INDIANAPOLIS – Governor Eric Holcomb made some announcements regarding the Hoosier State's fight against COVID-19.

During a Tuesday afternoon briefing, Holcomb looked back at the last year and how COVID-19 has affected Indiana and its residents, and how the State has fought back. Holcomb also used the briefing to look ahead and announce some updates. Presently the State's Public Health Emergency and COVID Executive Order are set to expire on March 31. Holcomb says he will renew the Public Health Emergency for another 30 days.

He says it would allow Indiana to take quick action if conditions take a turn for the worse, and allows the State to have access to Federal funds to help the hardest hit Hoosiers weather this lingering storm.
Holcomb says the current COVID restrictions will be extended as is until April 5. This is due to the number of people coming into Indiana and to allow for Hoosier residents to get their COVID vaccines. In relation to that, starting March 31, vaccinations will be available to Hoosiers 16 and older.

Holcomb also says starting April 6, there will be another change. All decisions about venue capacity will be in the hands of local officials. Customers in bars, restaurants and night clubs will no longer have to be seated. Six feet of spacing between tables will still be recommended. In addition, the statewide face covering mandate will be come a mask advisory on April 6. Face coverings will remain mandatory in all state buildings and facilities, and in all vaccination and COVID testing sites until further notice. K-12 schools will continue under current requirements through the remainder of the current school year.