TIPPECANOE COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI)—Governor Eric Holcomb has laid out a plan to slowly re-open Indiana's economy in the wake of the pandemic. Monday is considered stage 2, allowing social gatherings up to 25 people. Restaurants can open at 50% capacity starting May 11th.
"We in local government here in Tippecanoe County we are very much aligned with our partners in city government," said Tippecanoe County Commissioner Tracy Brown.
Brown said local leaders are looking at the safest ways businesses can slowly re-open.
"Everyone is working now on that plan and what it looks like and being able to protect your customers both in house regardless of whether or not that's a retail location or in a food service business," said Brown.
To date, Tippecanoe County has 181 confirmed COVID-19 cases. County health officer Dr. Jeremy Adler said re-opening business is a moving target.
"We really want to do this the right way," said Adler. "Slowly, cautiously and all of us need to resist the temptation to just flip the switch and just go back to the way things were before all of this."
West Lafayette Mayor John Dennis said even as people start to leave their homes they should keep in mind there's still a pandemic.
"What we will always continue to encourage is regardless of how this protocol advances we need to make sure people understand that social distancing is the rule of the day," said Dennis.
Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski co-signs and said people are eager to get out and get back to work. But all decisions have to be strategic.
"We are not out of the woods and people should continue to social distance meticulously wash their hands," said Roswarski.
Dr. Alder said the Indiana State Department of Health is predicting a surge in cases within the next two weeks. Governor Eric Holcomb stated in a press conference last week that he wants Indiana open by July 4th.
