Me: I want to go to there.
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Most of Indiana’s coronavirus restrictions on businesses and crowd sizes will be lifted this weekend, but people will still be required to wear masks in public for another three weeks, Gov. Eric Holcomb said Wednesday.
Holcomb, a Republican running for reelection, has faced discontent from some conservatives over coronavirus restrictions. He said he would lift statewide capacity limits for restaurants and bars and crowd limits for social events beginning Saturday because he says the state has made progress in recent weeks in slowing the spread of COVID-19. The mask requirement will be extended until Oct. 17.
This is from Tom Davies, “Indiana governor keeps mask order, drops other virus limits,” Associated Press, September 23, 2020.
Why Holcomb’s sudden change of heart?
Davies writes:
The mask order first took effect July 27 and has drawn ire among conservatives who believe his executive orders in response to the pandemic have gone too far. That has complicated his reelection campaign against Democratic challenger Woody Myers, with some saying they would support Libertarian candidate Donald Rainwater.
So Holcomb appears to be losing support to the Libertarian Party candidate, who, I assume has criticized the lockdowns.
READER COMMENTS
Jairaj Devadiga
Sep 25 2020 at 10:19pm
Interesting and heartening observation. My friend, Aditya Jahagirdar, wrote something similar last year regarding Indian politics.
Alan Goldhammer
Sep 26 2020 at 9:23am
I hope this works out for Indiana (I did my graduate work at IU and enjoyed my time in the state. I hope the public does not take this reopening to mean that the virus has spared the state. Looking at the infection numbers, it is still higher than the recommended level for reopening (6.6% according to the linked article). With colder weather coming, crowded indoor areas will be conducive to viral spread. Public health protection is always a delicate balance.
David Seltzer
Sep 28 2020 at 6:01pm
Alan, I too am an IU grad, class of 1970. In colder weather, hopefully people will venture outdoors and enjoy the fall colors of Brown County State Park.
Tyler Wells
Sep 28 2020 at 10:03am
My beloved home state has weathered coronavirus very well both in health outcomes and in personal freedom. A few weeks ago we participated in a soccer tournament outside Indianapolis that was absolutely packed (and generating revenue!). Teams from Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois are much more restricted in their activities and so came to Indiana in order to be able to play.
While Governor Holcomb may be facing some pressure, one sees absolutely no signs of disconent or protest in the streets. In contrast, when we traveled to Michigan anti-lockdown discontent was omnipresent.
Comments are closed.