Groups representing dairy farmers and cooperatives in the Midwest today urged the federal government to provide direct assistance to farmers and to expedite the purchase of additional dairy foods amid unprecedented disruptions in supply and demand due to the COVID-19 national emergency.

In a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the groups cited the mass closure of restaurants, schools and other foodservice outlets, decimated export markets and a sharp drop in prices farmers are being paid for their milk.

“Direct relief to dairy farmers and a substantial purchase of dairy commodities by USDA can ensure our industry will remain fiscally able to function in its primary role of feeding the nation and the world,” the groups said. 

The letter was issued jointly by Cooperative Network, Dairy Business Association, Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association, Wisconsin Farm Bureau and Wisconsin Farmers Union.

Dairy processors and farmers are working in cooperation and with open lines of communication, but these circumstances, far beyond their control, are beginning to result in fresh farm milk finding no available market for processing. Commodity dairy prices have plummeted and will result in milk prices lower than many farms can handle to sustain long-term viability, according to the groups.

The dairy groups urged the USDA to consider the different means available to the agency to make farmers whole for the milk they have produced but needed to dispose, or for which they received drastically reduced payments.

In pushing for product purchases, the groups specifically asked USDA to focus on non-fat dry milk, butter, cheddar, mozzarella, other Italian styles of cheese, and dairy products purposed for use by restaurants and food service vendors.

The recently passed CARES Act directs $14 billion to the Commodity Credit Corporation, $9.5 billion to a dedicated disaster relief fund for agriculture, $25 billion for SNAP programs and $450 million to support food banks serving the food insecure.

“This bill enables unprecedented support for farmers and unprecedented commodity purchases, and we need USDA to bring these forms of aid to bear immediately,” the letter said.

Below are comments from each of the dairy organizations:

“Dairy manufacturers have seen their largest market channel — food service sales to restaurants, schools, colleges, and destinations — deeply cut in the effort to curb the spread of COVID-19. Sales lost at hundreds of thousands of restaurants and institutions cannot be replaced, and our industry looks to the U.S. government to purchase dairy products to move to food pantries and family feeding programs.”

— Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association
 

“During this is a time of great uncertainty, the government must act quickly to provide assistance to those who supply the world’s food with more stability. In the dairy space, that means farmers should have confidence that they will be paid for all the milk they produce. There is also a need for the mass purchase of dairy products to help markets adjust to this new environment.”

— Dairy Business Association and Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative
 

 “The dairy industry is facing unprecedented challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is essential that every possible means of support be given to Wisconsin dairy farmers and cooperatives as quickly as possible. This support should include increased government purchases and distribution of dairy products from cold storage.” — Cooperative Network

 “America’s freedom, strength and future hinges on its ability to feed its people.  We must make sure that this crisis doesn’t leave America weak by our inability to deliver food to our own people. There is no good reason for Americans to go hungry while our farms are the most capable and efficient in the world. We need immediate action.” — Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin

 “In a time when normal seems to be something from the past, we are looking to Secretary Perdue to recognize the importance of Wisconsin dairy farmers to the nation’s food security. Dairy farmers need assistance and this is the first step to attempt to help keep them farming and providing the safest food supply in the world.”

— Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation

 “America’s dairy farmers are doing everything they can to support the nation during the COVID-19 pandemic, in particular making sure that American households have a steady supply of milk and other dairy products.  The economic disruption of the past several weeks has had dire consequences for U.S. dairy farmers.  Wisconsin Farmers Union urges the USDA to take swift action to help dairy farmers so they can in turn help others at this critical time.” — Wisconsin Farmers Union
 

According to the Floyd County Health Department, 57 people were tested for the Covid-19 virus on March 31. 

In the past 19 days, FCHD has administered 702 tests (since March 13) and 58 of those had a positive result.

There has been 9 new positive patient identified with 58 total positives identified by Floyd County. Of those, 27 were Floyd County residents. 

Numbers of tests conducted are compiled from Floyd County Health Dept, Baptist Health Floyd Hospital and Medical Groups, and other Physician Offices in Floyd County.

A third person from Scott County has tested positive with the COVID-19 virus and is currently in quarantine in their home. 

According to the Scott County Health Department, the patient was tested on March 30 and the result came back positive today (April 1).

This is the second positive result being returned today.  

The SCHD has identified all other close contacts of the patient who might have been exposed and ensured that appropriate precautions have been taken in accordance with the latest CDC guidance. 

The patient is in the highest risk category for age. 

The patient does not work and in the past 14 days has only left their home to seek medical care. 

Symptoms of novel coronavirus include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Like influenza, human coronavirus is 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 flue, 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 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. 
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

#INthistogether social distancing campaign aims to keep Hoosiers healthy and return Indiana to normal social interactions and business operations

 Partners supporting #INthistogether campaign include Eli Lilly, Indiana Pacers, Indiana Fever, Indianapolis Colts, Indiana University, and Purdue University

Governor Eric J. Holcomb and Mayor Joe Hogsett – and a coalition of statewide business and community partners including Eli Lilly and Company – announced a social distancing campaign to help flatten the curve for COVID-19 in Indiana. The #INthistogether campaign will help Hoosiers understand the importance of social distancing, provide access to helpful tips and information and galvanize communitywide commitment to flattening the curve. When done correctly, social distancing reduces the number of hospitalizations and deaths related to the pandemic.

Gov. Holcomb launched the #INthistogether social distancing campaign at his daily press briefing on COVID-19 and through a statewide public service announcement. Mayor Hogsett released a public service announcement showing his support for the campaign and its importance for residents of Indianapolis, one of the nation’s growing hotspots for cases of the virus. Other partners launched their own contributions to the campaign, including videos and social media posts from Indiana Pacers shooting guard, Victor Oladipo, Indiana Fever player and vice president of basketball operations, Tamika Catchings, and Indianapolis Colts linebacker Darius Leonard.

 “Social distancing is the most important and effective tool we have to defeat COVID-19,” said Gov. Holcomb. “If we act now, we can save lives and then re-open our state for business, group activities, sports and the other things we enjoy doing together as Hoosiers. But we need every person to take this seriously and do their part. We are truly in this together.”

All Hoosiers are encouraged to show how they are practicing good social distancing, whether they are at home, at an essential business or going out for essential needs. Today’s announcement included a community toolkit that allows everyone in the state to show they are #INthistogether. A wide range of resources can be found at INthistogethercampaign.com.

“This campaign is sharing a critically important message with the people of Indianapolis as well as residents across the state,” said Mayor Hogsett. “It’s clear that social distancing works. And while restrictions have presented challenges for businesses, families, and workers, the health and safety of Hoosiers have to continue being our top priority. In order to meaningfully address this public health crisis, we must ensure people understand that their actions impact the wellbeing of their neighbors. We really are in this together.”

The #INthistogether campaign underscores the urgency of these social distancing tips:

• Stay home. Right now, staying home is the best way you can help our healthcare workers and first responders. Essential businesses are still open and everyone can go to grocery stores, the pharmacy and medical care as needed.
• Avoid close physical contact. Remember to maintain a safe distance of six feet apart and keep up healthy hygiene practices, including washing your hands frequently, avoid touching your face, clean and sanitize frequently, and cough or sneeze into the elbow.
• If you feel sick. If you have COVID-19 symptoms, call your physician and try to isolate yourself from others in the home.
• Stay connected with friends and loved ones. There are multiple ways like video conferencing, when available, that allow people to see each other on computers and smartphones. People are also encouraged to write letters and call or text people to check-in and connect socially. Try to say hi to neighbors from six feet away.
• Take care of yourself. That includes your physical health and mental well-being. Staying home does not mean you can’t go for a run or walk as long as you maintain a safe physical distance. Eating well, occasionally turning off the news and a good night’s sleep are important.
• Support our community. Look for creative ways to virtually give back to your community. Call an elderly neighbor, say hi over the fence, offer virtual tutoring or donate to an organization or community fund, like the Central Indiana Economic Relief Fund.

As one of the campaign partners, Lilly has pledged to amplify the campaign by reaching out to other corporations, businesses and community organizations in addition to offering drive-through testing for health care workers and working with the scientific and medical community to defeat the coronavirus.

“Lilly is bringing the full force of our scientific and medical expertise to attack the coronavirus pandemic around the world. Here in our Indiana home, we feel a special responsibility to help bring our community together to practice proven and effective health strategies,” said David A. Ricks, chairman and chief executive officer of Eli Lilly and Company. “We’re honored to be working with Governor Holcomb, Mayor Hogsett and other partners to help Indiana rise to the challenge and flatten the curve. Lives depend on it.”

Visit INthistogethercampaign.com for additional information about the campaign, including links to routinely updated information on IN.gov. 

Clark County Health Officer Dr. Eric Yazel announced the first Clark County death from COVID-19 Wednesday.

The patient, who died Tuesday, was 57 years old and had been at Clark Memorial Hospital. The patient also suffered from underlying medical conditions.

This is the 66th death in Indiana due to the coronavirus. The closest deaths in Southern Indiana have come in Scott and Lawrence Counties, each having one death from Covid-19.

The health department will not be releasing further information about the patient or the case, officials said.

The Indiana State Department of Health reported at 10 a.m. that the state death toll increased by 16 deaths to 65 overnight. 

Total positive cases of COVID-19 rose to 2,565 as of Wednesday morning.

In Clark County, 38 people have tested positive, while 21 have tested positive in Floyd County.

In other local counties around Washington, the number of cases and the increase since Tuesday:

• Crawford – 3 (no increase) 
• Harrison – 15 (no increase)
• Jackson – 10 (an increase of 2 cases)
• Lawrence – 11 (an increase of 2 cases)
• Orange – 3 (no increase)
• Scott – 2 – (an increase of 1 case)
• Washington – 9 (an increase of 3 cases)

The Scott County Health Department reported its second case in the county this morning. 

The patient is currently in quarantine at their residence, according to the press release. 

The patient’s symptoms started around March 18 and were notified of a positive test result today, April 1. 

SCHD Public Health Nurses have identified all other close contacts of the patient who might have been exposed and ensured that appropriate precautions have been taken in accordance with the latest CDC guidance. 

“We have been in contact with the patient’s employer and they are contacting those who may have been exposed,” the release pointed out. “All lose contacts will be required to be on home quarantine. The patient reported going to Scottsburg Jay-C store on the afternoon of March 18. We still believe the overall risk to the public is low.”

Scott County Health Officer Dr. R. Kevin Rogers said, “It was only a matter of time before we had another confirmed case of coronavirus in our country.”

Rogers said “We know that there are many more caes in our county, but due to the lack of testing we cannot confirm that. That is why we strongly recommend if you are ill to stay at home and away from others.”

Symptoms of Covid-19 include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Like the flu, human coronavirus is most commonly spread from an infected person to others through: 

• Respiratory droplets released into the air by coughing or 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 is to wash your hands for at least 10 seconds with soap and water, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, avoid close contact with people who are sick, stay home when you are sick, cover your cough or sneeze and clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. 

The Indiana State Health Department reported this morning three new cases of Covid-19 in Washington County. 

This brings the total to 9. 

Statewide there were 406 new cases since Tuesday, 16 new deaths and 1002 new tests.

Indiana’s new totals are:

• 2565 Cases
• 65 Total Deaths
• 14,375 Tests

It is not known if these people are being cared for in hospitals or confined to in-home isolation. 

According to the Wasington County Health Department, no more information would be released locally.

“The case loads are getting ridiculous quickly. We will not be updating cases anymore due to the in-depth investigations that we have to do with every case. No more information will be given out that isn’t already on ISDH website,” the Washington County Health Department recently wrote in an email. 

WSLM asked a question about this during Tuesday’s press conference with Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb’s and Indiana State Health Commissioner Kristina Box, MD said she was leaving that up to each health department. 

“This is normally handled by local health departments,” Box answered. “I can tell you that counties that have listed every single place in the county because someone with Covid-19 was there. That becomes a list of every business, facility and spot in the county and really doesn’t help anybody moving forward. What we’re trying to do is figure out the length of the time the individual was there and the closeness of contact with specific individuals and to trace it that way.”

There is a growing debate on whether or not the public is served by knowing this information or if it truly is a violation of a Covid-19 patient’s HIPAA privacy. 

Some feel the public has a right to know where a patient has been and who that person has been in contact with. 

Gov. Holcomb said at this time, each county would handle their own release of information. 

In other local counties around Washington, the number of cases and the increase since Tuesday:

• Clark – 38 (an increase of 5 cases)
• Crawford – 3 (no increase) 
• Floyd – 21 (no increase)
• Harrison – 15 (no increase)
• Jackson – 10 (an increase of 2 cases)
• Lawrence – 11 (an increase of 2 cases)
• Orange – 3 (no increase)
• Scott – 1 – (no increase)
• Washington – 9 (an increase of 3 cases)