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Phase 2 of reopening Marion County begins Friday: Here's what you can and can't do

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Posted at 8:35 PM, May 13, 2020
and last updated 2020-05-16 16:50:00-04

INDIANAPOLIS — As details are released about Indianapolis' plan to reopen businesses, many are wondering when certain things will reopen.

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett and city officials announced their plans Wednesday as the county starts to move into the state's phase two of reopening.

Restrictions for some businesses will be eased as early as Friday.

READ | Marion County will start opening a little more Friday, but many restrictions remain in place

Here are answers to some of the questions you have:

Can I get my hair cut or nails done?
Not yet. Salons and other personal service businesses may reopen as early as June 1 while following social distancing guidelines.

When will I be able to go to the gym?
Gyms are not considered personal services, so they are not included in things that could open on June 1. At this time, it is not clear when gyms will reopen.

When can I eat at a restaurant?
Starting May 22, restaurants may open outdoor seating and must follow social distancing guidelines. Indoor seating may be allowed to reopen at 50 percent capacity starting June 1, but the date could be pushed back. You can view more information about restaurants reopening here.

Can I go to a bar?
Not yet. Bars are set to reopen during a future phase, but no specific date or guidelines have been announced yet.

Do I still need to wear a mask in public?
You are still encouraged to wear a mask or face covering, frequently wash your hands, and continue following social distancing guidelines

When will in-person religious services resume?
In-person religious services can resume Friday, but are limited to 25 people following social distancing guidelines. Services where will people remain in their vehicles will be allowed to continue.

Are liquor stores going to reopen?
Liquor stores can reopen Friday at 50 percent capacity. Employees and customers must follow social distancing guidelines.

When are the malls going to reopen?
Malls and retail stores can reopen Friday at 50 percent capacity and people must follow social distancing guidelines. Move theaters, salons, gyms, and dining at food courts inside will still be closed. Carryout is allowed.

Can I return to work?
Those who can still work from home are encouraged to continue doing so.

When will visitation resume at the Marion County Jails?
At this time, a date to reopen the lobbies of the jails has not been decided, according to the sheriff's office. The jail is continuing to do virtual visitations. Anyone with questions or concerns is asked to email contactmcso@indy.gov.

When will museums and theaters reopen?
These will reopen in a future phase. Specifics on these phases haven't been released.

Are there any changes to the court system?
The latest update from the Marion County Superior Court can be found here.

What travel restrictions are in place?
You are encouraged to continue limiting travel to essential trips only.

Will students be allowed to return to school in the fall?
"I can’t say we’ll be back in the classrooms by this fall – that’s our goal,” said Marion County Public Health Department Director Dr. Virginia Caine. “It’s too early to make that determination.”

Are summer camps allowed to open?
RTV6 is working to find out more information on this question.

Will I be allowed to visit the library?
Starting Friday, Indianapolis Public Library is offering curbside pickup of books at the Central Library, East 38th Street, Glendale, Pike, and Southport branches. It's unknown when the library will fully reopen at this time.

When will campsites be allowed to reopen?
RTV6 is working to find out more information on this question.

Can full-service car washes reopen?
RTV6 is working to find out more information on this question.

Are youth sport leagues allowed to play this summer?
RTV6 is working to find out more information on this question.

Can non-essential industrial and manufacturing facilities reopen?
Not yet. It's not clear when it will be allowed to resume operations.

Will Indy Parks programs and pools open this summer?
As of right now, the answer is unknown. RTV6 has reached out to Indy Parks for more information.

Will we be able to have events during the Fourth of July and the Brickyard 400?
Hogsett says it's too early to tell right now, but the city is talking with officials at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to make these decisions.

For more information on city's response to COVID-19, click here.