Coronavirus (COVID-19)
State Action

State Action

Indiana Department of Health Vaccine Updates

To keep local and state officials informed about Indiana’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout, ISDH has put together a weekly newsletter that will share updates on vaccination rates, current eligibility, and other emerging issues related to the COVID-19 vaccine.

Read the issues:
• Friday, January 14, 2022
• Thursday, December 2, 2021
• Friday, November 12, 2021
• Thursday, October 28, 2021
• Thursday, October 14, 2021
• Thursday, September 17, 2021
• Thursday, August 19, 2021
• Thursday, July 22, 2021
• Thursday, July 8, 2021
• Thursday, June 24, 2021
• Thursday, June 10, 2021
• Thursday, May 27, 2021
• Thursday, May 13, 2021
• Thursday, April 22, 2021
• Thursday, April 15, 2021
• Thursday, April 8, 2021
• Thursday, April 1, 2021
• Thursday, March 25, 2021
• Thursday, March 18, 2021
• Thursday, March 11, 2021
• Thursday, March 4, 2021
• Thursday, February 25, 2021
• Thursday, February 18, 2021

Additional Resources:
• Vaccine Effectiveness
• Youth Pfizer Fact Sheet

Executive Order 20-48 by Governor Holcomb, November 13

• On Friday, November 13, 2020, Gov. Holcomb signed Executive Order 20-48: County Based Measures and Restrictions Based On The Impact And Spread Of The Coronavirus Disease .
• Effective Sunday, Nov. 15 and runs until at least Saturday, Dec. 12.
• Released a description of the requirements for all Hoosiers and targeted restrictions for counties.
• The Indiana Department of Health has established a color-coded county map that measures weekly cases per 100,000 residents and the seven-day positivity rate for all tests completed. Restrictions are assigned based on the map, which is updated each Wednesday.

Blue: The county has low community spread.
• Social gatherings of any kind, indoor or outdoor, are limited to 250 people.
• A special, seasonal or commercial event for which more than 250 people will be in attendance, must submit a plan to the local health department at least seven days in advance and receive approval before proceeding. This requirement is effective Nov. 22.

Yellow: The county has moderate community spread.
• Social gatherings of any kind, indoor or outdoor, are limited to 100 people.
• A special, seasonal or commercial event for which more than 100 people will be in attendance, must submit a plan to the local health department at least seven days in advance and receive approval before proceeding. This requirement is effective Nov. 22.

Orange: The county’s community spread is approaching high levels. These requirements are in effect when a county reaches the Orange metric and remain until a county moves to Yellow or Blue for two straight weeks.
• Social gatherings of any kind, indoor or outdoor, are limited to 50 people.
• A special, seasonal or commercial event for which more than 50 people will be in attendance, must submit a plan to the local health department at least seven days in advance and receive approval before proceeding. College and professional sports are included. This requirement is effective Nov. 22.

Red: The county has very high positivity and community spread. When a county is in the Red metric, these requirements remain in effect until the metric has returned to Orange or lower for two weeks.
• Social gatherings of any kind, indoor or outdoor, are limited to 25 people.
• A special, seasonal or commercial event for which more than 25 people will be in attendance, must submit a plan to the local health department at least seven days in advance and receive approval before proceeding. College and professional sports are included. This requirement is effective Nov. 22.

Executive Order 20-37 by Governor Holcomb, July 24

• On Friday, July 24, 2020, Gov. Holcomb signed Executive Order 20-37: Face Covering Requirement.
• Effective at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, July 27, and continues for a period of thirty (30) days until 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, August 26.
• During this time period, every individual within the State of Indiana shall wear a face covering over the nose and mouth when: inside a business, public building, or other indoor place open to the public. This does not extend, however, to private offices, private workspaces or meetings in which six feet of social distancing can be achieved and maintained between people not in the same household; in an outdoor public space wherever it is not feasible to maintain six feet of social distancing from another person not in the same household; or using public transportation or while in a taxi, private car service, or ride-sharing unless an excemption or when in a private residence.

Coronavirus Relief Fund Program, July 7

• The State of Indiana has received a direct distribution of Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF) from the United States Treasury that may be used for the limited purposes set forth in section 601(a) of the Social Security Act, as added by section 5001 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). As recently announced by Governor Holcomb, $300,000,000 of these funds will be made available to reimburse certain expenses incurred by Indiana political subdivisions. The funds have been allocated to counties, cities and towns based upon population.
• The Indiana Finance Authority (IFA) has been asked to develop a program to enable eligible (CARES Act) expenditures to quickly be reimbursed. Please go to the IFA web site https://www.in.gov/ifa/ for additional information as to eligible expenses, the amount allocated to each county and municipality, and to obtain the required documents needed for reimbursement. Questions may be submitted to COVID-19@ifa.in.gov.
• On July 7, a new section of CRF IFA Website has list of who has submitted CEO Certificates, what entities have been reimbursed, and Total by the 6 Categories of Reimbursement.

Relief for Renters, June 24

• Governor Holcomb announced the Indiana COVID-19 Rental Assistance Program, which will use $25 million in federal CARES Act funding to help Hoosiers struggling to pay rent due to the impact of COVID-19.
• The program will provide up to $500 in assistance for four months, totaling a maximum of $2,000 in assistance to eligible renters to help cover past and ongoing rent payments or late fees. Rental assistance through this program is available to residents in all Indiana counties except Marion, where a local $15 million CARES Act-funded program will provide aid to Marion County renters.
• To be eligible, renters must meet the following criteria: lost their job or part of their income due to COVID-19; current household income, including unemployment, is less than the household income on March 6;and have not received rental assistance from another source.
• Applications will be accepted online beginning at 9 a.m. on Monday, July 13 at indianahousingnow.org.

State Health Department, May 5

• In accordance with Governor Holcomb’s “Back on Track Indiana” plan, public/semi-public pools, spas, and similar aquatic venues may open at 50% their normal capacity when their respective Indiana counties move into stage 3 of the plan, which is currently planned for May 24, 2020. Major water parks are permitted to open at 50% capacity when a given county moves into stage 4 of the plan. Local orders may be more restrictive, so pool owners/operators are advised to check with local health departments before opening.
• The Indiana State Department of Health release Recommendations for Pools and Aquatic Facilities on May 5.

Executive Order 20-26 by Governor Holcomb, April 20

• On Friday, May 1, 2020, Gov. Holcomb signed Executive Order 20-26: Roadmap to Reopen Indiana for Hoosiers, Businesses, and State Government
• The state will move to reopen while continuing to monitor and respond to these four guiding principles: The number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients statewide has decreased for 14 days. The state retains its surge capacity for critical care beds and ventilators. The state retains its ability to test all Hoosiers who are COVID-19 symptomatic as well as health care workers, first responders, and frontline employees. Health officials have systems in place to contact all individuals who test positive for COVID-19 and expand contact tracing.
• Indiana Back On Track has five stages. Beginning Monday, May 4, nearly all of Indiana will move to stage 2. For three counties – Cass, Lake and Marion counties – stage 2 will begin at a later date. Phase 2 may begin on Monday, May 11 for Lake and Marion counties. Phase 2 may begin on Monday, May 18 for Cass County. Local governments may impose more restrictive guidelines.
• In Stage 2 to protect the most vulnerable to COVID-19, Hoosiers 65 and over and those with high-risk health conditions – who are the most vulnerable to the coronavirus – should remain at home.
• Essential travel restrictions will be lifted, and social gatherings of up to 25 people will be permitted following the CDC’s social distancing guidelines. • The remaining manufacturers, industrial and other infrastructure operations that had not been considered essential may open. Hoosiers who can work from home are encouraged to continue to do so.
• Essential travel restrictions will be lifted, and social gatherings of up to 25 people will be permitted following the CDC’s social distancing guidelines. • The remaining manufacturers, industrial and other infrastructure operations that had not been considered essential may open. Hoosiers who can work from home are encouraged to continue to do so.

State Board of Accounts, April 30

• Released a memorandum that provides guidance for the accounting of COVID-19 grants and SBOA’s audit position on the appropriation/additional appropriation of these grants.Financial Report format.

State Board of Accounts, April 27

• In a memo issued on April 27, the Indiana State Board of Accounts has decided the following.
• The audits for the year 2019 will be based on the regulatory basis of accounting in place for 2018, and will not include the Enhanced Regulatory Basis of Accounting updates scheduled for 2019. This will not cause any further work for you or require you to take any further action. This decision will reduce the testing requirements that the Enhanced Regulatory Basis of Accounting for 2019 required, which in turn will reduce the number and types of records needed by SBOA field staff.
• The Enhanced Regulatory Basis of Accounting updates scheduled for 2020, which were to be implemented through information submitted in the 2020 Annual Financial Report (due March 1, 2021), are postponed. SBOA does not anticipate any major changes to the 2020 Annual Financial Report format.

Executive Order 20-22 by Governor Holcomb, April 20

• On Monday, April 20, 2020, Gov. Holcomb signed Extension of Directive for Hoosiers to Stay At Home; Continuity of Operations of Government; And Executive Orders Pertaining To Restaurants and Alcoholic Beverages.
• While the Stay At Home order chiefly continues as is, EO 20-22 brings clarity to some essential businesses.
• As long as sufficient personal protective equipment (PPE), staff and other supplies are available for the COVID-19 response, hospitals should conduct medically necessary procedures, such as those determining cancer diagnosis and cardiac issues, respiratory procedures, and procedures to reduce significant pain or symptoms making quality of life unacceptable. Any restrictions involving medical procedures will be evaluated every seven days for appropriate and timely modifications that could be implemented.
• Permitted outdoor activity as described in the executive order includes yard work, gardening, planting and landscaping at residential, commercial and industrial properties and farms.Nurseries and garden centers may be open for business as long as they limit the number of customers in their facility at any given time to achieve the Centers for Disease Control’s required social distancing, limit their hours of operation and consider implementing separate operating hours for the elderly and other vulnerable customers, and comply with the social distancing, sanitation and other mitigation measure to protect its employees and the public.
• Pet grooming at a pet salon, store or mobile unit is permitted.

State Board of Accounts, April 15

• The Indiana State Board of Accounts sent a memo to all cities and towns regarding the SBOA’s audit perspective regarding electronic signatures.
• SBOA previously issued an audit opinion on the Digital Signature Act (IC 5-24-1 repealed). This law was repealed by HEA 1427-2019. Therefore, electronic signatures are generally controlled by IC 26-2-8, the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA).
• As such, SBOA will not take audit exception with electronic signatures as long as the signature and corresponding procedures comply with the relevant parameters set out in Indiana Code. It should be noted that the use of an electronic signature does not allow a unit to alter or circumvent other statutory constraints (IC 26-2-8-107).

Executive Order 20-18 by Governor Holcomb, April 6

• On Monday, April 6, 2020, Gov. Holcomb signed Executive Order 20-18 Continued Directive for Hoosiers to Stay at Home; Extension of Continuity of Operations of Government; and Extension of Executive Orders Pertaining to Restaurants and Alcoholic Beverages.
• Retail businesses that provide necessities of life may remain open but should limit the number of customers in the establishment at any given time; implement hours for elderly and other vulnerable populations, as well as limit hours of operation to restock and clean; and comply with all mitigation measures to protect employees and the public. A list of such businesses is included in the executive order.
• All other retail business may remain open if they restrict sales to online or call-in ordering with delivery or curbside pickup.
• Professional services should be conducted virtually or by telephone.
• All campgrounds will be closed except for those who use recreational vehicles or cabins as their primary residence. State parks remain open to daily visitors.
• Hoosiers are reminded that all public and private gatherings of any kind that include more than 10 people are prohibited.

President Approves Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Indiana, April 3

• FEMA announced that federal emergency aid has been made available for the state of Indiana to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic beginning on January 20, 2020 and continuing.
• Public Assistance federal funding is available to the state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures (Category B), including direct federal assistance under Public Assistance, for all areas in the state of Indiana affected by COVID-19 at a federal cost share of 75 percent.
• James K. Joseph has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further assessments.

Supreme Court of Indiana, April 3

• A letter signed by the leaders of state government applauding the efforts of county criminal justice and health partners who are taking responsible looks at their jail and detention facility populations was sent on April 3
• The Supreme Court issued an order extending emergency procedures through May 4, 2020, and expressly authorizing and encouraging working with local stakeholders to review current facility populations—with the goal of determining whether anyone can be safely released under appropriate conditions.

State Board of Accounts, April 3

• The Indiana State Board of Accounts encourages all units of government to develop a plan which will allow your government to continue essential operations through a sustained period of significant absenteeism by employees and public officials.
• Although your unit provides many different types of essential services, the Indiana State Board of Accounts will provide guidance on those positions related to fiscal operations.

#INThisTogether Campaign, April 1

• On April 1, Governor Holcomb launched the #INThisTogether campaign.
• Social distancing is the most important, effective tool we have to defeat COVID-19.
• A growing coalition of Indiana-based partners is committed to equipping everyone in our state with the knowledge and the resources to stay connected and motivated.

Indiana Bond Bank, April 1

• The Advance Funding Program assists local units of government with their annual cash flow needs.
• If your entity is anticipating cash flow difficulty due to the delay in the collection and distribution of property taxes as outlined in Executive Order 20-05, the Midyear program will be your opportunity to borrow to cover your potential cash flow deficit.
• If your entity is interested in applying for cash flow assistance in any of the application rounds as outlined in the Participant Schedule, please complete the participation survey.
• Frequently Asked Questions, updated April 7
• Taft released information about the Advance Funding Program

State Board of Accounts, March 31

• The SBOA has received numerous inquiries regarding their audit position on whether certain uses of public funds, authorized by the legislature in the Indiana Code, are acceptable uses of local government money.
• In light of the Governor’s Executive Order 20-02, the SBOA acknowledges that during this time of the Public Health Emergency a broader reading of statutory uses of public funds is permissible.
• SBOA provides the following audit position with respect to expenditures by units that relate to addressing the economic burden incurred by citizens and businesses as a result of the PHE. SBOA will not take audit exception to these policies and expenditures so long as a set of conditions are met.

Indiana Supreme Court, March 30

• The Indiana Supreme Court, Office of Judicial Administration release Court Operations During the State of Emergency FAQ
• Filing a petition under Admin. R. 17 is the proper procedure to change court operations in the event of an emergency. Standing orders related to court operations are impermissible, even in these circumstances, under Trial Rule 81.
• Admin. R. 17 relief to alter procedures and toll timelines remains subject to applicable constitutional limitations. Courts are already permitted to use the current procedures available under Admin. Rule 14 on use of telephone and audiovisual telecommunications, which are also subject to constitutional limitations.

Department of Local Government Finance, March 27

• On Friday, March 27, the Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF) released a Frequently Asked Questions resource for county assessors, treasurers, and all political subdivisions regarding Governor Holcomb’s Executive Orders.

Executive Order 20-12 by Governor Holcomb, March 26

• On Thursday, March 26, 2020, Gov. Holcomb signed several Executive Order 20-12 Further Provisions for Helping Hoosiers during the Covid-19 Public Health Emergency
• The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) has suspended the one-week waiting period that is required before paying unemployment benefits to allow claimants to receive their checks more quickly. The suspension is retroactive to March 8, 2020.
• Hoosiers with chronic health issues will be able to receive a 90-day supply of their non-controlled prescription medication, such as insulin or cholesterol medications
• Medicaid recipients can use their benefits to cover costs of using alternate forms of transportation, such as ride-sharing services, for appointments to see their healthcare providers.
• The Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) has additional funding flexibility to allow for additional home delivery of meals.
• The Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF) has extended deadlines related to local government finances.

Executive Orders 20-08 and 20-09 by Governor Holcomb, March 23

• Gov. Holcomb signed several Executive Orders Monday, March 23, 2020. These include Executive Order 20-08: Directive for Hoosiers to Stay At Home and Executive Order 20-09: Relating to the Continuity of Operation of Government.
• Aim has released a Summary of the Executive Orders. 
• Shelter in Place: Each governmental body shall determine its essential governmental functions and the identify employees and/or contractors necessary to the performance of those functions.
• Revisions to the Open Door Law: Public meetings can be held without a physical location for the meeting.
• Revisions to the Access to Records Act: Public records requests may only be submitted electronically or by mail.
• Other: Suspends the depository rule for public funds.

Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter has released a letter on the Enfocement of Executive Order 20-08

Governor Holcomb Press Conference, March 19

• Governor Holcomb held a press conference on the afternoon of March 19 to provide an update on the State of Indiana’s COVID-19 response plan.
• The Federal government has not yet delayed the income tax filing deadline of April 15th but payment of Federal income taxes has been delayed until July 15th.
• The primary election scheduled for May 5th is currently still being held but there are discussions underway for a possible postponement.
• All schools, public and private, will remain closed until at least May 1st.
• The State of Emergency will be extended for an additional 30 days as it is set to expire April 5, 2020.
• The State’s application to the US Small Business Administration was approved on Wednesday. Local officials should direct small business owners and nonprofits to the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program in order to apply for low interest loans up to $2 million.
• No residential housing evictions may occur during this public health crisis, however it does not alleviate the tenant’s responsibility to pay rent or mortgage payments.

State Board of Accounts, March 19

• Released a State Examiner Directive on March 19 to provide guidance on the timely deposit of funds and payment of claims during this Public Health Emergency
• Released memos regarding the SBOA Policy regarding Coronavirus and items to consider when developing actions and policies regarding coronavirus

Executive Order 20-04 by Governor Holcomb, March 16

• Gov. Holcomb signed an Executive Order Monday, March 16, 2020, memorializing that day’s announcements. View the press release here.
• Public Meetings: See #5 on page 2 of the Executive Order suspending public meeting requirements.
• Dining/Bar Closure: At this time, the Governor is not asking local officials to enforce this on their own.
• Supplies: Indiana asked for and were granted supplies from the National Stockpile, but DHS has noted they have not arrived yet. Dept. of Homeland Security will update local EMA Directors and hospitals as this changes.

Additional Items

Helpful Documents

Ice Miller has organized a summary of Governor Holcomb’s Executive Orders related to the current public health emergency, including the issue date, original expiration, and extention information.

Thomas A. Pitman, Barnes & Thornburg LLP, has prepared a summary by category of the re-opening dates contained in the Back on Track Indiana program announced by Governor Holcomb on May 1, 2020.

Taft Law released a summary of previous orders regarding government functions.

Barnes & Thornburg LLP has prepared a summary of the rules that apply to the distribution of up to $300 million of Indiana’s Coronavirus Relief Funds available to local governments in Indiana.

Hoosiers Serving Hoosiers

• Service to connect job seekers with ways to support Hoosiers needing direct support services and child care
• Direct support professionals are needed to provide critical care for older Hoosiers and those with disabilities and child care providers are needed to care for children of first responders, health care and other essential workers, so the rest of us can stay safe and healthy
• The Family and Social Services Administration is working to link Hoosiers willing to serve Hoosiers with these available opportunities

Indiana Health Care Association

• Zach Cattell, President of the Indiana Health Care Association, issued a statement that addresses recent state orders directing long term care facilities to accept patients from hospital and create COVID-19 dedicated units.
• In response to the COVID-19 public health emergency federal and state governments have issued waivers to regulations and guidance for long term care operations to cohort residents according to their COVID-19 status. The aim of cohorting, or organizing, patients into specific care areas can help with more efficiencies in caregiving and referral to acute medical care when the need arises.
• The topics of patient transfers and dedicated COVID-19 facilities are of vital importance in the public health emergency. IHCA and INCAL created a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) that may be helpful.

Ivy Tech Community College

• Ivy Tech has closed their campuses
• Offering to re-open buildings in the event your community needs them for emergency purposes
• Provided a list of chancellors for each of the campuses along with contact information