“Families today are suffering the ultimate loss due to COVID-19, and this sadly underscores how severe the virus can be – especially for some high-risk Hoosiers,” said Lopez. “The state is taking unprecedented actions to slow the spread of COVID-19, and every Hoosier should follow the precautionary measures.”

The Health Department issued this statement:

”It cannot be stressed enough – if you are ill, stay home. If you need to seek medical care, call ahead so that your healthcare provider can take steps to protect others from exposure to COVID-19. We all have a role to play to protect Hoosiers from this illness, and the time to act is now.”

The OCHD said tests are being done in Orange County and patient care is being administered.

The health care providers in the county are working very diligently to manage COVID-19 here.

Coronaviruses are most commonly spread from an infected person to others through:

respiratory droplets released into the air by coughing and sneezing; close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands; touching an object or surface with the virus on it and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands; rarely, fecal contamination.

The symptoms vary from person to person. Older individuals and those with underlying medical conditions are at higher risk for severe illness, however, this virus has attacked all ages.

The best ways to protect yourself are to wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, avoid touching your face with unwashed hands, avoid close contact with people who are sick, stay home when you’re sick, cover your cough or sneeze and clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

“We send condolences to the family and friends of those who have passed. This is a stark reminder of the severity of this disease. We as a community must listen to the guidance of the experts and practice all the ways to not spread this disease including social distancing. We all must protect those who are most vulnerable,” the health department shared. 

Governor Eric J. Holcomb today announced Indiana has been granted a federal Major Disaster Declaration, which provides funds to help communities recover from COVID-19.

The funding can be used to cover costs of emergency needs including crisis counseling, food programs, temporary shelters, protective equipment, safety resources, and personnel.

The Governor also signed an executive order today to extend the public health emergency by an additional 30 days – to May 5. The executive order is posted here: https://www.in.gov/gov/2384.htm. The first public health emergency was declared on March 6 and allows the state to increase coordination across all levels of government in the state’s response to coronavirus.

Gov. Holcomb also announced he will extend the Stay-at-Home Order and the restrictions on bars and restaurants an additional two weeks – to April 20 at 11:59 p.m. ET. The executive order will be signed Monday.

Additional steps taken today include:

• The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) has been working closely to provide maximum flexibility, including using telehealth, to treatment providers to ensure that crucial services for people that suffer from Serious Mental Illness, and children who suffer from Severe Emotional Disturbances can continue.

o   Hoosiers can call 211, or contact your insurance company, to find access to tele-therapy, and talk to your doctor about whether medication might be right for you during this time.

o   Additional mental health guidance can be found here: https://coronavirus.in.gov/files/IN_COVID-19_MentalHealth_03.31.20.pdf

• FSSA announced more than 152,000 Indiana households will receive additional Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits when April distributions begin this Sunday.

o   The additional funds are intended to help Hoosiers obtain food and support for their families while Indiana responds to the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here to learn more: https://www.in.gov/fssa/files/SNAP_additional_funds_4-3_FINAL.pdf

• This weekend the Indiana National Guard, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Indiana State Department of Health will scout locations for potential alternative care sites. Hoosiers may see the Indiana National Guard members traveling in communities and should not be alarmed.
• Gov. Holcomb signed a joint letter from all three branches of government to local criminal justice leaders regarding the impact of COVID-19 on detention facilities.

o   The governor, Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray, House Speaker Todd Huston, and Chief Justice Loretta Rush signed the letter which asks local judges, sheriffs, and county leaders to properly identify which low-risk, non-violent juveniles, and inmates, if any, may be re-evaluated and released safely into their communities under pretrial, probation, or community corrections supervision. Click here to see the letter: https://www.in.gov/judiciary/files/covid19-2020-0403-release-assessment-local-effort.pdf

• Six Bureau of Motor Vehicles branches will be open by appointment only beginning Monday, April 6 to process new Commercial Learner’s Permits (CLP), new Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL), and upgrade/downgrade for the CDL to add the tank vehicle or hazardous materials endorsement credential transactions.

o   These branches are opening for appointments to support the current critical need to increase the number of new licensed commercial truck drivers on the road delivering supplies and to aid in the start of the agricultural season in our state. Click here to learn more: https://www.in.gov/bmv/files/pr-clp-cdl-appointment-only-hours.pdf

As the number of Covid-19 cases increases daily; Washington County gained two more positive cases for a total of 16 on Saturday morning. Across Indiana, there were 523 total cases reported since yesterday. 

There were 15 new deaths reported since yesterday’s count was updated. The state reported 116 total deaths (up by 15) and 19,800 tests have been administered (2,900 more than yesterday’s figures)

According to the ISDH, there are 3,953 total cases in Indiana as of this morning. 

Around the WSLM Listening area, here is an update on cases:

• Lawrence County – 36 total cases (up by 11)
• Jackson County – 28 total cases (up by 3)
• Scott County – 7 total cases (up by 1)
• Clark County – 61 total cases (up by 6)
• Floyd County – 41 total cases (up by 4)
• Harrison County – 28 total cases (up by 5)
• Crawford County – 5 total cases (up by 2)
• Orange County – 5 total cases (stayed the same)

The Governor yesterday issued an additional two-week extension to the Stay at Home order for all of Indiana except for essential travel and workers at essential business to April 20 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Restaurants were also asked to continue curbside and delivery-only service. 

Jackson County Commissioners and the mayor of Seymour issued travel advisories today, which limits nonessential travel.

The county travel advisory, signed by county commissioners Matt Reedy and Bob Gillaspy, is meant to closely mirror the stay-at-home order recently signed by Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb because of the coronavirus and COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the advisory, during a watch, all people are called upon and directed to refrain from all unnecessary travel, to comply with necessary emergency measures, to cooperate with public officials and disaster services forces in executing emergency operations plans and to obey and comply with the lawful directions of properly identified officers.

This advisory will last for seven days and will then be reviewed by commissioners.

Seymour Mayor Matt Nicholson, who took to the city’s official Facebook page, said today he was issuing a travel restriction for the city.

“We will now move to an orange travel level in conjunction with the county,” he said.

The mayor’s travel advisory is limited to seven days.

“I encourage everyone to pay attention to this change as the next step is a travel warning, where travel will be shut down,” Nicholson said. “With your support now, we will not have to advance to a warning.”

Salem Community Schools will end “in-person” education for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year, according to Superintendent Jon Acton.

Acton said the last student e-learning day will be on May 1. 

On Monday, Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb ordered schools closed through the end of May. 

There is no word on a planned summer school or other activities over the summer such as driver’s education. 

The Indiana High School Athletic Association canceled all spring sports on Monday shortly after the Governor’s order was announced. 

Acton said meals will continue to be provided for students from 11a-1p on Mondays and Wednesdays through May 20.

“Salem Community Schools will do our part to help “flatten the curve” and fully participate with the #INthistogether movement,” he said in a press release this afternoon. “Based upon the direction of the Governor’s Office, the Indiana Department of Education, and information from the Washington County Health Department, we will continue education AND food services with the updated calendar listed below.”

“We understand this unfortunate end to the school year will create many questions for students, parents and community members,” said Acton. “We will provide additional updates/information next week using our social media and corporation web site as
well as communication from administrators and teachers to students/parents.

“We are disappointed for every student, staff member and parent of Salem Community Schools. We know this is especially difficult for the Class of 2020 and will work to
honor every member of our amazing Senior Class.

“WE are Salem. We can either have Results or Excuses. We have the opportunity to finish the last 15 days of continued education strong. We have the opportunity to social distance, to stay safe and to take care of each other. We WILL defeat Covid-19 and become a better School Corporation, Community, State and Country!

“On behalf of Salem Community Schools thank you for your patience and continued support of our students and staff. Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, and forever Roar Lions!”

As government, businesses, and families further adjust to the pandemic, Indiana courts remain committed to essential operations through proper social distancing.

In support of the State of Indiana’s efforts to slow COVID-19, the Indiana Supreme Court is providing further guidance to trial courts.

Chief Justice Loretta Rush explained, “Indiana courts are ensuring essential operations continue by accepting filings and holding remote hearings. We’ve ordered rule changes to make it easier for lawyers to meet the needs of clients, and we’ve allowed courts to delay jury trials and other non-essential court matters. Today, we must commit to continue social distancing until May 4 for the good of our communities.”

The Supreme Court is extending the effective date of trial court Administrative Rule 17 orders through an order in case 20S-CB-123. AR 17 provides the legal framework for courts to adjust operations.

On March 16, the Indiana Supreme Court ordered courts to implement relevant portions of emergency operations to ensure essential services remain in place.

All 92 counties and many city/town courts filed AR 17 emergency petitions. More than 110 emergency orders give courts the authority to adjust procedures in response to the pandemic.

The orders have various effective dates; 20S-CB-123 brings effective dates in unison.

Additionally, the order authorizes trial courts to review county-jail and community correction sentences of non-violent inmates and juveniles.

The order allows courts to consult with prosecutors, public defenders, community corrections, the sheriff, and health authorities to consider modifying placement.

Courts are going to stay and will not issue new writs of attachment, civil bench warrants, or body attachments (except in emergencies).

By refraining from these actions, the courts will avoid placing undue burdens on individuals and communities during this public health emergency.

Judges are keeping essential operations in place, and with electronic filing, they are considering cases.

More than 450,000 documents have been e-filed statewide since March 9. Individuals interesting in checking their case should visit mycase.in.gov. Details on the Judicial Branch’s response to COVID-19 can be found online.