After an announcement Thursday by Mayor Joe Hogsett and the Marion County Board of Health providing stricter COVID-19 restrictions, Brebeuf is set to return to virtual learning after Thanksgiving break.

Principal Greg Vanslambrook said in an email to the Brebeuf community that students would attend classes as normal next week, then be off the entire week of Thanksgiving, while faculty will use the two days just before the planned break to prepare for 100% virtual lessons.

All Marion County schools will be completely virtual after Nov. 30 through Jan. 15. Any K-12 winter indoor co-curricular and extracurricular activities will operate at 25% capacity. 

This follows Gov. Eric Holcomb’s press conference Wednesday during which he and Dr. Kristina Box, commissioner of the Indiana Department of Health, spoke about new statewide restrictions. He also explained that there will be a new $20 million fund for Indiana local governments to address Covid-19.

Along with the Press Conference that Governor Holcomb gave, Mayor Hogsett sent out a Press Release today on Thursday, November 12. There, he explained the new restrictions and requirements that Indianapolis will be implementing. 

Other Marion County restrictions include:

• Bar capacity at 25% indoor, 100% outdoor capacity
• Restaurant capacity 50% indoor, 100% outdoor capacity
• Special events limited to 50 people or fewer
• Funeral homes return to 50% capacity
• Museums, cultural sites, music venues, movie theatres, bowling alleys, and other cultural and entertainment venues are limited to 25% capacity
• Gyms and fitness studios (including locker rooms) and private clubs and fraternal organizations are reduced to 25% indoor capacity
• Indoor visitations at assisted living facilities will be incumbent on a negative COVID test within 72 hours of the visit

• The midnight closure requirement is now extended to all non-essential hospitality and entertainment businesses, including live entertainment venues 
• Table seating at dining establishments are now limited to no more than six people per table
• Masks are required when moving about establishments and while not eating or drinking
• Schools in Marion county in grades K-12 must return to virtual instruction by Nov. 30 (although you may do so before set date)
• The countrywide mask order remains in effect
  • You must wear face coverings in indoor public places and in outdoor public places where social distancing is not possible
  • Individuals who cannot wear face masks due to health reasons must wear a plastic face shield whenever possible

The other Marion County schools that had announced closings as of publication time are:

• Public schools:
  • Lawrence Township – Nov. 23
  • Franklin Township – Nov. 23
  • Washington Township- Nov. 17
  • Wayne Township – Nov. 16
  • Indianapolis Public Schools – Nov. 23
  • Perry Township – Nov. 30
  • Decatur Township- N/A
  • Speedway Schools- N/A
  • Beech Grove- N/A
  • Pike Township- N/A
• Private schools:
  • Bishop Chatard- Nov. 16

Executive Editor-in-Chief Natanya Katz and Opinions Editor Margaux White contributed to this story.