INDIANAPOLIS (WFFT) — The Indiana State Department of Health's county metrics map indicates seven counties in northeast Indiana are now in the red when it comes to COVID-19 levels of spread.
The seven counties considered to be in the highest risk category for spreading COVID-19 are Allen, DeKalb, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, Wells and Whitley.
This change is made based on two metrics, Weekly Cases Per 100,000 Residents and the 7-Day All Tests Positivity Rate.
For a county to be in red, the weekly cases per 100,000 must be 200 or more.
RELATED: Indiana coronavirus cases increase to 574,119; 8,790 deaths
MORE: Click here to learn more about the county metrics map
Local officials may impose additional restrictions:
- All general requirements are in effect. Hoosier businesses remain open.
- Social gatherings of any kind, indoors or outside, are limited to 25 people
- The Indiana Department of Health will convene local public health officials, local health care providers, elected officials, school leaders and other key stakeholders to discuss actions that will be taken.
- State agencies will provide further support upon request
- Evaluate the source of positive tests, undertake targeted testing, quarantine and isolation
- Vulnerable populations should remain isolated. Social and holiday gathering participation is not advised
- All business capacity must adhere to strict social distancing guidelines; curbside pickup is preferred
- Local officials may consider limiting hours for the operation of bars, nightclubs and restaurants
- Community recreational sports leagues and tournaments may continue with participants, required personnel, and parents/guardians and their minor children only
- Senior center activities are suspended
- Hospitals, long-term care and other congregate settings may impose visitation limits
- Reduce the number of people in common areas and break rooms at one time
- K-12 extracurricular and co-curricular activities may continue but attendance is limited to participants, support personnel and parent/guardians plus their minor children.
- All students and attendees must be social distanced and wear face coverings
- College and professional sports may continue with participants, support personnel and family members.
- A local health department may approve a plan for fan attendance of up to 25 percent capacity
Local officials may impose additional restrictions.
When a county is in the red metric, these requirements remain in effect until the metric has returned to orange or lower for two weeks.
On Tuesday, Allen County reinstated its public health order with tougher restrictions.