Indiana’s official public health emergency of the COVID-19 pandemic will continue for at least another month.
Gov. Eric Holcomb renewed his emergency declaration for the 19th time Thursday. That declaration triggers his broad emergency powers and ensures Indiana remains eligible for federal relief.
He also continued some limited executive actions. His latest executive order mandates hospitals report to the state when they’re diverting patients to other facilities. It asks insurers to extend prior authorizations for non-emergency procedures being postponed because of the COVID-19 surge. And it makes it easier for advanced practice nurses to provide care across multiple locations around the state.
Those were all first imposed last month.
The only change from previous orders: Hoosiers who owe back taxes on the unemployment benefits they received during the pandemic will now have to pay penalties and fees – which had been halted before.
Contact reporter Brandon at bsmith@ipbs.org or follow him on Twitter at @brandonjsmith5.