Indiana businesses prepare to reopen

Indiana businesses prepare to reopen

People is states across the country are venturing back out in public as stay-at-home orders expire.

In indiana... business owners are preparing to re-open under the governors new 5-stage plan.

In illinois... the stay at home order has been extended.

We begin our coverage... of coronavirus in the wabash valley with more on what's happening in the hoosier state.

News 10's richard solomon has more on the "back on track indiana" plan.

Richar} over the next few months... many hoosiers will be able to return to work.

I spoke with a few local business owners.

They say they're eager to re-open... but know this isn't the end of the pandemic.

Pk} some say the future is looking a little brighter for business owners in the wabash valley.

Governor eric holcomb revealed his 5 stage plan to re-open the state of indiana friday.

It's called "back on track indiana."

And for george azar... it means his restaurant can welcome back customers may 11th.

"it gives us something to look forward to.

We don't know if they're going to have cabin fever and rush in and want to come in or if they're going to want and say well maybe we're going to wait."

But restaurants like the saratoga will only be able to open up to 50% of the restautant's capacity.

Eventually... under the governor's plan... it will be able to re-open fully.

Azar says many of his employees will be able to return to work.

"we want to give them their job back.

Most of them have been with us probaly average of 10 years or more."

Part 2 of stage 2 means personal service business will be allowed to reopen.

This includes business like hair salons and spas.

"i totally had to close my business during this entire time now i'm like really really prepared to open."

Carlene sakbun is the owner of skin spa.

Sakbun says there will be changes to her spa.

She'll only be able to have one client at a time... by appointment only.

And she'll have to wear a mask.

But it's the best way to keep everyone safe.

"when clients come into our spa i want them to feel safe i want them to feel welcomed and i want them to know that we're prepared to follow the guidelines."

Richar} if everything goes according to plan... all indiana businesses should be fully operational by july 4th.

Reporting in the newsroom, richard solomon news 10, back to you.

The indiana the indiana chamber of the indiana chamber of commerce is "applauding" governor holcomb's plan to reopen the state.

The chamber president issued a statement saying the plan is "thoughtful and comprehensive."

He says the plan allows for people to get back to work... and doing so in stages means employees and customers can get back to normal -- safely.

The chamber is also offering resources for business owners as