U.S. Customs and Border Protection Area Port Director Matthew Davies addresses the grand opening ceremony for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility at the Gary/Chicago International Airport in 2018. The notification time for international arrivals to the airport was recently reduced to 24 hours.
International flights to the Gary/Chicago International Airport can now arrange their passage through customs 24 hours in advance of their arrival, a reduction from the 48-72-hour notification period previously required.
United States Customs and Border Protection recently announced the new clearing period. The reduction was sought by the GCIA Authority to boost demand for the airport's international corporate and private aviation traffic. United States Sen. Mike Braun, U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky Mayor Jerome Prince were instrumental in achieving the new requirement, according to the airport.
“This is a greatly welcomed development and we express our sincere gratitude to Senator Braun, Congressman Visclosky, Mayor Prince and Customs Director Pete Campbell for their efforts in adjusting this process,” said GCIA Authority Chairman Tim Fesko. “The reduced notification period will increase demand for our private and corporate aviation landings, allowing GCIA increased offerings to our customers.”
The airport opened its customs facility in 2018, allowing air travelers to fly into the airport from any global destination without first needing to stop elsewhere to clear customs. The newly reduced notification time is anticipated to substantially increase demand for private and corporate aviation landings.
Braun said the new policy is a step toward staffing the customs facility on a full-time basis.
“This 24-hour customs clearance change sets the stage for full-time U.S. Customs agents to serve in the airport and opens the door to GCIA becoming a fully-staffed facility with international flights,” he said.
“This is public service in action, and the increased responsiveness will draw more economic development to the Gary/Chicago International Airport, the city of Gary and Northwest Indiana,” Prince said.
COVID-19 restrictions for Lake, Porter counties
New COVID-19 restrictions for Lake, Porter counties: What you need to know
Gatherings
Social and holiday gatherings are not advised.
Social gatherings of any kind, indoors or outdoors, are limited to 25 people.
Special, seasonal or commercial events should not be held.
A special, seasonal or commercial event for which more than 25 people will be in attendance must submit a plan to the local health department at least seven days in advance of the event and receive approval before proceeding, including college and professional sporting events.
Vulnerable populations should remain isolated.
Businesses
Businesses remain open.
All businesses must adhere to strict social distancing guidelines; curbside pickup is preferred.
Maximum casino attendance is reduced to approximately 42.5% of capacity, down from 50%.
Local officials may consider limiting hours for the operation of bars, nightclubs and restaurants.
Senior center activities are suspended.
Hospitals, long-term care and other congregate settings may impose visitation limits.
Businesses should reduce the number of people in common areas and break rooms at one time.
Local officials may impose additional restrictions.
Sports
Attendance at winter, indoor K-12 extracurricular and co-curricular activities, including IHSAA sports, is limited to participants, support personnel and parents/guardians.
IHSAA football games on Friday, Nov. 20 may continue with attendance limited to participants, support personnel and parents/guardians.
All non-competing and non-performing participants, support personnel and attendees are required to wear face coverings at all times.
The IHSAA will work with the Marion County health department on a limited spectator plan for state championship games.
Community recreational sports leagues and tournaments may continue with participants, required personnel, and parents/guardians only.
General — Applies to all Indiana counties
Face coverings are required for all Hoosiers in public places.
Businesses are required to place clearly visible signage at their public and employee entrances notifying all that face coverings are required. Businesses should only admit only those who wear face coverings and practice social distancing.
All customers in restaurants, bars and nightclubs are required to be seated when receiving service. Individuals from non-household parties must be spaced 6 feet apart at tables, counters or other seating arrangements.
Hospitals should implement evidenced-based criteria to reprioritize non-emergency procedures and surgeries to ensure sufficient capacity to care for all patients.
Hoosier prekindergarten to 12th grade schools should consult with their local health department and use the Indiana State Department of Health metrics for decisions about in-person, hybrid and virtual operations.
All Hoosiers are required to maintain social distancing of 6 feet in public spaces, whether inside or outside, and especially when with others who are not members of your immediate household.
The Indiana Department of Homeland Security and the Alcohol and Tobacco Commission, together with local partners, will continue to check businesses for occupancy, social distancing, face covering requirements and other executive order components to ensure compliance without financial penalty.
Health measures — Applies to all Indiana counties
Hoosiers should wash their hands frequently and use hand sanitizer when hand washing is not available.
Hoosiers should not go to work or other locations if they feel sick or symptomatic. Free COVID tests are available throughout the state.
Hoosiers 65 and older and those with known high-risk medical conditions should remain vigilant about protecting their exposure to COVID-19.
Hoosiers who will be in contact with individuals 65 and older and those with known high-risk medical conditions should consider suspending in-person visits.
Times Staff
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