U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) today released a comprehensive toolkit to help Hoosiers navigate the resources available in the Senate’s coronavirus emergency relief package that was signed into law yesterday, known as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).

“Now that the CARES Act has been signed into law, immediate relief is on the way to Hoosiers. To help Hoosiers navigate the CARES Act, and the relief it will provide, my team created a comprehensive toolkit to help individuals, small businesses, health care workers, and patients understand the relief measures that are available. Hoosiers can also visit my coronavirus relief webpage at young.senate.gov/coronavirus and contact my office with specific questions. We are standing by and ready to help,” said Senator Young.

Resources in the toolkit are hyperlinked below:

• HELPING SMALL BUSINESSES AND EMPLOYEES 

• SUPPORT FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES 

• BOLSTERING OUR HEALTH CARE RESPONSE 

• FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT RELIEF PAYMENTS FOR INDIVIDUALS

• UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE INFORMATION

• PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

Hoosiers can also visit young.senate.gov/coronavirus or email COVID_19@young.senate.gov for additional assistance.

Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating a fatal off-road vehicle (ORV) accident.

The accident occurred at approximately 9:30 p.m. last night, near the 1400 block of Cedar Bluff Road in Bloomington.

David Deckard Jr., 37, of Bloomington, was operating a four-wheeler on private property in a wooded area. For reasons not yet known, Deckard lost control and was thrown off the vehicle, receiving head and chest injuries.

Deckard was transported by ambulance to Bloomington Hospital for treatment. He was pronounced dead early this morning as a result of his injuries.

The cause of the accident is still being investigated. The victim was not wearing a helmet or proper safety equipment. Indiana Conservation Officers stress safe operation of ORVs and the use of proper protective equipment such as helmets.

Indiana Conservation Officers were assisted by Monroe County Sheriff’s Department, Monroe County Medics, and Monroe Fire Protection District.

Governor also provides INDOT, food assistance updates

INDIANAPOLIS — Governor Eric J. Holcomb today announced offenders at the Miami Correctional Facility are producing face masks, personal protection gowns, face shields and hand sanitizer to be used in the fight against COVID-19.

“I’m pleased to have the Department of Correction joining the ranks of Hoosier businesses, large and small, stepping forward in the fight against COVID-19.  Production of these items will lessen the strain on the supply chain, leaving more of these products available for Hoosiers,” Gov. Holcomb said.

After the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in the State of Indiana, the Department of Correction changed the mission of Indiana Correctional Industry’s (ICI) production lines at Miami Correctional Facility from offender uniforms to the production of protective equipment. This week, ICI stood up two production lines that are producing 200 protection gowns and 200 masks per day. Additionally, the shop is currently in production of 650 12-ounce bottles of hand sanitizer.

The Department of Correction plans to repurpose another production line at Wabash Valley Correctional Facility to expand the production of protective equipment.

The personal protective equipment (PPE) being made by offenders will be used by first responders and in Department of Correction facilities to allow traditional PPE to remain available for health care workers.

Gov. Holcomb outlined these additional efforts from INDOT and the National Guard:

• Traffic on state roads, highways and interstates is down significantly as a result of many Hoosiers honoring the Stay-At-Home Order (A traffic chart is attached).

o   To speed up deliveries to retailers, commercial trucks hauling products essential to COVID-19 response are eligible for an emergency overweight vehicle permit. This permit will allow trucks to operate in the state at 90,000 lbs. gross vehicle weight rather than 80,000 lbs. through at least April 13. Trucking companies and drivers needing this permit should call 317-615-7320.

• Highway maintenance is ongoing, and construction season will begin on time. Move over, slow down, and pay attention if you must be on the roads for essential travel to help keep our employees and contractors safe.
• The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), in partnership with the state’s food banks, the Indy Hunger Network and Feeding Indiana’s Hungry, has developed a statewide, interactive map that will help Hoosiers seeking food assistance find what they need. Click here to see the map:https://www.in.gov/fssa/dfr/5768.htm

o   There are two types of organizations shown on the map: food pantries and meal sites. Food pantries are locations where Hoosiers can pick up groceries to prepare and use at their homes. Meal sites serve packed meals, ready to take home and eat.

• The Indiana National Guard is being deployed to six food banks across the state to help sort and pack food for distribution to food pantries.

o   The food banks are in Marion County (2), Bloomington, Lafayette, Fort Wayne and Merrillville.

o   The Indiana National Guard will also work at mobile food distribution sites across the state.

Attorney General Curtis Hill is warning Hoosiers of scammers taking advantage of the scarcity of COVID-19 tests by falsely claiming to be able to provide testing.

“Consumers are at risk not only of losing money from these scams,” Attorney General Hill said, “but of getting dangerously false information about their infection status. We’re working to protect Indiana residents and ensure better outcomes.”

There are currently no tests that can be self-administered at home to find out whether someone has COVID-19.

The only tests currently available in Indiana require a doctor’s order and specimen collection done by a medical professional. At this time, there is no FDA-approved blood test to determine whether someone has COVID-19.

Because conditions are constantly changing regarding the availability of testing and decisions about who qualifies, Hoosiers should keep up with the latest information by consulting credible sources.

The Indiana State Department of Health’s COVID-19 Call Center can be reached 24/7 at 877-826-0011, and the agency regularly updates the coronavirus.in.gov website.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintains online information about testing, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration also provides in-depth information related to these topics.

As always, if you encounter suspected scams, you may report them online 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.

gener8tor, in partnership with the Indiana Economic Development
Corporation, announced today a new initiative supporting Indiana small businesses affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Under the Emergency Response Program, small businesses and
entrepreneurs will have access to a free, week-long webinar series designed to identify and leverage critical resources in order to weather this ongoing public health crisis.

As a part of the program, participants will be provided with daily webinars with experts in the following areas:
● The step-by-step process of applying for SBA-eligible programs.
● Civic, philanthropic and state emergency relief resources;
● Employment law experts to help navigate changes required by new laws;
● Federal emergency relief programs; and
● Mental health and wellness resources for small business owners.

In addition to webinars, gener8tor will host dedicated, daily office hours for small businesses to digitally meet with business advisors.

The gener8tor team will be working one-on-one with
companies to address the various issues small businesses are facing during the COVID-19 outbreak.

gener8tor will also work with community groups interested in providing pro bono resources to small businesses.

Interested businesses may visit
https://www.gener8tor.com/emergency-response-program/indiana to register or contact Cole Shearer at cole@gener8tor.com.

The registration deadline is Wednesday, March 25, and the
program will take place the following week (March 30 – April 3.) All Indiana-based businesses are invited to participate.
“As a state, we’re focused on providing the support Hoosier small businesses and entrepreneurs need to overcome the economic distress caused by the COVID-19 outbreak,” said David Roberts, chief innovation officer of the IEDC.

“Under this new initiative, we’ll connect small businesses to free resources offered here in Indiana, as well as gener8tor’s comprehensive network of mentors, helping them identify and address many of the concerns
they are facing during these unprecedented times.”

“We have seen firsthand the impact that entrepreneurs have on a community, and we hope to call on our network of mentors, investors and partners to support small business owners
through this new Emergency Response Program,” said Joe Kirgues, gener8tor co-founder.

The Orange County Health Department, in consultation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH), has confirmed on Wednesday the first case of a novel coronavirus in a county resident.

The patient is in isolation.

No additional information about the patient will be released due to privacy laws.

The county is working closely with the State Department of Health to identify any close contacts of the patient who might have been exposed to ensure that appropriate precautions are taken in accordance with the latest CDC guidance.

At this time, the risk to the public is believed to below.

Local Health Officer Dr. Jose Lopez, states, “The local health department has been preparing for weeks to ensure that we have resources and systems in place to limit or prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Orange County. We are taking every step possible to identify the cause of this individual’s illness and ensure that the patient and our community stay healthy.”

Symptoms of novel coronavirus include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. This virus 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 COVID-19, 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 surface

The CDC does not recommend that people who are well wearing a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory illness, including COVID-19.

You should only wear a mask if a health care professional recommends it.

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

For additional information about novel coronavirus, visit in.gov/coronavirus