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ELKHART, Ind. — More people are buying motor homes and camping equipment as the state continues to loosen coronavirus restrictions.

Campgrounds have been allowed to reopen for almost a week and Bob Martin, CEO of Thor Industries in Elkhart, told Inside Indiana Business he believes the surge in sales they are seeing is because of the sense of safety motor homes offer while also being able to get out and do something other than just staying home.

“People that like an RV typically like the fact that they can take their own food, they can eat healthier, they can cook their own food, they know who’s cooked it, their bed has their own linens, their own comfy pillow, their towels,” said Martin. “Many of these people are very new customers that probably didn’t even consider this lifestyle back in January or February.”

Martin said dealerships that sell his products are “feeling the traffic” of more people coming in considering buying an RV.

With more people getting out into the community again after being cooped up in their homes for two months, Elkhart County health experts are now a little concerned about another outbreak of the coronavirus.

A New York Times article published this week said Elkhart County now has the 10th highest infection rate in the country.

County Commissioner Suzie Weirick told WSBT right now they are expected to double the number of Hoosiers infected every 12 days at the current rate of coronavirus tests coming back positive in Elkhart County. Granted, the number of people tested in Elkhart County has gone up significantly in the last three weeks.

Martin said his business has been working a reduced capacity in order to limit contact between employers, employees, and customers. But, he said they will increase capacity as needed in order to meet demand.