By LOGAN GAY
WISH-TV | wishtv.com
New Year’s celebrations are going to look different because of the pandemic.
Bars and restaurants in Fishers and some other locales have been ordered to be closed or closing when the clock strikes midnight Thursday because of COVID-19 restrictions.
In Marion County, bars and restaurants will remain under a health order, first issued in November, and be closed from midnight Dec. 31 to 5 a.m. Jan. 1.
In Fishers, its health department ordered all restaurants and bars to close by 10 p.m. The city’s order – closing to customers between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. with only carryout allowed – began at 10 p.m. Dec. 25 and will end at 5 a.m. Jan. 8.
Rider
Woodys Library Restaurant in Carmel has been packed on previous New Year’s Eves. This year, owner Kevin ‘Woody’ Rider said they’ll be open past midnight but he’s not expecting it not to be as crowded. He said he’s thankful they’re allowed to be open at all.
“We live in a country where people have choice,” Rider said. “People who are less comfortable or higher-risk, they can choose to stay home or curbside. If you’re not in those categories, you have a choice to go out.”
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a New Year’s guide online that encourages people who are still interested in going out to celebrate to seek outdoors events and consider something virtual.
Well said Kevin Rider!
Fishers mayor has lost my vote, very upset he made such an unscientific, ridiculous move to close hurting bars and restaurants at 10pm. Tired of these tyrants going beyond their civil duty, and making unfounded rules against the freedoms of American citizens.