Indiana Heads Into Final Stage of Re-opening Plan

Stage 5 of Indiana's "Back on Track" re-opening plan goes into effect Saturday, and while some businesses are eager for the lift on restrictions, concern over COVID-19 still lingers for others.

Saline is reporting an other 20 cases.

New tonight at -5- stage 5 of indiana's reopening plan will fo into effect tomorrow.

44news reporter valerie lyons is in downtown evansville with the story.

Valerie?

Nearly 3 months after suspending the state's reopening plan -- indiana's final phase goes into effect tomorrow.

After months of restrictions -- local business are finally ready to get back on track.

On saturday -- indiana moves to stage 5 of its reopening plan.

This final phase will lift size limits on gatherings -- bars -- restaurants -- gyms -- and more.

"now we can actually have a larger class which is going to be really beneficial."

And local gym manager ryan woodburn thinks its the right time for the community.

"i think people are starting to feel a little bit more comfortable as it's lifted, thy feel a little bit more safe about it so i think it's going to help us even more."

Governor holcomb says improvements to the state's overall positivity rate led to the decision to move to this last stage.

But while businesses can now operate at full capacity -- face masks and social distancing will still be required.

And though some are glad to welcome in more customers -- others are still keeping their doors closed.

"my wife and i, we have been working for 50 years, we have been open and we are in a high-risk group and if i open the door for the people to come, i think we cannot handle the dining room, we will lose control."

Jung says take out sales have been strong enough to keep business afloat -- so he won't fully reopen until he's positive it's safe to do so.

"we want to wait to see when the first vaccine comes in and then we might consider."

Stage 5 will run through october 17 -- while the statewide face mask order remains in place indefinitely.

Governor holcomb says the state will re- evaluate and decide in three weeks -- whether to make any changes to the state's reopening plan.

In evansville -- valerie lyons--44news.