Indiana’s Fifth Covid-19 death came this morning with the passing of a patient in their 50s from Scott County.

The Scott County health department received documentation this morning that the county has its first death due to coronavirus. 

The patient was in their 50s and had a pre-existing condition. They have been self-quarantining at their residence where they passed early this morning, the health department said.

According to the SCHD’s Facebook page, the person that was diagnosed on Friday, March 20th with Coronavirus in Scott County.

“We have provided as much information about the patient and their risk to the community as we can, without violating their privacy. Please be respectful of their family during this difficult time,” noted the post. 

In the future, if a case poses a risk to the community, the SCHD will make a public notice of those events and gatherings to keep the community informed.

There were conflicting reports that a 2nd person was confirmed to have had Covid-19 in Scott County but that person was a resident of Washington County, despite having a Scott County address.

“We send condolences to the family and friends of the one who passed. This is a stark reminder of the severity of this disease. We as a community must listen to the guidance of the experts and practice all the ways to not spread this disease including social distancing. We all must protect those who are most vulnerable,” Scott Co. health officer, Dr. R. Kevin Rogers said.

The Indiana State Department of Health reported 76 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Sunday. The state’s total number of cases is now at least 201 positive cases. 

According to Washington County Health Department Nurse Alicia Thompson, the epidemiology report is on for the confirmed case of Covid-19 in Washington County.

The WCHD earlier confirmed the person had a Scottsburg address but lived in Washington County and is currently a patient at Schneck Memorial Hospital in Seymour.

“After our investigation, it has been determined that our positive case has not been in contact with the public other than a few close family members and healthcare workers involved in the case,” said Thompson.

WCHD is working closely with the local and state officials as well as Scheck Memorial and Scott County Health Department to ensure that contacts of the patient are identified and monitored and that all infection control protocols are being followed.

Gov. Eric J. Holcomb issues 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 Covid-19.

Continue to listen to WSLM 97.9 FM and WSLM 1220 AM for top and bottom of the hour news updates from local, state and national news and check the https://www.facebook.com/Kentuckiana-Covid-19-Information-101594311478507/?modal=admin_todo_tour page. 

The Washington County Health Department announced just now the first presumptive case of novel coronavirus (Covid-19) in Washington County. 

Currently, there is a patient at Schneck Memorial Hospital in Seymour that tested positive for Covid-19 last night. 

The patient has a Scottsburg, IN address but lives in Washington County. 

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

WCHD is working closely with the local and state officials as well as Scheck Memorial and Scott County Health Department to ensure that contacts of the patient are identified and monitored and that all infection control protocols are being followed.

Gov. Eric J. Holcomb issues 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 Covid-19.

Continue to listen to WSLM 97.9 FM and WSLM 1220 AM for top and bottom of the hour news updates from local, state and national news and check the https://www.facebook.com/Kentuckiana-Covid-19-Information-101594311478507/?modal=admin_todo_tour page. 

The Washington County Health Department is working to confirm a case of Covid-19 locally.

The Indiana State Health Department updated its map this morning showing a single case in Washington County. 

“We were just notified and are trying to take the proper steps per ISDH protocol to make this official,” said Alicia Thompson, RN. 

WSLM will provide more details when they become available. 

As of this morning, ISDH reported 201 total cases of Covid-19 in Indiana with 1,494 people tested. 

Four Hoosiers have died from the virus at the latest count. 

Due to an increase in the volume of items that can cause issues with the City of Salem’s wastewater treatment operations, Mayor Justin Green recently made the following notice available from Wastewater Superintendent, Troy Watts:

“We are seeing an uptick of problems at the wastewater treatment plant due to
disinfecting wipes being flushed,” said Watts. “Please remember sewer systems can get clogged when improper items are put down the drain or flushed. This can cause backups and overflow at our treatment facilities, which can create additional public health concerns.”

Due to the Coronavirus outbreak, people around the country have flocked to stores to purchase large quantities of toilet paper, leaving shelves empty and others scrambling to find an alternative.

“It is also advisable to refrain from flushing paper towels or wipes labeled as “flushable” or “septic-safe” as some wipes with this label can still cause issues with wastewater
systems” said, Superintendent Watts.

Mayor Green and Watts remind residents that flushable wipes must have 3 main
qualities:

1. They must break down quickly into small pieces,
2. They should not be buoyant or float,
3. They should only be made of ingredients that will easily and naturally degrade.

The city asks for your help in keeping the system operating and functioning well, particularly during this time, by only throwing your disinfecting and other wipes, including paper towels and baby wipes, in the trash.

For updates and information from the City of Salem, please visit the website at www.cityofsalem.in.com.

A search is underway after floodwaters swept two vehicles off a roadway near the town of Laurel early this morning.

At approximately 5 a.m., Franklin County 911 received a call from a witness who reported seeing headlights off the roadway and hearing calls for help coming from an area near the intersection of Sanes Creek and Tee Hill roads. 

Responding authorities discovered the bridge over Sanes Creek had been partially washed away. 

An initial search located one vehicle, and a second vehicle was located a short time later. 

At this time, responders have recovered four deceased victims and believe two individuals are still missing. 

The search is still underway, and updates will be provided when available.

The victims’ identities are being withheld at this time, pending family notification.

Agencies assisting on the scene are Indiana Conservation Officers, Franklin County Fire Department, Franklin County Sheriff’s Department, Laurel Police and Fire, Metamora Police and Fire and Franklin County EMS.

Governor Eric Holcomb joined Secretary of State Connie Lawson, Republican Party Chair Kyle Hupfer and Democratic Party Chair John Zody today to announce an agreement to move the date of this year’s Indiana primary election from May 5 to June 2.

All dates corresponding with the primary election will be moved by 28 days to reflect the new date of the primary. For example, military and overseas ballots are required to mailed 45 days prior to the primary election, so they’ll move 45 days prior to June 2.

“The right of citizens to elect their leaders in a free and open election is one of the cornerstones of America. In order to balance that right with the safety of county employees, poll workers and voters, delaying Indiana’s primary election is the right move as we continue to do all we can to protect Hoosiers’ health,” said Gov. Holcomb.

Gov. Holcomb signed an executive order to suspend Indiana’s election statute and move the dates. The executive order is posted here: https://www.in.gov/gov/2384.htm

In addition, Governor Holcomb, Secretary Lawson, Chairman Hupfer and Chairman Zody made the following recommendations to the Indiana Election Commission.

• Suspend absentee by-mail rules to allow all Hoosiers the option to vote by mail in the upcoming primary election.
• Allow county clerks to continually mail ballots from now through 12 days out from the new primary election date.
• Confirm ballots with a May 5, 2020 date will be valid.
• Enable medical professionals to be eligible members of traveling boards to vote nursing home and hospital patients.
• Give family members the ability to deliver absentee ballots. Currently only a member of a voter’s household may take possession of their ballot.

“As Indiana’s Chief Election Officer, it is my top priority to protect our elections, but, above all else, it is my duty to protect the health and safety of Hoosiers,” said Secretary Lawson. “I believe the bi-partisan recommendations we have asked the Indiana Election Commission to take will allow us to provide all Hoosiers the opportunity to vote.

Indiana Election Commission Chairman Paul Okeson has called a meeting of the Indiana Election Commission on Wednesday, March 25 at 10 a.m. to discuss the recommendations. The meeting will be held in the south atrium of the Indiana Statehouse.