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Jill Sheridan WFYI
The Marion County Public Health Department will be stepping up fines for businesses that violate social distancing and mask requirements.
The Indianapolis Speedrome was fined $1,000 after a video showed fans crowded in the stands, few wearing masks. Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said the city’s reopening has been hard won.
"To see others possibly squander that in the course of just one afternoon is painful," he said..
Other venues and businesses that defy capacity or mask requirements face $1,000 a day fines and could be shut down. Individuals may also be fined up to $1,000 for not wearing masks. People may report violations to the health department.
Marion County Public Health Director Dr. Virginia Caine says residents should now be fully aware of local restrictions.
"The education and the warning period is over," Caine said.
Indianapolis’s positivity rate, the number of new cases and ER visits are trending down, and Marion County Public Health Director Virginia Caine says it’s time to double down if the county wants to continue to decrease cases.
"While some of the data discussed today shows signs of progress," Caine said, "we must all recommit to these tasks."
The county also offered guidelines for school sports that include no more than 250 fans in the stands and masks for those on the sidelines.
Bars and nightclubs without full menus are ordered to remain closed. Caine says half of the new cases are among younger people, in their 20’s.
The city’s hispanic population is also testing positive for COVID-19 at higher rates.
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