With several essential businesses around Kentuckiana having employees test positive with Covid-19, one of the largest retailers will be checking employees soon.

Walmart will soon start doing temperature checks on employees and ask basic health screening questions before their shifts begin, according to a company announcement.

John Furner, President & CEO, Walmart U.S. and Kath McLay, President & CEO, Sam’s Club released a statement yesterday, “As our company and country continue to deal with the spread of COVID-19, we remain focused on the health and safety of our associates.”

“We continue to follow and communicate the CDC’s recommended guidance on behaviors like washing hands, social distancing and the cleaning of surfaces. And we have made significant operational changes in our stores, clubs, DCs and FCs this month – such as closing overnight for cleaning, starting to install sneeze guards at checkout and pharmacies, using wipes and sprayers for carts, putting in signing for social distancing and implementing a COVID-19 emergency leave policy.”

Temperature Checks

As the COVID-19 situation has evolved, the stores have decided to begin taking the temperatures of associates as they report to work in stores, clubs, and facilities, as well as asking them some basic health screening questions.

“We are in the process of sending infrared thermometers to all locations, which could take up to three weeks,” said the statement.

Any associate with a temperature of 100.0 degrees will be paid for reporting to work and asked to return home and seek medical treatment if necessary.

The associate will not be able to return to work until they are fever-free for at least three days.

Many associates have already been taking their own temperatures at home, and Walmart is asking them to continue that practice as stores start doing it on-site.

“And we’ll continue to ask associates to look out for other symptoms of the virus (coughing, feeling achy, difficulty breathing) and never come to work when they don’t feel well,” the statement said. “Our COVID-19 emergency leave policy allows associates to stay home if they have any COVID-19 related symptoms, concerns, illness or are quarantined – knowing that their jobs will be protected.”

Masks and Gloves

Walmart is also sharing more guidance with our associates regarding masks and gloves.

While the CDC and other health officials do not recommend masks or gloves for healthy people who don’t ordinarily use them for their jobs, Walmart will make them available — as supplies permit — for associates who want to wear them.

The masks will arrive in 1-2 weeks. They will be high-quality masks, but not N95 respirators – which should be reserved for at-risk healthcare workers.

“We encourage anyone who would like to wear a mask or gloves at work to ask their supervisor for them, while keeping in mind that it is still possible to spread germs while wearing them,” said the statement. 

6-20-100 Guidance

This week Walmart is also sharing a new framework with associates regarding healthy behaviors at work. We’re asking them to remember three numbers: 6, 20 and 100.

• 6 feet is the amount of space people should keep from others, when possible, to maintain social distancing.
• 20 seconds is the amount of time people should take to wash their hands with soap and water.
• And 100 is the temperature that someone should stay home with.

“We will continue to consult with health officials and experts inside and outside Walmart as this situation evolves. We greatly appreciate the work our associates are doing for customers, members, and their communities, and we will continue to prioritize their health and well-being,” according to the statement. 

The Indiana Department of Transportation has announced a virtual job fair in which more than 1,000 construction and related positions will be available through the state agency. The virtual job fair is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. EDT on Thursday, April 16, and will last approximately one hour.

Presenters will include representatives from both INDOT and the State Personnel Department. The program will cover what INDOT does, benefits in working for INDOT, how to apply for INDOT jobs, and details about specific jobs available in four main areas: Summer Seasonal State workers, Highway Maintenance Techs, Equipment Mechanics, and Construction Engineers.

“We appreciate the opportunity to promote our significant number of job openings to a broad audience,” said Joe McGuinness, INDOT Commissioner. “This virtual job fair will enable us to get the word out to many Hoosiers who may be temporarily unemployed or simply looking for new opportunities they might have otherwise not been aware of.”

The Indiana Department of Workforce Development will host the virtual job fair. DWD and INDOT joined forces once before for a successful virtual job fair in 2018. More than 400 individuals registered for the virtual event, including job seekers from 14 states across the U.S.

“The concept of virtual job fairs has proven to be popular with job seekers,” said DWD Commissioner Fred Payne. “It allows individuals to engage with employers without the obstacles of transportation, child care or other constraints in attending an in-person job fair. And in this time of the COVID-19 crisis, it brings people together in a safe, convenient manner consistent with the current state guidelines for gatherings.”

To register for the INDOT Virtual Job Fair, go to https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7684424500148015117. All registrants will receive a link to the recording of the virtual job fair whether they are able to participate live or not.

Bedford Mayor Sam Craig is asking residents to stay home and only travel for essential needs.

“We urge the public to do business by phone, voicemail, email, or online,” Mayor Craig said. “We ask for your cooperation during this time of unprecedented concern for public safety and to shelter in place as directed by the governor for the well-being of our community. “

He is asking everyone to practice social distancing when out.

Do not use parks or share the trails if you are exhibiting symptoms. Stay at least 6 feet from other persons on the trail or at the park at all times and practice personal hygiene prior to visiting parks or trails.

Residents needing essential items and have no help can contact City Hall from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m at 812-279-6555 or after hours contact the Bedford Police Department at 812-275-3311.

“This help is only for people needing essential items and assistance,” stressed Mayor Craig

When pumping gas, use caution. Wipe the pump before using it.

The TASC buses will be running daily from Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. for “essential travel” only basis. This will include travel to and from essential employment, medical appointments, and one trip per week to a grocery store. The dispatch number is 812-275-1633. You will be screened on the phone so the office can best plan for the trip. 

All city employees, but Park Department employees, will be returning to work today and will work their regular schedules. 

There were no new cases of Covid-19 in Washington County as reported by the Indiana State Health Department. 

A sixth case was reported Monday. 

On Tuesday morning, state health officials say an additional 14 people died in Indiana from coronavirus-related illnesses. This brings the state’s total to 49.

Of the new COVID-19 deaths, five involved Indianapolis residents and four were from Lake County. Elkhart, Decatur, Hancock, Ripley and Warren Counties also reported a death.

Since Monday, confirmed COVID-19 cases grew by 347 to 2,159.

The virus has now been reported in 81 of Indiana’s 92 counties.

There are only 11 counties in Indiana now without Covid-19 cases.

Marion County continues to have the newest reported cases. The county now has 964 cases.

The Lawrence County Commissioners passed an ordinance Tuesday morning declaring a public health emergency in Lawrence County due to COVID-19.

The declaration will allow the county to seek federal funds to meet the public health emergency needs that may arise.

According to Emergency Management Director Valerie Luchauer, she and the Lawrence County Health Department staff continue to monitor the positive cases in the county and supply resources requested on a case by case basis.

The declaration allows:

• All Lawerence County offices should cooperate with public health and the Governor of Indiana to combat the fight against COVID-19.
• Lawrence County may issue a local travel advisory, watch, or warning for up to seven days pursuant to IC10-14-3-29.5. If the conditions warrant. Such advisory, watch or warning may be extended by the Commissioners.
• Lawrence County Government and its agencies shall comply with the procedure set forth in IC 10-14-3 and Lawrence County Management Ordinance when exercising the emergency powers thereunder.
• Subject to adoption by the Commissioners, this resolution shall remain in effect until the declaration of the public health emergency by the Lawrence County Health Department and the Governor is rescinded.

Emergency Management and the Health Department also are providing continued communication and education to all pertinent parties during the emergency and monitor personal protective equipment for first responders and health care providers.

The commissioners also amended the Lawrence County COVID-19 policy for employees.

Effective today and extending until December 31, 2020, Lawrence County workplace policies are being amended and enhanced for those employees under the Lawrence County Personnel Policy Handbook, regardless of the current length of employment. These policies will be revisited regularly and employes should check with their department heads.

Employees who are able and healthy are expected at work as scheduled. All staff who can work remotely. are asked to prepare to do so now.

An eligible full-time employee may take paid sick leave up to two weeks paid at the regular rate. An employee caring for a child can take up to 10 weeks more of paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave at 2/3 of the employee’s regular rate.

A patient from Mitchell Manor has tested positive for COVID-19 while at a local hospital, with two former patients also having tested positive.

HIPAA privacy guidelines prevent the sharing of personal patient information.

Officials shared the following information:

• On Friday, March 27, a patient was transferred to IU Bedford Hospital with symptoms of respiratory distress. This patient was tested at the hospital and received a positive COVID-19 diagnosis. This patient is still hospitalized.
• Officials immediately isolated any patient who had known contact with the patient.
• Officials also recently received notification that two discharged patients who were patients at the facility have tested positive for COVID-19. Both of these patients were already discharged to different care settings prior to testing or diagnosis.

Kathi Hignite-Owens, Executive Director of Mitchell Manor, released this statement this afternoon.

“Prior to this incident and continuing now, we have been following all CMS, CDC and state and local health department guidelines concerning COVID-19. Our associates are being diligent on practicing proper hand hygiene and the use of personal protective equipment, which is recurring education they normally receive, beginning with their orientation at our facility. Every associate is also screened when they arrive for work and when they leave, including checking temperature, to ensure no additional sickness is brought into our building. If they have a fever over 100.4, we send them home and ask them to contact their personal physician.

These guidelines also place restrictions on the entrance of visitors, family members, and vendors. We posted signage on our doors with information on COVID-19. We placed an infection prevention station at the entrance with personal protection supplies.

We continue to work in partnership with the Indiana State Department of Health and the local health department and follow the guidance they provide.”

Effective today, and in support of Governor Eric Holcomb’s Executive Order 20-02 declaring a public health disaster emergency in Indiana due to COVID-19, Indiana Department of Revenue (DOR) Commissioner Bob Grennes has waived several Motor Carrier Services (MCS) requirements until May 22, 2020.

The waivers affect:

• Out-of-state motor carriers who are delivering COVID-19 supplies do not need to obtain trip permits or register with the International Registration Plan (IRP) or the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) before entering Indiana. Upon request, drivers must be able to prove they are hauling food, goods, medical supplies, other equipment and supplies to address the public health threat posed by COVID-19. This waiver will expire on May 22, 2020.
• IRP or Base Plate registrations (BPR) expiring on March 31, 2020, or April 30, 2020, will not expire until May 31, 2020. Also, an Indiana-based IRP or BPR registrant may delay a registration renewal and/or payment for registrations effective May 1, 2020, until May 31, 2020.
• Any delayed IRP renewal registrations and/or payments must have an effective renewed IRP registration submitted to DOR by June 1, 2020.
• Indiana-based IFTA licensees that file quarterly motor carrier fuel tax returns may delay the first quarter’s return (ordinarily due April 30, 2020) to May 31, 2020. Also, following IFTA’s recommendation, DOR waives the requirements to display or possess IFTA credentials until May 22, 2020.

Full details are available here or on DOR’s Motor Carrier Services webpage,

Although DOR in-person customer service is currently suspended due to the COVID-19 health emergency, our MCS customer service team continues to provide support by phone and email, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., EST.

To find contact information for specific MCS sections, refer to the contact information listed online.

State Rep. Steve Davisson (R-Salem) encourages Hoosier workers and small businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic to access recently expanded state and federal resources for help.

Under Indiana’s temporary “stay-at-home” order, many businesses deemed not essential have laid off staff or cannot pay employees while they are shut down.

To help, Gov. Eric Holcomb expanded unemployment coverage to those impacted, including Hoosiers whose work hours were reduced, those under medical quarantine and employees who cannot continue to work because of lack of child care options.

“During this unprecedented time, Indiana along with the federal government are streamlining and expanding assistance to help Hoosiers impacted by the coronavirus,” Davisson said. “Whether you’re a restaurant worker who suddenly lost their job or a small-business owner who had to close your doors, resources are available to help.”

The Indiana Department of Workforce Development said Hoosiers should file for unemployment insurance if their employment has been interrupted or ended due to COVID-19, and their claim will be evaluated. Individuals must apply for UI benefits online, using a computer or smart phone at Unemployment.IN.gov. For questions, the state asks Hoosiers to review the Frequently Asked Questions, the Claimant Handbook or the online video tutorials before calling the 1-800-891-6499 helpline, which continues to experience a high volume of calls.   

Indiana waived the one-week waiting period for payment of unemployment benefits, and it is retroactive to March 8, 2020. Qualified claimants can typically receive benefits for up to 26 weeks, but this has been extended by an additional 13 weeks. Davisson said thanks to the action of the federal government, unemployed workers who file and are approved will see an extra $600 per week for four months.

Davisson said small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and nonprofits can receive up to $2 million in low-interest loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration‘s Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses, which could have been met had the disaster not occurred. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that cannot be paid because of the disaster’s impact. The loan interest rates for small businesses and nonprofits are 3.75% and 2.75%, respectively, with terms up to 30 years.

“Many of our small businesses changed their business models to try to make the best adjustments to remain open,” Davisson said. “To help these business owners and those who have shut down completely, these loans can help keep them from closing permanently so they can eventually return to normal operations.”

Davisson said businesses’ merit rate/tax rate will not be impacted if they lay off employees due to the coronavirus.

Governor Eric J. Holcomb today signed two executive orders to aid in the fight against COVID-19.

Executive order 20-14 extends the requirements for bars, nightclubs, and restaurants to stay closed to dine-in patrons until April 6 at 11:59 p.m. They may continue to provide take-out and delivery services.

The Governor expects bars, nightclubs, and restaurants to comply with the directive for the safety of Hoosiers in their communities without the need to call for enforcement measures.

However, the state and local boards of health and the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission (ATC) have been directed by the Governor to take all available administrative and enforcement actions against establishments that continue to offer in-house dining services, in violation of the governor’s order.

Executive order 20-15 eases government operations including permitting electronic notary services to remotely review and approve documents.

On Tuesday, state health officials say an additional 14 people died in Indiana from coronavirus-related illnesses. This brings the state’s total to 49.

Of the new COVID-19 deaths, five involved Indianapolis residents and four were from Lake County. Elkhart, Decatur, Hancock, Ripley and Warren Counties also reported a death.

Confirmed COVID-19 cases grew by 347 to 2,159. The virus has now been reported in 81 of Indiana’s 92 counties. Marion County continues to have the most new reported cases. The county now has 964 cases.

Additional steps taken by the state today include:

• The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) will hold a virtual job fair for more than 1,000 construction and related positions at 10 a.m. ET on Thursday, April 16.

o   To register for the INDOT Virtual Job Fair, go to https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7684424500148015117.

o   All registrants will receive a link to the recording of the virtual job fair whether they are able to participate live or not.

• The Indiana Commission for Higher Education will offer free virtual FAFSA filing help for students and families from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 4.

o   Help will be available through the Commission’s Learn More Indiana social media platforms: Facebook (facebook.com/LearnMoreIN), Instagram (@LearnMoreIndiana) and Twitter (@LearnMoreIN)

To see copies of the executive orders, click here: https://www.in.gov/gov/2384.htm