Coronavirus Indiana: IN reports 658 new COVID-19 cases, 3 deaths; Holcomb extends current restrictions

WHITING, Ind. (WLS) -- Indiana is reporting 658 new COVID-19 cases and three additional deaths Monday, as the governor decided to extend the state's current restrictions.

The Indiana State Department of Health confirmed a total of 57,206 positive coronavirus cases in the state, including 2,632 deaths. There have been 635,660 tests conducted, with a 9% positivity rate.

The state will extend its current capacity limits for restaurants and bars and other restrictions for at least another two weeks because of an increasing number of coronavirus cases across the state. Holcomb first delayed lifting those limits two weeks ago, but he said Wednesday that a continuing volatile environment in Indiana and other states prompted him to keep them in place for at least two more weeks. Holcomb's decision means Indiana restaurants will continue to be allowed 75% capacity in their dining rooms, while bars, nightclubs, bowling alleys, museums and movie theaters can be open at half capacity.

The Indiana Dunes National Park has launched a coronavirus safety campaign urging visitors to the northwestern Indiana park to practice social distancing and other precautions when they hit the beach. The Northwest Indiana Times reports that the park's "Think Before You Beach" campaign began Saturday with signs posted around Lake Michigan's shoreline, and with social media posts and videos, reminding visitors to social distance, wear a mask and use public facilities with caution. Park spokesman Bruce Rowe said the campaign "reminds the public that they can catch the virus outdoors on a crowded beach if they are not wearing a mask or properly socially distancing."

The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles has resumed offering driving tests, months after the coronavirus pandemic prompted the state agency to cancel exams for more than 4,000 people. The BMV began offering driving tests by appointment Thursday in select communities. All branches are expected to begin offering driving exam appointments by July 24. BMV Commissioner Peter Lacy says the 4,000 Hoosiers who had their driving exams canceled will be "given priority to get their exam completed before the schedule is opened to the public." Customers and driving examiners must follow specific health requirements, including wearing a mask.

Another northwest Indiana county imposed a mask mandate Monday, effective immediately. The Lake County Indiana Health Department is requiring face coverings inside businesses and any other indoor public spaces. The order also said that students in kindergarten through 12th grade must wear masks on the school bus, in common areas at school, and in classrooms.

LaPorte County officials passed a mandate last week requiring face masks in the county, including outdoor public areas where a 6-foot distance cannot be maintained.

Due to this order and the increase in COVID-19 cases, deaths and a "huge influx" of out-of-state visitors to Washington Park, Michigan City Mayor Duane Parry closed the park, effective 12:01 a.m. Friday. The closure extends through midnight Thursday, and it includes the zoo, Senior Center, Sunset Grille and all city beaches from Washington Park to Stop 13.

The mayor said in a statement the executive order could be extended if circumstances warrant.

The city of Whiting announced it will close Whihala Beach effective July 15 until further notice due to public safety concerns. Indiana beaches have attracted unusually large crowds, city officials said, which makes social distancing requirements and other CDC guidelines difficult to comply with. The amount of sand area is also reduced due to Lake Michigan's high water levels.

"We've witnessed an alarming disregard of all Covid-19 protocol and park supervision in recent weeks. We no longer feel confident that we can provide a reasonably safe 'health' environment for our patrons," said Whiting Mayor Joe Stahura.

Holcomb said the state could expect a temporary pause in increasing capacity at restaurants, bars and entertainment venues because the number of COVID-19 patients hospitalized and admitted daily has increased during the past week. The daily positivity rate has also ticked up slightly, he said.

"This virus is on the prowl and in some places gaining momentum, not slowing down," Holcomb said. "Some states that reopened are now going back and closing some facilities. We don't want to find ourselves in that situation."

The state moved to Phase 4 of its reopening plan ahead of schedule. But Phase 5, which was supposed to begin July 4, has been be delayed. Instead, the state entered what it calls "Phase 4.5" on July 4.

Phase 4.5 will be largely the same as Phase 4, Holcomb said. Indiana will keep existing restrictions in place until at least July 18. The state will also continue its current 250-person limit on social gatherings. Since June 12, restaurants have been allowed 75% capacity in their dining rooms, while bars, nightclubs, bowling alleys, museums and amusement parks have been open at half capacity.

RELATED: Here's where to find coronavirus testing in Northwest Indiana

The Associated Press contributed to this report.