On Friday, Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb announced “Back on Track Indiana”, his plan to reopen the state. This takes effect today and the entire document may be viewed here https://backontrack.in.gov/ .
Through June 13th, remote working and personal protective equipment (PPE), such as face coverings, are encouraged. Social distancing guidelines remain through out the entire schedule, and may last indefinitely.
Governor Holcomb’s goal is to have the state back to as close to normal as possible by July 4th. We are excited with this proposal as the 40th annual Boogie takes place July 15-19. For folks suffering from cabin fever, Boogie XL is just the prescription.
As you look over the schedule, you will notice there are 5 phases. We want to resume activity as soon as it is possible, and safe. The plan is contingent on several factors related to the numbers affected by COVID-19 and is subject to change. For this reason, ABATE of Indiana will continue to update our calendars weekly.
With the current limit for gatherings set at 25, and Hoosiers 65 and older directed to stay at home, we will leave the decision for county and regional meetings with the Region Director. We would suggest that these wait until May 24th when that is expanded to 100 people and we can also resume some events. The status of the facility where the meeting is held will also be a factor.
There are still restrictions for attendance at public gatherings, so larger events may still need to be rescheduled. Beginning June 14th, up to 250 may convene, but social distancing guidelines must be employed. We are evaluating this with regard to reopening Coliseum Bingo, and will post updates when we have the date.
Recreational riding at Lawrence County Recreational Park should resume the normal schedule (lcrp.ridetrails.org) effective May 7th. In accordance with Stage 3, the campground and shower house will reopen after May 24th. Dirt Bike School classes should be conducted as scheduled.
Our Motorcycle Safety Division is now set to start classes utilizing distance learning, meaning students will participate in a virtual classroom. In this manner, the only time we are together is for range exercises where separation is always practiced. CDC guidelines will be implemented. Some areas or hosting facilities may have restrictions which will impact the ability to conduct the riding activity and these may require rescheduling.
The ABATE of Indiana state office is scheduled to open on Monday May 18th. The office hours will be 9:00AM - 5:00PM EDT Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Phones will answered until 6:00 on Fridays when rider courses are scheduled.
We are currently working remotely and taking shifts in the office one at a time. Someone is in the office most every day. Although the phones are not being answered directly, we are responding timely to emails and correspondence.
We are all anxious to get back to our normal lives, but we want to make sure that we do things the right way.
