On April 6, Governor Eric Holcomb issued Executive Order 20-18, which is effective through Monday, April 20. The Carmel Police Department reminds citizens of restrictions and closures in effect pursuant to Executive Orders issued by Governor Holcomb, as well as other local closures.
General Information
Indiana residents have been ordered to stay at home or their place of residence, except as allowed by Executive Order 20-18. A frequently asked question document regarding the Executive Order can be reviewed at in.gov/gov/3232.htm.
(All COVID-19-related executive orders – federal, state and City of Carmel – are available by clicking here.)
When using shared or outdoor spaces when outside of homes or residences, individuals must at all times, and as much as reasonably possible, maintain a physical distance of at least six feet from any other person, with the exception of family or household members.
All public and private gatherings of greater than 10 people are prohibited unless exempted by the Executive Order. Individuals participating in a gathering of 10 or fewer people must follow physical distancing requirements. The Executive Order does not prohibit the gathering of members of an individual household or residence.
Law enforcement is not stopping vehicles or anyone outside to determine if they are participating in Essential Travel or Essential Activities. You do not need to carry documentation from your employer to drive to and from work.
Local Closures
The following closures and restrictions are in effect:
- Executive Order 20-18 requires the continued closure of all places of public amusement, whether indoors or outdoors, including locations with amusement rides, carnivals, amusement parks, water parks, aquariums, zoos, museums, arcades, fairs, children’s play centers, playgrounds, funplexes, theme parks, bowling alleys, movie and other theaters, concert and music halls, and country clubs or social clubs.
- A section of the Monon Greenway between Main Street and Gradle Drive is closed. The remainder of the Monon Greenway remains open.
- Midtown Plaza is closed, but access to restaurants in the immediate area is available.
- Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation has closed the Monon Community Center, Central Park Dog Park, Central Park Skate Park, the artesian well at Flowing Well Park, and all playgrounds and restroom facilities.
- Carmel Clay Schools has closed all facilities, including playgrounds, basketball courts, tennis courts, tracks and fields.
Retail Businesses
Executive Order 20-18 established new conditions for retail businesses, both those providing necessities of life and those not providing the necessities of life, to follow:
Retail businesses that provide necessities of life include: Grocery stores, supermarkets, supercenters or mass merchandizers (provided they have a sizable food/grocery section), specialty food stores, certified farmer’s markets, farm and produce stands, convenience stores and gas stations, pharmacies, auto sales, auto supply, auto maintenance and repair, farm equipment, construction equipment, bicycle shops, hardware and supply stores, office supply stores, club stores (i.e., Costco, Sam’s Club), building material and supplies stores (i.e., Lowe’s, Menards, Home Depot).
Retail businesses that are providing the necessities of life may remain open to the public under the following conditions:
- They must limit the number of customers in their facility at any given time to ensure customers remain at least six feet apart as required by the CDC’s required social distancing guidelines.
- They must limit hours of operation and should consider implementing separate operating hours for the elderly and vulnerable customers.
- They must comply with social distancing and sanitation of applicable areas and other mitigation measures to protect employees and the public.
All other retail businesses not providing the necessities of life, as described above, may remain open only under the following conditions:
- Sales must be restricted to online or call-in ordering with delivery or curbside pickup.
- Businesses must comply with social distancing and sanitation of applicable areas and other mitigation measures to protect its employees and the public.
A list of essential businesses is available at coronavirus.in.gov/2496.htm. If you have questions regarding the essential business designation, please call the Critical Industries Hotline at 877-820-0890 or e-mail covidresponse@iedc.in.gov.
Restaurants
Dining by in person patrons and in-dining services at restaurants, bars, nightclubs and other establishments encompasses portions of the premises of a dining establishment, including not only interior areas but also patios, areas of outside seating and parking lots.
Complaints and Enforcement Regarding Businesses
Complaints regarding businesses will be investigated by the Indiana State Department of Health and an Enforcement Response Team created by Executive Order 20-18. Reports of suspected violations can be filed with the Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration (IOSHA) at in.gov/dol/3144.htm.
The following enforcement measures may be taken:
- First, a verbal warning will be given. If the business fails to comply with the verbal warning, the Indiana State Department of Health may issue a cease and desist letter.
- If the business continues to operate, the Indiana State Department of Health can order the business to close. The business will be reported to the Secretary of State and to any relevant licensing, permitting, or certifying board, commission or other entity, and the business could lose its operating license or permit.
- Additionally, if an order to close a business is issued, a local prosecuting attorney may file charges for violating the executive order issued under Indiana’s Emergency Disaster Law. A knowing violation of an executive order issued pursuant to Indiana’s Emergency Disaster Law is a class B misdemeanor, punishable up to 180 days incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000.
The Carmel Police Department would like to thank all citizens for their patience and respecting the closures and restrictions that are in effect. As always, if you need assistance please call 911 during emergencies and (317) 571-2580 for non-emergency matters.