Howard County bans sale of nonessential goods from stores allowed to stay open

KOKOMO, Ind. (WISH) — The Howard County commissioners on Friday approved a ban on the sale of nonessential goods from stores remaining open because they were deemed essential during the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic.

The commissioners’ order says the sale of nonessential goods at essential stores was “not fair” to the businesses selling only nonessential goods that have closed in compliance with the county’s public health emergency ordinance.

The ban will begin at noon Saturday, the order says. Signs in the stores must notify shoppers of the ban.

The nonessential goods include jewelry, furniture, home and lawn decor, toys/games, carpet/rugs/flooring, nonemergency appliances, music/books/magazines, craft and art supplies, paint, and entertainment electronics.

The county said in a Facebook post that the order was “in agreement by the Board Of Health, the Mayor of the City of Kokomo, and supported by the Indiana Retail Council.

“We sought and received input and support from several of the big box stores in our community along with the Indiana Retail Council. This order is consistent with our Orange Travel Advisory for essential travel only. Please stay home and only travel outside of your home if it is absolutely essential. The Commissioners would like to thank the Indiana Retail Council and our big box retailers for their cooperation in this matter.”

Howard County on Friday had seven reported positive tests for COVID-19, and one Howard County death has been recorded by state health officials.