Indiana Stay-at-Home Executive Order’s Effect on Manufacturing

Despite assurances, as late as Friday evening, that the administration did not plan on ordering the closure of additional businesses, today Governor Holcomb issued a “Stay-at-Home” Executive Order. Beginning at 11:59 p.m., on Tuesday, March 24, it requires all Hoosiers to stay at home unless performing an essential function as defined in the order. This order expires at 11:59 p.m., on April 6.

Much if not most manufacturing operations are likely covered as essential businesses as defined in subsection “u” (see below) on page 8 of the order. These definitions would include most manufacturing NAICS codes.

Under the CISA List, found on page 5 of the order (see image below), some manufacturers may fall under the “Essential Businesses and Operations” definition. Additionally, some manufacturers may fall under “Essential Infrastructure,” found in Section 11, beginning on page 4 of the order.

At this time, we have no details on how any individual business can confirm its status; nor do we know of any requirements regarding specific notifications to employees or any paperwork employees may need to travel to and from work. In fact, other than a reference to state police and local law enforcement, no specific enforcement provisions are included. The IMA is working to answer these questions, but have not received any communication on specifics from the administration.

Unfortunately, much of the media reporting and notices by the administration have not included manufacturing under the broadly reported list of essential businesses. It is important to communicate to employees that manufacturing is generally considered essential and that your business will or will not continue operations.

CRITICAL INDUSTRIES HOTLINE

The governor’s office will open a call center to field industry questions about the executive order. The Critical Industries Hotline will open Tuesday, March 24, at 9 a.m. to help guide businesses and industries with the executive order. This center, reachable by calling 877-820-0890 or by emailing covidresponse@iedc.in.gov, is for business and industry questions only. Also see this FAQ page.

You may also obtain timely information by visiting the IMA’s COVID-19 Resource Page and the IMA’s COVID-19 Forum Message Board at the IMA Website. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please contact Brian Burton at bburton@imaweb.com, Andrew Berger at aberger@imaweb.com, or Malika Butler at mbutler@imaweb.com.

As we receive more information, we will post it to the resource page and forum, and will be sending timely information via Member Alerts.