ALBION – A new public health order has been issued by the Noble County Health Department.

County Health Department Officer Dr. Terry Gaff says this order has been issued due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, along with the resent surge of new cases. Under this order, and anytime Noble County is designated as Red under Governor Eric Holcomb's Executive Order, capacity will be limited to 50 percent of indoor capacity and 100 percent of outdoor capacity at all restaurants, bars, taverns, nightclubs and other establishments providing in person food and drink service. There will be no bar seating available, only restaurant seating. Outdoor seating is permitted only if the tent has at least two open air sides for maximum ventilation.

Table seating is limited to 10 people per table, and tables must be spaced so there is a distance of 6 feet between people at other tables. Self-service style food stations are not permitted unless a staff member is serving patrons.

The establishments must be closed between 12 AM and 5 AM. Sports events will be permitted as long as the school or venue provides guests with information indicating that they should stay home if sick and engage in social distancing while in attendance and that individuals must wear masks.

The order also says that gyms along with exercise and fitness centers be restricted to 50 percent capacity. Gaff says the new public health order will go into effect at 12 AM on January 16 and expire at 11:59 PM on January 31.