Local Public Health Order Renewed in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic

The Allen County health commissioner renewed and revised local public health restrictions to go into effect Sunday due to the ongoing surge of COVID-19 cases in the community.

“It is imperative our community remains vigilant practicing the public health measures we know work to help slow the spread of COVID-19,” said health commissioner Dr. Matthew Sutter. “While we continue to experience a high rate of cases and hospitalizations, we hope the extension of this order in addition to the Governor’s efforts will enable Allen County to avoid further overwhelming our healthcare system until we have widespread distribution of a safe, effective vaccine.”

The full Allen County public health order, which goes into effect Dec. 13 at 12 a.m., can be viewed here.

The order mirrors limits on social gatherings and events laid out in Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb’s Executive Order 20-50. It also continues capacity limits in restaurants, bars and fitness centers depending on the county’s status in the color-coded categories outlined in the previous orders announced in November.

While the county is in the red category according to state metrics, all social gatherings and events are limited to no more than 25 people under Executive Order 20-50. Under the local order, bars, restaurants and fitness centers are required to operate at 50 percent capacity with other safety protocols outlined in the order in place. And collegiate and professional sports organizers seeking spectator attendance at sporting events not already defined in the Governor’s order must submit a safety plan to the Allen County Department of Health for approval at least seven days in advance.

The county will not move back to less restrictive levels outlined in the orders until the color-coded metrics remain in that state category for two consecutive weeks.