Gov. Eric Holcomb addresses the state during an broadcast address on Monday, March 23, regarding a stay-at-home order.

INDIANAPOLIS — Gov. Eric Holcomb has issued a statewide stay-at-home order from Wednesday, March 25 to Tuesday, April 7, in a preventative measure against COVID-19.

Gov. Holcomb delivered a statewide address on Monday, March 23, ordering that Hoosiers remain in their homes except when they are at work or for permitted activities, such as taking care of others, obtaining necessary supplies, and for health and safety.

“The next two weeks are critical if we are to slow the spread of COVID-19, and we must slow the spread,” said Holcomb. “You must be part of the solution, not the problem.”

The first positive case of COVID-19 in Indiana was reported on March 6. Since then, the number of positive cases has increased on a near daily basis, escalating as the capacity to test has grown. As of this morning, March 23, the number of tests completed in Indiana is 1,960; the number of positive cases is 259 and seven deaths have been reported.

Beginning Tuesday, March 24, all state government offices will be closed to in-person public activity until at least April 7. This includes the Government Center complex in Indianapolis and other offices throughout the state, including the Bureau of Motor Vehicle branches.

In conjunction with the closures, Holcomb ordered an automatic extension of all state-issued licenses and will advise law enforcement to refrain from issuing citations for a driver’s license or registration that expires during this emergency.

“to everyone who’s playing by the rules, we say thank you,” said Holcomb during the live-streamed announcement. “Stay home. Get groceries when you need them and only buy what you need. The next two weeks are critical. We must slow the spread.”

(The state has answers to your most frequently asked questions on the issue)

In all, Holcomb issued four executive orders:

Stay at Home

Provides for essential and non-essential business and operations, infrastructure, government services, travel and activities outside of one’s home.

Continuity of State Operations

Provides for the continuing operation of state government from 5 p.m. Monday, March 23, through 8 a.m. Tuesday, April 7, with restricted access to government buildings and services.

Enforcement Directive Regarding Prohibition of In-Person Dining

Directs that state and local boards of health and the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission take all available administrative and enforcement actions against establishments that continue to offer in-hous dining services, in violation of the governor’s executive order of March 16.

Health departments will deliver letters ordering restaurants that continue to provide in-person dining to cease such operations. If they do not comply, fines will be levied.

For restaurants with alcohol permits that continue to offer in-person dining, the ATC will issue an order in writing for the establishment to cease such operations. If the activity continues, the ATC will suspend the entity’s liquor license and will consider the non-compliance at the time of permit renewal.

Provisions For Carryout Consumption Of Alcohol

Relaxes the sale of carryout alcoholic beverages for dining establishments. This includes establishments that allow for on-premises consumption only and those that are permitted carryout permits dependent on a percentage of on-premises sales.

Illinois, Ohio and Michigan have also implemented statewide stay-at-home orders.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced a statewide stay-at-home order on Friday, March 20. The order went into effect at 5 p.m. CST Saturday, March 21, and will remain in effect until Tuesday, April 7. As of 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 23, Illinois has 1,049 positive cases of coronavirus with nine deaths.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced a stay-at-home order on Sunday, March 22. The order will go into effect at 11:59 p.m. today, March 23, and will remain in effect until Monday, April 6. As of 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 23, Ohio has 351 positive cases of coronavirus with three deaths.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced a statewide stay-at-home order this morning, March 23. The order will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, March 24, and will remain in effect for at least the next three weeks.As of 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 23, Michigan has 1,035 positive cases of coronavirus with eight deaths.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear has ordered non-essential retail businesses to close. Grocery stores, gas stations, pharmacies, drug stores and liquor stores will remain open.