EXECUTIVE ORDER: 20-15

FOR: ADDITIONAL DIRECTIVES REGARDING GOVERNMENTAL FUNCTIONS

TO ALL WHOM THESE PRESENTS MAY COME, GREETINGS:

WHEREAS, on March 6, 2020, I issued Executive Order 20-02 [20200311-IR-GOV200091EOA] which declared a public health emergency exists throughout the State of Indiana as result of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in the United States and a confirmed report of the disease in our state;

WHEREAS, since then, on March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 to be a global pandemic, and on March 13, 2020, the President of the United States declared a national emergency with respect to this dangerous virus;

WHEREAS, as of the date of this Executive Order, the virus has now spread to nearly every county throughout Indiana with numerous sickened and has caused several deaths, with these numbers increasing over time and expected to continue to increase in the days ahead;

WHEREAS, despite significant steps being taken in our State, this virus remains a serious threat to the health, safety, and welfare of all residents of Indiana, and further efforts are needed to address, control, and reduce the evolving threat posed by COVID-19;

WHEREAS, as Governor, under Indiana's Emergency Management and Disaster Law, Ind. Code ch. 10-14-3 ("Emergency Disaster Law"), I have broad authority to take actions necessary to prepare for and respond to the prompt and efficient rescue, care and treatment of persons victimized or threatened by disasters, which include an epidemic, public health emergency and any other public calamity requiring emergency action;

WHEREAS, as Governor, my authority and powers under Indiana law to declare and respond to public health emergencies on behalf of our State, include: (a) making, amending and rescinding the necessary orders, rules and regulation to carry out the Emergency Disaster Law; and (b) suspending the provisions of any regulatory statute prescribing the procedures for conduct of state business, including the orders, rules or regulations of any state agency if strict compliance with any of these provisions would in any way prevent, hinder or delay necessary action in coping with the emergency; and

WHEREAS, in light of the above, it is necessary and proper to take further actions to protect the health, safety and welfare of all Hoosiers in connection with the continuing and evolving threat posed by COVID-19, as more particularly described herein.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Eric J. Holcomb, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor by the Indiana Constitution and the laws of the State of Indiana, do hereby order:

This Executive Order is a supplement to, and deemed to be part of, Executive Order 20-02 [20200311-IR-GOV200091EOA].

IT IS SO ORDERED.