Gov. Eric Holcomb is still dumping all statewide COVID-19 restrictions April 6, even as his top state health official warns of worsening spread.

Indiana officials Wednesday defended the decision to end all statewide COVID-19 restrictions, weeks or months before all Hoosiers will get a chance to get vaccinated.

All Hoosiers age 16 and older can schedule COVID-19 vaccinations beginning March 31.

A new executive order starting this weekend will limit crowd sizes to 25 people in the highest-risk red counties and 50 people in the next-riskiest orange counties.

Parts of the Midwest have already seen snow, and with this winter weather comes an added layer of challenges for battling COVID-19. A look at how some businesses are preparing.

The state's positivity rate is up and hospitalizations are at their highest level in a month. Two weeks ago, Indianas rate of COVID-19 spread was sixth best in the nation. Its now fourth worst.

The COVID-19 pandemic has hit the hospitality industry hard over the last few months with a recent survey showing 41 percent of Hoosier restaurants could close in the next six months.

Marion County will not join the rest of the state in a full reopening, but some businesses will be able to increase capacity, including bars.

Indiana will move to its final reopening phase on Saturday, with one big caveat -- the statewide mask-wearing order will remain in effect.

Starting Sept. 8, bars and nightclubs will be allowed to open at 25 percent indoor capacity. Outdoor seating will be capped at 50 percent.