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.

In these unprecedented times, Hoosier Hills Credit Union understands that many members of our communities may experience financial difficulties.

HHCU is offering a Member Relief package including some fee waivers, payment deferrals and new loan options to help individuals and families weather the storm. These options are available immediately.

Member Relief Options include:

• Automatic waiver of ATM fees on ATMs not owned by HHCU and not in the Alliance One ATM Network (HHCU-owned & network ATMs are already free).*
• Automatic increase in all daily ATM withdrawal limits from $500 to $1,000.*
• Waiver of early withdrawal penalties on certificates in cases of financial hardship.*
• No transfer fees between accounts, as always.*
• Automatic waiver of withdrawal restrictions on Christmas Club and Vacation Club Accounts.*
• Skip-a-Pay: Skip a payment on an existing HHCU personal/consumer loan (vehicle, signature loans, lines of credit) or credit card; one Skip-a-Pay fee waived per loan. Call the Credit Union at 800-865-2612. If additional Skips are needed, see other options below.
• Good Neighbor Loan: A 3% fixed-rate Signature Loan for up to $25,000 with terms up to 36 months and payments deferred up to 6 months, designed to help with immediate needs. Apply online.
• Payment Deferral Options are available for HHCU personal/consumer and commercial loans, with no late fees for the deferral period. This could include vehicle loans, signature loans, lines of credit, credit card, and commercial loan payments. Call the Credit Union at 800.865.2612 to discuss your needs.
• Suspension of foreclosure and repossession proceedings until the state of emergency has terminated.
• Lowest Payment Challenge: Free review of current loans at other financial institutions to try to lower payments by transferring the loan balance to HHCU at a lower rate: Click here for more information.
• Financial Learning Center: Monthly Budget Tool and other financial education resources on our website.

Hoosier Hills Credit Union is working proactively to ensure the ongoing availability of banking services while keeping the health and safety of its members, employees and the community as a top priority.

As a member-owned cooperative, Hoosier Hills has a long history of supporting its members and communities.

The Credit Union invites members and the community to reach out and let HHCU know how they might help. For those who are not currently HHCU members, new accounts can be opened through the drive-up at each Service Center location, in the current absence of lobby hours.

Fee waivers and adjustments will be available for a limited time and are subject to change without notice.

** Payment example: $10,000 borrowed at 3.00% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for 36 months would have a monthly payment of $290.83.

Finance charges begin accruing from the transaction date, but payment may be deferred for up to 6 months. Available for a limited time; offer subject to change without notice.

Loans are subject to credit approval.

*** All loans are subject to approval.

Gov. Eric Holcomb’s order for people to stay at home has led Indiana University’s main campus to postpone times when students can move their belongings from residence halls.

Earlier IU had scheduled move-out appointments to ensure large groups of people weren’t gathering in close quarters and increasing the possibility of spreading the coronavirus.

But now IU spokesman Chuch Carney is asking students to reschedule their move-out appointments to a later date.

“We know this is hard for them,” he added.

Attorney General Curtis Hill today offered guidance to consumers who purchased tickets to events that have been canceled or postponed in the wake of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

“Hoosiers who were looking forward to gathering with friends and enjoying concerts, sporting events and other activities with their peers have surely been disappointed by this wave of cancellations and postponements,” Attorney General Hill said. “To make the best of this difficult situation, we want to help consumers obtain any refunds or other remedies that are available to them.”

If you have issues securing remedies promised by the entity from which you bought your tickets, the Office of the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division may be able to help you. Here’s what consumers should know:

• Consumers who purchased tickets for events should consult the terms and conditions of their purchases to determine whether the purchases are refundable. If you are not sure, contact the venue where you purchased the ticket in an effort to get the remedy you are looking for.
• In circumstances where the terms being offered by the entity are not what was previously advertised, report those issues to the Attorney General using our online complaint form.
• Consumers who see unexpected charges related to cancellation should first contact the company. If that is not successful, contact your credit card company. Then file a complaint with the Attorney General using our online complaint form.

If you have questions for the Office’s Consumer Protection Division, you may call 1-800-382-5516.

For up-to-date information about the coronavirus pandemic, please visit the Indiana State Department of Health website at www.in.gov/coronavirus/. You may also call the department 24/7 at 1-877-826-0011. 

 In a continuing effort to slow the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Governor Eric J. Holcomb has announced additional efforts, including new guidance for child care.

“There is a critical need for child care for those workers who are taking care of others and helping Hoosiers keep food and supplies in their homes. We appreciate all of the efforts Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Jennifer McCormick and FSSA Secretary Dr. Jen Sullivan and their staffs have worked on jointly to create more child care options for parents,” said Gov. Eric J. Holcomb.

Here are other actions the State of Indiana has taken:

• The Indiana State Department of Education (DOE) and Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) have teamed to encourage school corporations in Indiana to open schools on a limited basis to provide child care services for emergency workers and others who are working to keep communities safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

o   On Friday, FSSA provided new guidance for child care operators who are licensed by the state. Here is the link: https://www.in.gov/fssa/carefinder/5761.htm

o   Today, DOE provided similar guidance to school corporations to care for the school-age children of essential workers. The guidance provides specific steps for schools to take to open school facilities as well as how to maintain a safe environment. https://www.doe.in.gov/sites/default/files/news/child-care-recommendation-essential-personnel.pdf

• Among precautions for school district officials, the steps include collecting child health records, allowing extra time for deep cleaning, prohibiting staff who are in high-risk categories from providing the care and keeping groups of students in separate areas of the building.
• The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) has spoken to more than 1,000 businesses and economic development agencies in the last five days about ways to continue supporting the state’s economy as well as its front-line COVID-19 pandemic response workers.

o   More than 135 companies have been fully vetted as being able to help, including RV and auto manufacturers that are switching lines to help make shields, masks and other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

o   Multiple companies – including Subaru, Heritage Group and Summit MMI – have come together to donate thousands of PPE. Restaurants and companies have donated thousands of gloves.

• Office of Community and Rural Affairs announced Community Development Block Grant funds may be redirected to assist with COVID-19 needs based on guidance from the United States Housing and Urban Development. This program could help fund projects such as mobile testing areas or economic assistance packages for small businesses.

North Lawrence Community Schools  Superintendent Ty Mungle released the following message to parents today:

It is with many mixed emotions that I share North Lawrence Community Schools will be closed until May 1st as mandated by Governor Eric Holcomb.

NLCS will suspend all required at home learning until April 13th.

With our teachers not having access to the schools, we didn’t see any other options at this time. These actions align with state mandates to protect our entire NLCS community.

NLCS will continue to provide optional learning opportunities for all grades. Parents and students may visit the NLCS website or your student’s Google Classroom for more information. High school students enrolled in dual credit courses should reach out to their teacher following spring break. Teachers will communicate expectations for college credits and the next steps for students as they learn more.

NLCS will continue to provide meals for our students. Starting on Monday, March 30, we will expand food pick up sites to Shawswick Middle School and Oolitic Middle School, while continuing to offer pick up at Bedford Middle School. Food Pick up will be available at these sites on Mondays and Thursdays from 11-1 pm. Please Sign-up for meals on our website and feel free to call the administration building at 812-279-3521 if you are unable to arrange a meal pickup for your child.

All NLCS schools will be closed to all non-essential personnel for the next two weeks. Please email or call the administration building if assistance is needed during this time. At this time we anticipate a future update around April 13 to consider the many social events that were planned and matter so much to our students and families. Some examples include Prom and Graduation.

Again, I would like to thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to find the safest solutions for all.

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

Currently, the patient is home-quarantined that tested positive for CoVid-19 in Marion County.

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

No additional information will be given out to protect this patient.

According to the local health department, the Indiana Department of Health has advised not to release any epidemiology on Covid-19 patients so as not to allow members of the public to identify the patients, which would be a HIPPA violation. 

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.

Human coronaviruses 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, then touching your mouth, nose, or
eyes before washing your hands; and
 Rarely, fecal contamination.
The best way to protect yourself from any respiratory illness, including the flu, is to:
 Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are
not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
 Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
 Avoid close contact (within 6 feet) with people who are sick.
 Stay home when you are sick.
 Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash, followed by hand washing.
 Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

The CDC does not recommend that people who are well wearing a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19. You should only wear a mask if a healthcare professional recommends it.

A facemask should be used by people who have COVID-19 and are showing symptoms to protect others from the risk of infection.

The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) will provide updates as new information
becomes available. Visit the ISDH website at in.gov/coronavirus for the most up-to-date
information on COVID-19 in Indiana.