“Flat out impressed…”
At his weekly press conference on Wednesday, July 15, Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb announced the state will remain at Stage 4.5 because of COVID-19 cases, and will remain at this stage for at least the next two weeks. In Stage 4.5, bars can operate at 50 percent capacity and restaurants at 75 percent capacity. Details at https://www.backontrack.in.gov/files/Stage_4.5.pdf.
The governor did make one additional change to Stage 4.5. Gatherings of 250 people or more now require the approval of the county health department. Effective July 23, written plans outlining the steps being taken to mitigate against COVID-19 must be approved. This applies to fairs, festivals, parades, outdoor concerts, family reunions, conferences, and weddings.
Governor Holcomb said he was impressed with university protocols for reopening:
“I’ve been flat-out impressed quite frankly with our universities who came out very early: Notre Dame and Purdue and IU. And these protocols are all starting to roll out right now. We’re working with mayors in those college campus towns to make sure that there is cohesion there as well. It’s not just those big universities, it’s also all of our smaller universities. We have 30 privates in the state of Indiana scattered all out in various necks of our woods. And it’s that local community leadership with the campus leadership and making sure those protocols are there too. Are we concerned about when students move around and/or vacation or spring break? Yes, those things are concerning, but we’ve got to make sure to control what we can control and it starts with those plans on campus being in place. And like I’ve said, I’ve been very impressed with the collaboration.”
ND Researchers: Self-regulating Our Activity
The slowdown in mobility among Americans during the coronavirus pandemic is the result of self-regulation rather than state or local stay-at-home orders, according to research conducted by two Notre Dame economics researchers.
Read the story here.
Catholic Colleges Condemn ‘Heartless’ Government
America Magazine published on its website a report on the response by Catholic universities, including Notre Dame, to the government’s threat to expel from the United States foreign students who were enrolled in courses exclusively online.
Read the story here.
In the South Bend Tribune
Vice President and James E. Rohr Director of Athletics Jack Swarbrick talks specifics and what-ifs pertaining to the road ahead for Notre Dame football
Read the story here.
Notre Dame’s ‘Here’ Campaign Promotes Safety, Community During Coronavirus Pandemic
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‘Inhospitable, even hostile’: Notre Dame Backs Lawsuit, Condemns ICE Rule on International Students
Read the story here.
Paul J. Browne is the vice president for public affairs and communications