August 21, 2020
Will we keep the pandemic under control in Bloomington or not?
That’s an urgent question, as tens of thousands of new and returning students join city residents and the Indiana University community in Bloomington. Our behavior over the next days and weeks will determine the answer.
After months of enormous, extensive, coordinated efforts to protect public health and prepare for a safe return to campus for IU’s students, just a few large gatherings—such as those that we’ve witnessed over the past few days—could jeopardize the viability of in-person instruction and imperil the health of our residents and stability of our community.
To avoid that outcome, the City of Bloomington has issued an emergency executive order order that limits the size of private gatherings to 15 people, from a previously permitted size of 50 people. Those attending these gatherings must also observe physical distancing and face covering regulations. Executive Order No. 20.03, which went into effect Friday, August 21, at noon, is available here.
Another semester is about to begin in beautiful Bloomington, but this semester is unlike any other. Bloomington as we know and cherish it depends on compliance with this new order, with county and state regulations for gatherings and physical distancing, and with IU’s own guidelines. Sanctions for students who do not adhere to IU's COVID-19 health and safety precautions will be swift. Read the policy.
We know that most of our students plan to do the right thing. We ask you to let us know if something is threatening our safety—both on and off campus. If you witness a violation, please call the 24-hour Bloomington Police Department line.
On behalf of all of us who live, work, and study in Bloomington, we remind everyone that our well-being depends on our choosing to value something greater than ourselves. Whether or not you show symptoms of COVID-19, you may be positive for it, and can be contagious. That means you might feel fine, while infecting a friend, their grandparent, a first responder, or a grocery store clerk.
The actions we take now have the gravest implications. Let’s do our best to avoid them by thinking We, Not Me.
John Hamilton
Mayor, City of Bloomington
Lauren Robel
Provost and Executive Vice President
IU Bloomington