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Holcomb Not Rethinking Lifted Restrictions As COVID-19 Data Trends In Wrong Direction

Justin Hicks
/
IPB News

Gov. Eric Holcomb says he’s not rethinking his decision to lift almost all COVID-19 restrictions statewide, even as several COVID metrics have started to trend the wrong direction.

The state’s positivity rate is up and hospitalizations are at their highest level in a month. Two weeks ago, Indiana’s rate of COVID-19 spread was sixth best in the nation. It’s now fourth worst.

But Holcomb said Indiana doesn’t need to reimpose restrictions.

“It means we need to hunker down in the areas where we see spread,” Holcomb said.

Indiana Health Commissioner Dr. Kris Box said the state’s numbers underscore the need to take proper precautions.

“Wearing our masks, washing our hands, socially distance, not going to work or school if you’re sick, getting tested and engaging with our contact tracers – that’s how we prevent the spread,” Box said.

READ MORE: Do I Have To Wear A Face Mask? What You Need To Know About Indiana's New Mandate

Local governments can still impose more stringent COVID-19 restrictions than the state’s.

Contact reporter Brandon at bsmith@ipbs.org or follow him on Twitter at @brandonjsmith5.

Brandon Smith is excited to be working for public radio in Indiana. He has previously worked in public radio as a reporter and anchor in mid-Missouri for KBIA Radio out of Columbia. Prior to that, he worked for WSPY Radio in Plano, Illinois as a show host, reporter, producer and anchor. His first job in radio was in another state capitol, in Jefferson City, Missouri, as a reporter for three radio stations around Missouri. Brandon graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a Bachelor of Journalism in 2010, with minors in political science and history. He was born and raised in Chicago.