Dearborn County Board of Commissioners
Proclamation to Issue Directives
Regarding Governmental Operations
Whereas, there remains a “Public Health Emergency” in the State of Indiana due to the
ongoing COVID-19 pandemic with the most recent renewal of the Public Health
Emergency occurring with Governor Holcomb’s issuance of Executive Order 21-08
on the 31st day of March, 2021;
Whereas, the COVID-19 pandemic is an emergency that continues to threaten the health and
wellbeing of the citizens of Dearborn County;
Whereas, by Executive Order 20-43 issued on the 24th day of September, 2020, Indiana has
been utilizing county-based measures to monitor the spread of COVID-19 using a color-coded system and this system remains in place but was modified by Executive Order 21-09 signed by Governor Holcomb on the 31st day of March, 2021;
Whereas, in addition to the foregoing, Executive Order 21-09 also rescinded the statewide
“mask mandate” in the State of Indiana, with the exception that masks will still be required in all State government buildings, on State property where social distancing cannot be maintained, at all COVID-19 testing and vaccination sites, and in all K-12 educational facilities;
Whereas, as of the 31st day of March, 2021, Dearborn County remains in the Blue level,
which is the lowest level. Dearborn County will remain in the Blue level if citizens
remain vigilant and take all precautions possible to limit the spread of COVID-19 in
Dearborn County;
Whereas, the Health Officer of Dearborn County, Dr. Stephen Eliason, and the Dearborn
County Board of Commissioners believe that restrictions can be loosened, however, some should remain in place at this time to ensure that Dearborn County stays in the Blue level; and
Whereas, Executive Order 21-09 allows local governments to put restrictions in place that are
more restrictive than the current orders of Government Holcomb and/or the Indiana State
Department of Health.
Therefore, be it proclaimed by the Dearborn County Board of Commissioners as
follows:
1. Beginning on the 6th day of April, 2021, public access to all Dearborn County public buildings will be opened and no appointment or hearing will be required to enter any Dearborn County public building. Citizens are still encouraged to only go to Dearborn County public buildings to conduct business that cannot be conducted by other means;
2. Individuals entering Dearborn County public buildings will still be required to wear a mask and socially distance while inside the public building. Any individuals appearing for a Court hearing may remove their mask only if permitted to do so by the presiding Judge;
3. Social distancing MUST be maintained and masks MUST be worn at all meetings or hearings of any Dearborn County board. Dearborn County board members may appear for meetings or hearings telephonically as permitted by current Executive Orders;
4. Individuals exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 may be denied entrance to Dearborn County public buildings. If a symptomatic individual is appearing for a Court hearing, the individual will only be denied entrance to the Dearborn County Government Center if excused by the Court where the hearing is to be held;
5. Any Dearborn County employees dealing directly with members of the public shall be required to wear a mask during these interactions;
6. Businesses located in Dearborn County are strongly encouraged to require masks and to strictly enforce social distancing; however, this determination shall be left up to each business. Any business that wishes to continue requiring masks and strictly enforces social distancing will have the full support of the Dearborn County Health Department. Social distancing of at least six feet (6’) between tables is still required in all restaurants and bars;
7. All businesses may operate at full capacity at this time; however, businesses are still required to abide by all Executive Orders of Governor Holcomb, directives of the Indiana State Department of Health, and any Orders of the Dearborn County Health Officer;
8. Should Dearborn County move to the Yellow, Orange, or Red levels, the following additional requirements will be implemented:
a. Masks will be required in all businesses and at all public gatherings if Dearborn County enters any level higher than the Blue level;
b. Social distancing will be strictly enforced if Dearborn County enters any level higher than the Blue level;
c. Businesses capacities will be limited as follows:
i. Yellow Level – 80% of full capacity;
ii. Orange Level – 65% of full capacity;
iii. Red Level – 50% of full capacity;
d. Social gatherings (including all sporting events) shall be limited as follows:
i. Yellow Level – 250 people;
ii. Orange Level – 100 people;
iii. Red Level – 50 people;
9. Fully vaccinated individuals (two weeks after last shot) are not required to quarantine because of “close contact” with a COVID-19 positive individual; however, quarantine requirements remain in place for those who have not been vaccinated;
10. Every eligible citizen of Dearborn County is STRONGELY ENCOURAGED to get themselves vaccinated as soon as possible. As of the 31st day of March, 2021, all individuals aged sixteen (16) years and older are eligible to be vaccinated;
11. Any “hot spots” that do not require modification of County-wide restrictions will be dealt with by the Dearborn County Health Department on a case-by-case basis;
12. The Dearborn County Health Officer is hereby granted the authority to take any and all steps necessary to limit the spread of COVID-19. This authority includes, but is not limited to, the powers granted a local health officer under Title 16 of the Indiana Code.
13. These restrictions will be reviewed and modified as needed by the Dearborn County Board of Commissioners, upon consultation with the Dearborn County Health Officer, at all upcoming meetings until such time as the restrictions are no longer necessary.
All of which is proclaimed by the Board of Commissioners of Dearborn County, Indiana this the _____ day of _______________, 2021.
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
DEARBORN COUNTY, INDIANA
______________________________ ______________________________
JIM THATCHER, President ART LITTLE, Member
ATTEST: ______________________________
RICK PROBST, Member
______________________________
CONNIE FROMHOLD
County Auditor
This Proclamation prepared by: Andrew D. Baudendistel, County Attorney, VOTAW & SCHWARZ, 60 East High Street, Lawrenceburg, Indiana 47025. Phone (812) 537-4500.
