeks, cases, deaths and positivity rates have plummeted, so officials will end most Marion County mandates July 1. Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said the vaccine is working, but officials will not let their guard down.
“We aren’t so naive to think that the pandemic is over, Hogsett said. “It is not.”
Forty percent of the county’s residents are now vaccinated. Marion County Public Health Department Director Dr. Virginia Caine said the decision is data-based “which is what is allowing us to make today’s announcement.”
Bars, restaurants, museums, salons and gyms can open at full capacity next , but people will still be asked to wear masks on planes and in hospitals. Fairbanks School of Public Health Dean Paul Halverson said residents shouldn’t be hesitant to do so.
“It’s OK for anyone to wear a mask for added personal protection if you choose,” Halverson said. “That’s perfectly fine.”
Officials say since lifting restrictions aligns with the current state mandates,, the move doesn’t need City-County Council approval.
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