The Fulton County Health Department understands this is a trying time for all within the community. COVID-19 has not only disrupted our daily lives, but also financially for individuals and businesses, our hearts go out to all involved.
Unfortunately, there has been a lot of confusion regarding Indiana Law and Governor Holcomb’s Executive Orders as they pertain to Food Service Establishments. Below is clarification from the Fulton County Health Department Attorney:
Paragraph 6 of Governor Holcomb’s Executive Order 20-04, labeled Food Service Establishments notes that any establishment with in-dining services is required to close to “in-person patrons” but may still provide drive-thru, take-out and delivery services.
The phrase “in-person patrons” encompasses more than merely those who would dine inside the establishment, but includes those congregating inside a building or structure awaiting a take-out order. As the Attorney for the Fulton County Health Department it is my opinion that the Fulton County Health Department is JUSTIFIED in taking any enforcement action authorized by statute to enforce the Governor’s Executive Order.
Additional Clarifications about how Restaurant Establishments should be doing business:
• Restaurants, Bars, Taverns, Clubs / Organizations, Lodges, Wine Tastings, Coffee Shops, Ice Cream Parlors, etc. are REQUIRED TO CLOSE to IN-PERSON PATRONS. They MAY provide TAKE-OUT AND DELIVERY.
• Only Employees allowed in the restaurant establishment. Non-employees are not allowed inside the establishment, period.
• Orders are to be placed by phone, text, or online methods prior to arriving.
• Pick-up / Delivery Only OUTSIDE of the establishment. NO PUBLIC ENTRY.
Additional Clarifications for Nonessential Gatherings:
• No groups or gatherings of more than 10 people. Again, Nonessential Gatherings (Organizations, Auctions, meetings: public / non-public, etc.)
• Social Distancing should be at least 6+ feet apart while out in public or in gatherings of 10 people or less.
