Indiana will move to 'Stage 5' this week, allow full capacity at restaurants, retail, gyms

Indiana this week will move toward its final phase of reopening from its coronavirus shutdown, entering "Stage 5" on Saturday in a move that will reopen most social venues and retail spaces in the state to full capacity. 

Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb made the announcement during a livestream press conference on Wednesday. Holcomb in announcing the decision cited the state's COVID-19 test positivity rate, which has hovered around 4% for several weeks. The state had been scheduled to enter the final phase in July, but Holcomb pushed the transition back due to what he said were high transmission rates at the time. 

Under the state's final phase, restaurants, bars and nightclubs may operate at full capacity, though they still must ensure social distancing between customers. Event venues and gyms will also be allowed to welcome guests at capacity. 

Under the original "Stage 5" plan, the state's mask mandate was to be replaced with a mask recommendation. Holcomb, however, has dictated that the mask mandate be extended until at least Oct. 17th.