Social Gathering Executive Order Now in Effect

Here in evansville ---- a new executive order placing restriction on large gathering -- is now in effect.

Events over a hundred and 25 people -- must now get approval from the health department.

44news reporter marisa patwa spoke with one business owner -- about the impact this will have on their future.

"the risk of throwing an event -- i mean it's thousands of dollars.

And you could work for months and not get paid."

After already canceling several food festivals - joe notter -- head of evansville events -- is facing an uncertain new year if the mayor's new executive order is extended -- their resolution run in january will have to downsize.

"it's really hard to talk about it when you know we're going from 500 to 125.

Because a lot of our events our 500 people or more."

But if event organizers proceed with a plan that was rejected by the health department, there could be up to a twenty five hundred dollar fine.

"i just hope nobody gets fined.

You know, i don't think anyone can afford that."

"mayor winnecke he doesn't want to hurt business owners but is trying to slow the spread of covid-19."

"when we were on shut down, we got lots of calls and complaints from people -- hey i'm out of work, my jobs-- i've been furloughed or i lost my job or whatever.

We want to avoid that -- but what we're trying to do is protect public health and protect the economy and for anyone who thinks we make these decisions likely -- they are mistaken."

And while business owners are understanding of the safety precautions -- they can not help but be concerned about their future.

"we want to keep moving forward -- but as we continue to move back, it's very hard to mentally get excited about it again."

Mayor winnecke says it is very likely the executive order will be extended multiple times.

Reporting in evansville marisa patwa 44news new cases are being reported -- at