FISHERS — The Fishers Health Department announced new COVID-19 restrictions for the city as they work to reduce the risk of spread and infection from the virus.
The health department says the city is now in "Risk Level 4" which means the risk for the spread of COVID-19 is high and additional steps need to be taken to help prevent infection among residents.
As part of the assessment, Fishers Health Department's Public Health Director Monica Heltz outlined the following key areas of concern:
- Social gatherings are a primary source of spread according to reporting from contact tracers
- COVID-19 infection is widespread across the Fishers community with no one concentrated area.
- All ages appear to be equally affected
- Strong indication that schools remain a safe space for students in terms of case-to-case transmission
Based on their findings, the Public Health Director and Mayor Scott Fadness have outlined the following recommendations for citizens in Fishers to follow:
General Population
- Avoid gatherings in homes, workplaces, churches
- Stay at home except for essential services (i.e. school, work, healthcare, and groceries)
- Utilize curbside delivery, carryout services and/or home delivery
- Work from home if possible
- Increase sanitation protocols
- Gyms and retail establishments should have special hours for high-risk individuals
- Mask up; distance; sanitize
Schools
- 5 Core requirements for Orange and Red
- All school-sponsored extracurriculars canceled in Red
- Enforcement via environmental inspections by FHD
- One case in a class quarantines the entire class
- Public Health Order
Schools
- Cancellation of school-sponsored extracurricular activities
Restaurants / Bars
- No bar seating - patrons must sit at designated tables
- No more than 8 people at a table
- Masks must be worn at restaurants until food arrives, however, can be temporarily removed for drinking beverages before food arrives
Entertainment Facilities
- Confined entertainment spaces: No more than 8 in group
Social Gatherings (incl. Banquet Halls, Conference Centers)
- Indoors: 10 maximum
- Outdoors: 25 maximum
- 1 spectator per participant at sporting events
"We've analyzed our community data, and we're releasing guidance on the best course of action to slow the spread of COVID-19," the health department said in a post to the community. "We need you to do your part and follow our recommendations so that Fishers can stay safe and stay open."
In addition to the above recommendations, the Fishers Health Department is asking all residents to use the following guidelines:
- Wear a mask
- Distance
- Sanitize
- No outside visitors inside your house
