Indianapolis plans to ease mask mandate, other virus limits

<p>INDIANAPOLIS &mdash; Indianapolis officials plan to lift the city’s mask mandate for those fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and ease other restriction on June 7.</p>
<p>Indianapolis has kept more stringent coronavirus precautions in place even as the statewide mask order and other restrictions ended in early April.</p>
<p>Mayor Joe Hogsett said Wednesday the city’s mask order will remain in effect through the Indianapolis 500, along with graduations and other events through early June.</p>
<p>“That’s another two-and-a-half weeks’ worth of shots in arms that will increase our community’s vaccination rate, further hampering the potential spread of the virus,” Hogsett said.</p>
<p>City health officials will recommend that even people fully vaccinated still wear masks in hospitals and on public transportation.</p>
<p>Health officials expect a proposal to the City-County Council will raise capacity limits for bars from 50% to 75% and allow full capacity for religious services.</p>
<p>About 38% of Indianapolis residents 12 and older are fully vaccinated, just below the statewide mark of 40%, according to the state health department.</p>