Today’s update discusses:

• Remaining in Phase 4.5 until at least the end of July
• Depletion of budget reserves
• Closure of Whihala Beach until further notice

EXECUTIVE ACTIONS

• Governor Holcomb announced that the state will remain in Phase 4.5 until at least the end of July as COVID-19 cases in the state continue to increase. As a reminder, Phase 4.5 allows places like bars and restaurants to remain open at 75% capacity and limits social gatherings to 250 people or less. The governor still has not issued a statewide mask mandate or directed schools across the state on reopening plans. The Governor further stated that districts would not face budget cuts if they remain closed, and he would consider a statewide mask mandate for students if it was requested of him.

ECONOMY

• Indiana will face an $850 million reduction of the state budget reserves due to the impacts of the ongoing pandemic. According to state budget officials, the state closed the fiscal year with $1.4 billion in reserves, a 37% decrease from just a year ago. Officials expressed that the state will need greater spending cuts moving forward.

HEALTH

• Whiting Mayor Joe Stahura, stated that the city is closing the Whihala Beach until further notice because of rising cases of COVID-19. According to the Mayor, there has been an “alarming disregard” for safety measures such as social distancing and limiting crowd size.