Marion County Will Continue COVID-19 Restrictions

Marion County will keep its COVID-19 mask mandate and capacity restrictions even after the state lifts its orders. 

Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb announced this week that the state’s mask mandate would end April 6. He also said local governments may make their own decisions. This comes as Indianapolis hosts the NCAA Final Four and thousands of visitors flock to the city.

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said Marion County has a much larger population and there is concern about an uptick.

“This month as everyone knows, we are hosting thousands of visitors from inside and outside our state,” Hogsett said.

Hogsett said the county will continue masks and capacity restrictions until data shows an end to the public health emergency.

“More shots in more arms will be the primary factor in determining our exit from the pandemic,” Hogsett said.

The county has a goal to vaccinate 80 percent of residents. Mass vaccination clinics at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway next month are expected to give nearly 100,000 shots. 

City leaders also announced new vaccine mobile clinics and one million dollars to help Black and brown communities most impacted by the pandemic.

Marion County Public Health Director Virginia Caine said community organizations may apply for funds to help residents.

“For projects that promote the wellness and recovery of the minority communities that have been hardest hit by the virus and its economic impact,” Caine said.

Business capacity restrictions will remain in place for now. The county continues to report a decreased number of COVID 19 positivity rates and new cases.

The county has a goal to vaccinate 80 percent of its residents.