In a joint press release from Bloomington mayor John Hamilton and Indiana University provost Lauren Robel, it was announced mid-day Friday that the mayor is imposing a 15-person limit on the size of gatherings.

That’s smaller than the previous 50-person limit specified in the current health order for Monroe County, which is meant to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic virus.

The message in the press release warns: “Sanctions for students who do not adhere to IU’s COVID-19 health and safety precautions will be swift.”

The university has implemented a policy on violations of COVID-19 prevention protocols that includes punishments like suspension or expulsion from the university.

The current Monroe County health order, issued by health officer Thomas Sharp on July 22, limits non-commercial gathering to 50 people.  The county’s order is in effect until rescinded.

The mayor’s order, limiting gathering sizes for non-commercial events to 15 people, is effective immediately, starting at noon, Aug. 21. It’s effective until it’s rescinded. Continue reading “COVID-19: Bloomington mayor cuts crowd size limit to 15 after university students flout 50-person max” →