Essential business? Many in Jay County make list

What’s essential?

The executive order issued by Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb in the face of the coronavirus pandemic spells out in broad terms what operations are essential and which ones are non-essential.

But there’s still been some confusion on the part of the public.

“Pretty much all of the manufacturing base here is essential,” Jay County Health Department environmentalist and administrator Heath Butz said this week.

Companies like Tyson Mexican Original and Ardagh are a part of the chain that puts food and beverages on retail shelves.

Others like MSSL Wiring Systems LLC have contracts for government work.

“Most of the manufacturing here is part of the chain,” said Butz.

He noted the department has received some questions and complaints but is referring those to the governor’s complaint portal at in.gov.dol/3145.htm, adding that enforcement of the order is a state responsibility.

Holcomb’s order stresses that even those businesses and operations that are considered essential should comply with the social distancing guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including 6-foot distancing on the part of employees and the general public.

Retail businesses that are considered essential include grocery stores, supercenters and mass merchandisers like Walmart, specialty food stores, farm and produce stands, farmer’s markets that have been certified by the state, convenience stores, gas stations, pharmacies, automobile dealerships, auto parts supply stores, farm equipment outlets, construction equipment companies, liquor stores, hardware and supply stores, office supply stores, pet supply stores, bicycle shops, gun stores, garden centers and nurseries and building material suppliers like Menard’s.

Also exempt are operations involving agriculture and food and beverage production, news media, non-profit organizations that provide charitable and social services and religious entities.

Banks, finance companies, payday lenders and insurance companies are also considered essential along with building, construction and other trades such as plumbers, electricians, exterminators and the like. Shipping and delivery services are also considered essential, as are taxis and laundromats. Funeral homes are also essential.

Restaurants and bars that serve food are limited to delivery, drive-through, carryout or curbside pick-up. Professional services, such as legal services, accounting services, insurance services and real estate services should be conducted virtually or by phone whenever possible, the order states.

In all cases, the CDC guidelines on social distancing should be followed, including limiting the number of customers in a retail setting.