The Orange County Health Department continues to monitor COVID-19 and work toward the health and safety of each person living in Orange County.

A lot of the information going out may seem to be repeated.

Take what information you need and can apply, and use it.

We continue to encourage people to use social distancing, and don’t go to unnecessary public places.

The Orange County Department of Health now has a Facebook page and we encourage you to look it up and like us.

The local health department gets updates from the state continually and would like to be sure you know we are working for you.

The county government building is closed to the public, but feel free to call – staff is still working.

Now that children are home all of the time, they may have many questions. Here are some suggestions for you on how to have a talk with them about what is going on.

You play an important role in helping children make sense of what they hear in a way that is honest, accurate, and minimizes anxiety or fear.

Remain calm and reassuring because children will react to both what you say and how you say it.

Make time to talk. Be sure children know they can come to you when they have questions.

Avoid language that might blame others. Viruses can make anyone sick.

Consider reducing the amount of screen time focused on COVID-19. Too much information on one topic can lead to anxiety.

Give children information that is truthful and appropriate for the age and developmental level of the child.

Teach children everyday actions to reduce the spread of germs including staying away from people who are sick, coughing or sneezing into a tissue or their elbow, then throwing the tissue into the trash, and handwashing for at least 30 seconds. Be sure to rinse well so the soap you used can carry the germs down the drain.

Remind them that health and school officials are working hard to keep everyone safe and healthy.

As always, for questions, concerns or updates, please call the Orange County Health Department at 812-723-7112 or the Indiana State Department of Health at 317-233-7125 or visit the Centers for

Disease Control (CDC) at http://www.cdc.gov