Outdoor activities, and travel to and from those activities, are still permitted. This includes hiking, biking, fishing, boating, birding, hunting, camping, geocaching and other self-directed legal activities. Hoosiers should practice social distancing while participating in these activities. It is important that you know before you go.

Hunting and fishing licenses

All 2019-2020 basic hunting, basic fishing, hunt/fish combo, youth licenses and stamps set to expire March 31, 2020, will be valid for use until Friday, May 22, 2020. Please maintain a printed or electronic copy with you while hunting/fishing. If you do not have a valid 2019 – 2020 annual license or stamp, a new 2020 -2021 annual license will be needed. For the upcoming 2020 spring wild turkey season, hunters will need a 2020 spring turkey license and valid game bird habitat stamp. Licenses can be purchased by visiting the Indiana Fish & Wildlife Online License System, open authorized license vendors, or calling the Indiana DNR Customer Service Center at 877-463-6367, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

What’s open

All DNR properties including state parks, state forests, fish and wildlife areas, nature preserves and state recreation areas.

Entrance fees at all properties have been temporarily suspended.

Families will be able to go outside and take a walk, run or bike ride, but they should continue to practice social distancing by remaining 6 feet away from other people. Entrance fees at properties have been temporarily suspended.

• Campgrounds – OPEN but advance reservations are required. No walk-in camping (camping without a reservation) is permitted. For those who would prefer to cancel or reschedule due to COVID-19, we are committed to waiving fees for cancellations or transfers of reservations and to issuing refunds as requested for campsites held through April 30, 2020. This time frame may be extended as the COVID-19 status evolves.
• Indiana DNR-managed lakes, trails, campgrounds, boat ramps and wildlife areas at Brookville, J.E. Roush, Salamonie, Mississinewa, Cecil M. Harden (Raccoon SRA), Cagles Mill (Lieber SRA), Patoka and Monroe lakes remain OPEN. However, public facilities managed directly by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at or below the dams at these lakes (tailwater areas, observation mounds, etc.) are CLOSED.
• Vault toilets and modern restrooms where available are OPEN. Campground comfort stations will be OPENED on our normal schedule as spring progresses and property use changes. Contact properties directly for specific information. Open restrooms are cleaned and sanitized regularly.
• Unstaffed archery ranges – OPEN.
• The Fort Golf Course at Fort Harrison State Park is OPEN with limited hours. Tee times are available from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.  The Pro Shop and Garrison are closed with no public access. Payment and reservations can only be made by phone at 317-543-9597. Walking only, no carts, rakes or flags.  Please practice social distancing during play. Portable restrooms will be cleaned daily.

What’s closed

• All property offices – CLOSED.
• Passes and permits can be purchased online at ShopINStateparks.com. Property maps are available online. Office contact information will be provided on doors for those who have specific questions.
• State park inns and restaurants – CLOSED.
• Family cabins and camper cabins – CLOSED.
• Playgrounds, fire towers, and other similar facilities – CLOSED.
• Welcome Centers, Nature Centers, Historic Buildings and Visitor Centers, Forest Education Centers – CLOSED.
• Shooting ranges – CLOSED.
• Shelters, recreation buildings, and other enclosed picnic areas – CLOSED.
• State Park Inn pools and the aquatic center at Abe Martin Lodge – CLOSED.
• All group camps, youth tent and rally tent areas – CLOSED.
• The DNR Customer Service Center in downtown Indianapolis is CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC but is still available by telephone.

Events

• All indoor and outdoor public programs and special events are postponed through April 30. There will be virtual programming added through social media; watch the DNR calendar for details and times.
• All fishing tournaments on DNR owned/operated properties – CANCELED THROUGH APRIL 30.
• All fishing tournaments that require a permit through DNR, even if they are not on DNR owned/operated property – CANCELED THROUGH APRIL 6.

Governor Eric Holcomb today signed a new executive order in a continuing effort to slow the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

WSLM 1220 AM and WSLM 97.9 FM broadcast the press conference earlier today at 2:30p. There will be another one Friday afternoon at that time. 

WSLM will make the full audio available to listen to in another post. 

Gov. Holcomb outlined these new additional efforts in the executive order:

• The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) has suspended the one-week waiting period that is required before paying unemployment benefits to allow claimants to receive their checks more quickly. The suspension is retroactive to March 8, 2020.
• Hoosiers with chronic health issues will be able to receive a 90-day supply of their non-controlled prescription medication, such as insulin or cholesterol medications.
• Medicaid recipients can use their benefits to cover costs of using alternate forms of transportation, such as ride-sharing services, for appointments to see their healthcare providers.
• The Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) has additional funding flexibility to allow for additional home delivery of meals.
• The Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF) has extended deadlines related to local government finances.

Click here to download public service announcements (PSAs) recorded by the state for your click here.

More information may be found at the ISDH website and the CDC website.

Click here to see the executive order: https://www.in.gov/gov/2384.htm

The Floyd County Health Department is continuing its drive-thru COVID-19 Testing. Please contact us at (812) 948-4726 for prescreening.

People at risk include: Healthcare workers with symptoms, ill contacts of known cases and special populations such as the homeless, recently incarcerated, and symptomatic people with recent positive travel history.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.

Schneck Medical Center in Seymour has placed 63 employees on a 14-day quarantine after they came in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

There are currently two patients at Schneck in quarantine for Covid-19 – one from Jackson County and one from Washington County.

The workers at Schneck interacted with a patient who came in for treatment but did not initially show any symptoms of the disease caused by the coronavirus.

The patient came to Schenk during the early stages of the national outbreak and began to develop symptoms over time, hospital spokeswoman Stephanie Furlow said.

The affected Schneck workers initially did not wear proper protective equipment when in contact with the patient, she said.

While all of the employees have been placed on a standard 14-day quarantine, Furlow said employees who show no symptoms may be allowed to return to work sooner.

Those employees will be required to wear personal protective equipment at all times.

The quarantine has not affected staffing, and the hospital is experiencing no shortages, she said.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks.

For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.

Effective Friday, March 27, Schneck Urgent Care, located at 1130 Medical Place, Seymour, is temporarily transitioning to a Respiratory Illness Clinic.

The Respiratory Illness Clinic will be dedicated to the triage and treatment of patients with respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19.
 
Scheck Urgent Care will continue to care for patients presenting with non-respiratory urgent needs. However, to minimize cross-contamination, these patients will be seen at Schneck Primary Care Jackson Park, directly next to Schneck Urgent Care.
 
Patients with symptoms that include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing should first call Schneck’s Coronavirus Hotline at 812-524-4266 to speak with trained healthcare staff and be advised on next steps.

Calling ahead remains extremely important to limit exposing others to diseases such as COVID-19.
 
The Respiratory Clinic and Schneck Urgent Care will be open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
 

The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) announced today that 170 Hoosiers have been diagnosed with COVID-19 through testing at ISDH, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and private laboratories.

That brings to 645 the total number of Indiana residents known to have the novel coronavirus following corrections to the previous day’s total.

The first case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in Orange County. The patient is in isolation, according to a news release. No additional information about the patient will be released due to privacy laws.

The county is working with the Indiana State Department of Health to identify anyone who had close contacts with the patient and might be exposed to ensure that appropriate precautions are taken in accordance with the latest CDC guidance.

Local confirmed cases

• Bartholomew County – 6
• Brown County – 1
• Dubois County – 1
• Jackson County – 2
• Lawrence County – 2
• Monroe County – 6
• Orange County – 1
• Washington County – 5

Seventeen Hoosiers have died.

Deaths were reported in:

• Allen County – Deaths: 1
• Delaware County – Deaths: 1
• Franklin County – Deaths: 1
• Jasper County – Deaths: 1
• Johnson County – Deaths: 3
• Hancock County – Deaths: 1
• Howard County – Deaths: 1
• Marion County – Deaths: 6
• Putnam County – Deaths: 1
• Scott County – Deaths: 1

A total of 4,651 tests have been reported to ISDH to date, up from 3,356 on Wednesday.

Marion County had the most new cases, at 67, while Hamilton, Johnson, and Lake counties each had 12.

The complete list of counties with cases is included in the ISDH COVID-19 dashboard at coronavirus.in.gov, which will be updated daily at 10 a.m.

Cases are listed by county of residence. Private lab reporting may be delayed and will be reflected in the map and count when results are received at ISDH.

The dashboard also has been updated to remove one duplicate case from Marion County, remove one false positive from Hamilton County and move one Hamilton County case to Marion County based on updated county of residence information provided to ISDH.

Additional updates on the state’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak may be provided later today.

Washington Co. Department of Health announced today the fourth and fifth presumptive positive case of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Washington County.

Currently, Patient #4 is hospitalized at Clark Memorial that tested positive for CoVid-19 this morning.

Washington County Health Department is working closely with the local and state
officials along with Clark Memorial and Clark County Health Department to ensure that contacts of the patient are identified and monitored and that all infection control protocols are being followed.

Patient #5 is currently in home-quarantine that tested positive for CoVid-19 this morning. The patient was tested at Baptist Health Floyd Hospital.

WCDH is working closely with the local and state officials along with Baptist Health Floyd and Floyd County Health Department to ensure that contacts of the patient are identified and monitored and that all infection control protocols are being followed.

However, according to Health Nurse Alicia Thompson, that information will not be released to the public as directed by the Indiana State Health Department. 

Patient #1 was admitted to Schneck Hospital in Seymour. Patient #2 was admitted to Baptist Floyd and Patient #3 was being quarantined at home and was not believed to have had any public contact. 

Gov. Eric J. Holcomb issued a public health emergency declaration that calls on state agencies to continue their diligence and cooperation in responding to COVID-19 and ensures that Indiana can seek funding to control and stop the spread of coronavirus.

The declaration is posted at www.in.gov/

The governor has also issued additional steps to protect the public from COVID-
19.

The patient is currently hospitalized. No additional information about the patient will be released due to privacy laws.

Attorney General Curtis Hill today warned Hoosiers to beware of work-from-home scams during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

“Fraudsters have long tried to make money by offering bogus work-from-home opportunities,” Attorney General Hill said. “Typically, these scammers lure would-be victims to spend money upfront by falsely promising future earnings.”

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports that many fraudsters are currently using illegal robocalls to make such pitches. Work-from-home scams might also come via emails, websites or print publications. Learn more at the FTC website.

“Obviously, people are particularly susceptible to these kinds of tactics during the current health crisis,” Attorney General Hill said, “when many individuals are already staying home and sometimes facing layoffs or job uncertainties.”

Anyone receiving an automated call from an unknown source offering a work-from-home opportunity is best-advised to hang up immediately, Attorney General Hill said.

Common “opportunities” supposedly available include starting an internet business, stuffing envelopes, craftwork, rebate processing, medical billing, undercover shopping/dining, or illegitimate multilevel marketing.

The FTC’s Business Opportunity Rule requires many sellers of work-from-home opportunities to supply a one-page disclosure that identifies the seller; certain legal actions involving the seller; refund and cancellation policies; a separate earnings claim statement (if making specific promises about how much one might earn); and a list of references. These disclosures are required seven days before an offeree sign a contract or makes any payments.

If a seller offers a disclosure, one should review it closely and independently research the company. One should consider asking specific questions about the job duties; the nature and frequency of compensation; and any costs that the at-home worker is expected to pay in advance.

Go online to report any suspected scams to the Consumer Protection Division of the Office of the Indiana Attorney General. If you need additional information regarding the Office’s Consumer Protection Division, please call 1-800-382-5516.

The Washington County Health Department reports this morning that a positive case of Covid-19 in the county attended the West Washington High School Future Farmers of America breakfast and auction held at West Washington School on March 14th.

According to Health Nurse Alicia Thompson, RN, “The patient was not exhibiting symptoms at this point and was most likely not a carrier at that time.”

There have been three confirmed Covid-19 cases in Washington County. It is not known if this is Patient 1, who is being treated at Schneck Memorial Hospital; or Patient 2, who is being treated at Baptist Floyd or Patient 3, who is in home isolation. 

“As a precaution, if you attended this event, please monitor yourself for signs of a high fever, coughing, and shortness of breath,” said Thompson. “If you have any of these symptoms – STAY HOME. If your symptoms become uncontrolled with over the counter remedies, please call (317) 338-2273 or (877) 826-0011 option #1.”

Anyone exhibiting symptoms must self-quarantine for 14 days.

“Because of the time frame of this event, if you do not have symptoms by March 28th, you are cleared from contact with this patient,” said Thompson. 

“If you attended the FFA Community Breakfast please monitor yourself for symptoms. This Saturday will be 14 days removed from the event,” said West Washington Superintendent Keith Nance on the school’s Facebook page. “Also, please be aware that since closing the school our building has been thoroughly sanitized utilizing commercial-grade sanitizers, hand cleaning and commercial disinfecting misters.”

City of Salem Mayor, Justin Green, announced additional protocols for city operations to comply with Executive Orders issued by Governor Eric Holcomb, including an order for residents to stay-at-home.

The new protocols follow previous changes to the operation of city government due to
the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition to city offices being closed to public access, closure of the senior center, and suspension of parks and recreation activities, all city-owned parks are now closed, including Riley’s Place, Depauw Park, Elizabeth Street Park, and the baseball diamonds.

Walking and hiking trails remain open.

All city offices will continue to remain open by phone.

The Board of Public Works and Safety and Common Council meetings for April have been canceled.

“Again, I want to reiterate, these protocols are in place to slow the spread of this highly
contagious virus, to protect our most vulnerable populations, our healthcare system,
and first responders. Per the Governor’s order, all residents are to remain at home until
the Executive Order is lifted, except to seek medical care, purchase essential supplies
or medications, or to report to work at a business deemed essential,” said Mayor Justin
Green.

The Washington County Health Department also issued a mandate on Wednesday for all non-essential retail businesses to close to walk-in services to the public.

This includes, but is not limited to, nail and beauty salons, barbershops, gyms and fitness centers, and churches.

The Salem Public Library is also ordered closed.

Exceptions to the mandate are allowable for businesses providing life-essential services, including (but not limited to) banks, grocery stores, pharmacies, and delivery or carryout/curbside food services.

Exempted businesses must still abide by 10 person or less and 6 feet or greater
distance apart guideline.

The full list of mandated closures and exemptions can be at https://wslmradio.com/2020/03/25/dr-morgan-issues-immediate-closure-information/

As per the Governor’s recommendations, if you develop symptoms such as fever,
cough and/or difficulty breathing, and have been in close contact with a person known
to have COVID-19 or have recently traveled from an area with ongoing spread of
COVID-19, stay home and call your healthcare provider.

If you suspect you have COVID-19, please call your healthcare provider in advance so that proper precautions can be taken to limit further transmission. Older patients and individuals who have severe underlying medical conditions or are immunocompromised should contact their healthcare provider early, even if their illness is mild.

If you have severe symptoms, such as persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new
confusion or inability to arouse, or bluish lips or face, contact your healthcare provider or
emergency room and seek care immediately, but please call in advance if possible.

Your doctor will determine if you have signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and whether
you should be tested.

Nonessential medical care such as eye exams and teeth-cleaning should be postponed.

The stay-at-home order issued by Governor Holcomb will extend until April 7, 2020, at
which time it will be revisited to determine the need to continue or end the order.

The Governor’s office has posted a page with answers to frequently asked questions,
located online at https://www.in.gov/gov/3232.htm.

Residents are encouraged to contact City Hall with questions and concerns about the
city and state protocols at 812.883.4265 or info@cityofsalemin.com.

The Washington County Health Department can be reached at 812.883.5603.