GiaQuinta expresses concern as Holcomb announces reopening plans
FORT WAYNE, IN – Indiana House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) today (May 1, 2020) released the following statement regarding Governor Holcomb's plan to reopen Indiana:
“With today's announcement, Governor Holcomb has charted a path for Indiana that is significantly more aggressive than those of our neighboring states. I, like most Hoosiers, desire to return to normalcy as quickly and as safely as possible and hope that the Governor's decision proves to be the best course of action.
“However, I am concerned by the notion of relaxing current restrictions when Indiana has seen a record number of new COVID-19 cases this week. Before announcing today's actions, I had hoped the Governor would wait until we saw a decline in the number of new COVID-19 cases and a significant increase in testing capability, which are both suggested federal guidelines for reopening.
“As many experts have warned, a premature relaxation of COVID-19 measures has the potential to render our state's shared sacrifices to date pointless. Further, I would encourage Governor Holcomb to make these decisions by not only consulting with Indiana business leaders, but also with Hoosier workers, who put their safety and the safety of their families on the line each day.
“I know Governor Holcomb and his advisors have difficult decisions to make each day, but gathering input from a diverse group of Hoosiers, relying on proven medical data and not succumbing to outside political pressure will ensure Indiana and all Hoosiers are healthy and safe.”