(La Porte County, IN) - In keeping with the directive of Governor Eric Holcomb to localize COVID-19 safety precautions, the La Porte County Health Department, has updated its Rules and Regulations regarding the Pandemic. 

 

Friday afternoon, Dr. Sandra Deausy, La Porte County's Health Officer, issued a list of twelve restrictions.  Most of the restrictions were suggested by Governor Holcomb earlier this week, including mask regulations and limits on social distancing.  In addition, buffets and salad bars in restaurants are banned, group seating in restaurants is limited to six people, and bars must close at midnight. 

 

Retail establishments will be required to limit the number of customers in store, allowing 2 customers per 1,000 square feet of space, up to a maximum of 250 customers at any given time.  Retail businesses with 2,000 square feet or less may allow up to 5 customers at a time.

 

Regarding "special events", La Porte County will follow the state imposed restrictions, which varies based on score given to the county by the Indiana State Department of Health.  Currently, La Porte County is scored as "Orange", permitting social events up to 50 people.  If the county moves to a "Red" score, then events would be limited to 25 people.  Any special events expected to draw above 50 persons must seek permission of the La Porte County Health Department.

 

Gyms, fitness studios, libraries, funeral homes, restaurants, and swimming pools are all itemized in the Order and call for "strict adherence to social distancing requirements".

 

To enforce the new order, City Inspectors will be paid extra by the County to check for compliance.  The order also encourages residents to report violations by calling the La Porte County Heath Department Covid-19 Hotline at 219-362-2525.

 

This new order goes into effect, county wide, on Monday, November 16th and will be in place until further notice.   The order was released with the support of Mayor Tom Dermody of La Porte, Mayor Duane Parry of Michigan City, and La Porte County Commissioners (link to previous article).