After reviewing Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb’s five-stage plan for reopening the state, the City of Goshen is working to ensure its municipal employees and the public at large are protected from the potential spread of COVID-19 as restrictions are lifted.

According to the Governor’s latest executive order outlining Stage 2 of the plan, all individuals should remain at home or their place of residence as much as practicable to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Trips outside of the home are expected for travel to employment, to purchase necessities of life and to care for a family member, friend or pets.

Additionally, local units of government can continue to decide how and when to reopen and provide services, according to the executive order. The City of Goshen’s buildings will remain closed to the public until June 14, when Stage 4 of the plan is put in place, unless future data calls for an earlier or later opening. In the meantime, City staff will continue working to provide city services and are available to the public by phone and email.

Other measures the City will take (for the safety of staff and boards/commissions), at this time are:

• Implementing a set of Safe Work Practices for employees to follow. Practices include wearing a facemask when interacting with the public or other employees when a safe social distance cannot be maintained, measuring and tracking their temperature on a daily basis and use of remote meetings, among others.
• Although the state allows for gatherings to be of up to 25 people, the City will be limiting its municipal gatherings to under 10 people during stage 2
• All public meetings for boards and commissions will resume via zoom only. The following meetings will remain open to the public, though with limited seating and with streaming options: City Council, Board of Works, Plan Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, Redevelopment and the Parks & Recreation Board

“As we prepare to reopen with the guidance outlined by the Indiana Governor, the safety of our employees and the public is of upmost importance,” Mayor Jeremy Stutsman said. “The City will continue to communicate with other Elkhart County officials as we all monitor the spread of COVID-19 in our communities. If we all continue to work together and take the precautions needed, we will be able to stay ahead of the virus.”

To read the Governor’s 5-Stage plan, go to backontrack.in.gov. For more updates from the City of Goshen in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, go to goshenindiana.org/covid19 or follow the City’s Facebook page at facebook.com/CityOfGoshen.