(INDIANAPOLIS) – Indiana will not be moving into the next phase of re-opening for at least 30 more days.

On Wednesday, Governor Eric Holcomb announced the Hoosier State would remain in Stage 4.5 for another month, and that Indiana's mask mandate would also be extended for 30 days.

Indiana has been in Stage 4.5 of their re-opening plan since July 4. Holcomb created the half-step between Stage 4 and Stage 5, due to some early signs at that time of COVID-19 cases on the rise. There had been a decline in cases across Indiana in May and June.

The mask mandate, issued July 27 by the Governor, requires all Hoosiers to wear a face covering when in indoor public places and outdoor spaces
where social distancing isn't possible.

Holcomb says this 30 day extension is coming after some encouraging signs were seen in recent weeks in the state's COVID-19 figures.

Also on Wednesday, Indiana State Health Commissioner Dr. Kristina Box announced the launch next week of a new statewide map, which is designed to help general Hoosiers, school officials and businesses more easily identify what the COVID-19 situation is in their county. It will also help people decide if the need to consider changing their approach.

The new color-coded map will include a four colored legend showing whether recent statistics suggest that COVID-19 is mostly under control or is spreading more widely in the county.

The map will feature four levels: blue, yellow, orange and red, based on the average score of a three category rating system. The categories are: new cases per 100,000 residents; percent positivity; a change in positivity.