Some Vincennes Restaurants Reopen, Others Remain Closed During Boil Order

VINCENNES, Ind. (We Are Knox County) - Some businesses in Vincennes that announced closures Friday night due to the boil order are now beginning to reopen.

Several of those reopening say they’re making temporary changes to how they operate.

That includes things like using plastic utensils, allowing outside water or soft drinks, and adjusting food preparation methods.

Even with those changes, some restaurants are offering limited services—such as carryout only or reduced menus.

At the same time, there are still food and drink establishments that remain closed for now.

As businesses make those decisions, the Knox County Health Department has released guidance for retail food establishments on how to safely operate during the boil order.

The guidance says businesses must use safe water from an approved source—such as bottled water or water that has been properly boiled—for all purposes, including drinking, making beverages, preparing food, handwashing, and cleaning or sanitizing surfaces.

The health department also says certain equipment connected directly to tap water should not be used during the boil order, including soda fountain machines, ice machines, produce misters, and low-temperature or chemical dishwashers.

Once the boil order is lifted, businesses are advised to flush water lines and clean faucet screens, sanitize all equipment connected to water lines, and discard any ice made during the boil order.

The Knox County Health Department says it is the responsibility of each establishment to follow these guidelines to ensure safe operation during the boil order.