Mayor Hamilton Issues Executive Order Rescinding City Gathering Limit

Bloomington, Ind. - Mayor John Hamilton today issued Executive Order 20-04, which rescinds the City of Bloomington’s Executive Order 20-03, limiting the size of non-commercial gatherings within the city limits to 15 people. The City’s new order goes into effect Monday, May 17, 2021.

The order lifting the gathering size restriction inside the city is subsequent to the announcement that the Monroe County Public Health Order issued on April 7, 2021 would be rescinded effective Monday, May 17. The county order (originally issued July 17, 2020) imposed, among other things, requirements for the wearing of face coverings and gathering limits on public and commercial gatherings. The county issued its rescission today in response to declining COVID rates in the county, increased numbers of Americans being vaccinated and resulting recommendations regarding face coverings recently issued by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The City’s Executive Order 20-03 was issued on August 21, 2020 to support the county order and further protect the health and safety of city residents by imposing a stricter gathering limit for private events.

“The City continues to follow the guidance of our national and local health experts in protecting our residents,” said Mayor Hamilton. “While it’s an encouraging step that the city’s local gathering size limits are being removed and replaced with state-wide guidance, it’s critical to remember that many of our residents and visitors are still not vaccinated, so we should maintain the safety measures that have gotten us this far whenever possible. Local establishments and employers can and should consider steps that can keep their patrons and employees and our community safe while this pandemic still threatens.”