Governor Eric Holcomb is taking new steps in protecting the public from the coronavirus.
12 Hoosiers have tested positive for COVID-19, as of noon today.
“This is a time when we must do all we can to reduce the spread of COVID-19, protect our most vulnerable populations and reduce their potential to acquire or spread this virus,” said Gov. Holcomb. “While some actions are drastic, now, not later, is the time to act.”
Here are the actions Governor Holcomb is initiating today:
-non-essential gatherings must be less than 250 people. This includes any event or gathering of people in one room or single space at the same time, such as cafeterias, churches, stadiums, meeting and conference rooms, auditoriums, etc. This guidance applies to professional, social, community, and similar other gatherings. For more information, head to in.gov/isdh.
-School corporations are allowed a 20-day waiver to use ad needed for the rest of the academic year, effective immediately. These waived days do not need to be used consecutively and can be leveraged or needed.
-if a school has evidence of community spread or a confirmed positive coronavirus test, officials must consult with the Indiana Department of Education and the Indiana State Department of Health for additional steps. Schools need to plan now for broader closures, including eLearning and remote classroom options.
-The Department of Education will release additional guidance detailing the process for submitting waiver requests as early as Friday.
-Schools should follow the guidelines for non-essential gatherings as they make decisions about non-essential extra-curricular co-curricular activities.
-child care and adult care facilities should institute social distancing and minimize large gatherings. Temporarily suspending should be done by consulting with the Family and Social Services and ISDH to document the instance of community spread.
-nursing facilities and hospitals should restrict and screen all visitors. Anyone who is allowed to visit is restricted to the patient’s room. Visitors are not allowed if they exhibit any of this criteria:
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- Display signs or symptoms of illness, especially respiratory illness
- Have traveled internationally or been in contact with someone with a respiratory illness in the past 14 days
- Reside in a community with a known COVID-19 case
- Those who are less than 18 years of age
- The Indiana Department of Correction has suspended visitation at all facilities as a precaution for the health and safety of IDOC staff and offenders.
- Individuals over 60 years of age or those with a known underlying health issue such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes or chronic respiratory disease should limit their public exposure. Whenever possible, friends and family should arrange to provide food and other essential items.
- Those who run senior centers and congregate meal services should consider suspending congregate meals services and arrange for home delivery
- Encourage businesses to utilize telework policies, if available
Governor Holcomb is also issuing guidance for state employee operations. The state is suspending all non-essential out-of-state and international travel beginning today and for the next 45 days. The state is also providing employees with guidance about the use of leave and remote work options for limited durations while ensuring the delivery of essential state services. The guidance is attached.
“I fully expect there will be additional actions warranted in the coming days,” Gov. Holcomb said. “Just as we have since the beginning of the year, we are working with partners at all levels to secure all necessary resources for any escalation of this virus.”
If you are sick with COVID-19 or suspect you are infected with the virus:
- Stay home unless you need to seek medical care.
- Avoid public areas and public transportation
- Stay away from others as much as possible, especially people who are the most at risk such as older adults with multiple medical problems and those with a weakened immune system
- Don’t shake hands
- Seek prompt medical attention if your illness is worsening such as difficulty breathing and call your doctor or healthcare facility before you seek care.
More information may be found at the ISDH website at https://on.in.gov/COVID19 and the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.
