As society digs into its battle against COVID-19, a health researcher at Ball State University recommends behaviors that to adapt as soon as possible to avoid illness.

“Our society is more diverse than ever, and we have developed a tolerance for a variety of behaviors due to greater amalgamation of cultures, traditions, etiquettes, and norms,” said Jagdish Khubchandani, a health science professor. “In general, we tend to ignore unhealthy and unsanitary behaviors in the guise of other peoples’ choice, personality type, family habits, or culture.

“During and after the current pandemic crisis, we need greater awareness, collective action, and common civic behaviors driven by scientific evidence on the transmission of emerging infectious disease agents such as coronaviruses. We must also not hesitate from educating or questioning family members, colleagues, and the general public on behaviors that pose danger to self and society.”

Given the current evidence on mechanisms of transmission and action of COVID-19, Khubchandani offers up 13 behaviors and habits to be embraced:

1. Take regular showers. While people are sheltering in place, some may neglect daily routines, but showering is a must because COVID-19 can live on surfaces for days.
2. Keep your clothes clean. Don’t wear the same clothes for many days. Do laundry frequently.
3. Stop nail-biting, thumb sucking, and rubbing eyes.
4. Stop scratching your head, face, or body.
5. Wash fruits and vegetables, and avoid eating them immediately in aisles, stores, or car.
6. Don’t litter the inside and around your house. This could increase risk for household members, while littering around the community can burden the sanitation workers. Recent instances of people throwing used masks and gloves in public places will increase risk for waste management workers and trash pickers.
7. Clean your car. Dispose of leftovers and edibles, trash, masks, and gloves.
8. Maintain hygiene while growing your hair, beard, or nails or using hair and face accessories.
9. Cover your face when you sneeze or cough.
10. Wash your hands after using restrooms, coming back from public places, after grocery shopping, pumping gas, using elevators, or using high traffic door knobs or electric switches.
11. Clean your desk space, cell phone, and computer devices.
12. Don’t rely on carryout or delivery as your sole source of food for every meal every day, and be sure to eat enough and consume healthy foods.
13.  Don’t reuse wipes, masks, gloves, and personal care devices without cleaning them.

The Scott County Health Department confirmed its 16th and 17th cases of Covid-19 on Sunday.

While no information was provided on where the patients were quarantined or in medical care, the health department did update its list of possible infected places in the community.

Possible COVID-19 Exposures

The public should assume that undiagnosed/asymptomatic cases may be attending common areas in the community. All precautions should be taken when visiting these areas. This includes frequent hand washing, sanitizing frequently touched surfaces and wearing a mask in places that social distancing is difficult. Stay home except for essential travel or business.

The date ranges are listed because the patient does not remember exact days or times but does remember visiting these places during the infectious period.

Jay-C Store Scottsburg

• Dates: March 18th

Dollar General Store- Vienna 

• Dates: March 27th 

Scott’s Ace Hardware

• Date Range: March 27th-April 7th

Circle K Austin

• Date Range: March 27th-April 7th

256 Supply True Value Hardware

• Date Range: March 27th-April 7th

Huck’s 

• Date Range: March 27th-April 7th

Fuel Mart 

• Date Range: March 27th-April 7th

Walmart Scottsburg*

• Dates: March 24-March 30th

*indicates multiple patients have visited this location

Date updated: 4-12-2020

Pike and Pulaski counties were the only two in Indiana over the past few weeks to not have any positive reported cases of the Covid-19 virus, but over the weekend they each picked up one case. 

According to the Indiana State Health Department, there were 519 new cases reported since Friday, 13 new deaths and 3,332 new tests administered.

The state totals now stand at:

• 7,928 Total Positive Cases
• 343 Total Deaths
• 42,488 Tests Administered

Washington County picked up two more cases since Friday and the total now stands at 25.

In the WSLM Listening Area, the totals are:

• Lawrence – 68
• Jackson – 70
• Scott – 17
• Clark – 112
• Floyd – 107
• Harrison – 55
• Crawford – 12
• Orange – 17
• Washington – 25

Deaths reported in these counties are: 

• Lawrence – 7
• Jackson – 0
• Scott – 2
• Clark – 8
• Floyd – 4
• Harrison – 2
• Crawford – 0
• Orange – 3
• Washington – 0

Indiana reported 30 new Covid-19 deaths since Friday, with an increase of 528 new cases and 4,175 new tests administered in the past 24 hours. 

There were only 36 new cases reported in the 9-county area of Kentuckiana with no new cases in Washington and Crawford Counties. 

In fact, there have been no increases reported by the Indiana State Health Department in Washington County for three days.

The total stands at 23 with no deaths reported. 

Around Indiana the updated figures are:

• Total Positive Cases – 7435
• Total Deaths – 330
• Total Tested – 39,215

There were 4 new cases in Lawrence, 7 new cases in Jackson County, 3 new cases in Scott County, 2 new cases in Clark County, 12 new cases in Floyd County, 4 new cases in Harrison County and 3 new cases in Orange County. 

In the WSLM Listening area, totals today are:

Updated totals from around the WSLM Listening Area:

• Lawrence County – 63 total cases (up by 4 from Friday)
• Jackson County – 64 total cases (up by 7 from Friday)
• Scott County – 15 total cases (Up by 3 from Friday )
• Clark County – 106 total cases (up by 2 from Friday)
• Floyd County – 105 total cases (up by 12 from Friday)
• Harrison County – 54 total cases (up from 4 from Friday)
• Crawford County – 12 total cases (No change)
• Orange County – 16 total cases (up by 3 from Friday)
• Washington County – 23 total cases (No change)

Total deaths caused by Covid-19 in the WSLM Listening Area include:

• Lawrence County – 7
• Jackson County – 0
• Scott County – 2
• Clark County – 8
• Floyd County – 4
• Harrison County – 2
• Crawford County – 0
• Orange County – 3
• Washington County – 0 

The Washington County Farmers-Merchants Fair is still being planned as scheduled for June 13-20 with a kick-off parade on June 7th, according to the fair board. 

This year’s theme is Basketball – The State That Grew The Game, which mirrors the Indiana State Fair theme.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the board met to discuss the plans for the 2020 Fair.

“We have made the decision to proceed as planned at this time. We will re-evaluate on May 17th,” according to Fair Board President Cheryl Lee. 

Currently, the State of Indiana is on a Stay-at-Home order through the first of May. This could be extended depending on the number of active cases and tests being administered for the COVID-19 virus. 

At this time, Gov. Eric Holcomb has asked that no groups gather with more than 10 people.

Lee asks those who are planning to have a food booth or commercial booth, to reserve your spot and plan as normal.

You can email Tim Anderson for details and for a form at trandersona@gmail.com

Anderson said in an email earlier this year that 

“Any monies sent to reserve spots between now and May 17th will be held and returned if we cannot have the fair,” Lee said. “Stay safe and healthy and we hope to see you in June.”

Anderson said the fair board had made a major change in the way booths will be handled this year.

According to Anderson the board will allow businesses and groups to rent space and set up booths, but not have to have personnel there at all times.

Anders said booth setup times would be:

• Friday June 12th 10a to 4p
• Saturday June 13th 9a to 2p
• Monday June 15 8a to 12p  (be mostly done by 12p; touch up 5:45p)

Fair Booth Hours will be as follows:

• Monday, June 15 – 6p to 10p
• Tuesday, June 16 – Friday, June 19 – 6p to 9p
• Saturday, June 20 – 5p to 8p

Teardown of booths will take place on Saturday June 20 after 8p (not before). Anderson said booth equipment can be carried out of the buildings only. There will be no parking at front of the building.

The buildings will be open the next day, Sunday from 9am to 4p. All booth equipment and decorations will need to be gone by Tuesday June 23rd. 

Next week Purdue will be making a decision about June 4-H activities.

Once the decision has been made, the
Washington County Purdue Extension Office will notify local 4-H families.