The local COVID-19 Community Task Force has launched a website where you can find more local information.
Organizers of the site say it brings together information from the public and private health system and local governments. The task force has also held online video messages to the community which will be hosted at the site and its Facebook page.
The task force includes , Bartholomew County Public Health, Columbus Regional Health, Columbus, Bartholomew County, Bartholomew County Emergency Management, Bartholomew Consolidated Schools and other community groups.
Starting at midnight tonight, Hoosiers should be staying at home except for essential trips or for those in essential jobs. Gov. Eric Holcomb has issued an order saying everyone should “hunker down.”
Columbus police are reporting that they have have been getting phone calls from residents concerned that they would be cited or arrested by officers if they are traveling in Columbus during this shutdown.
But Columbus police say that city officers will not be issuing citations or arresting people for being outside of their homes during the closure, set to last for two weeks. However the department is encouraging you to stay at home and not to travel except for essential trips.
State Police Superintendent Doug Carter said that he has issued guidance to all state law enforcement and prosecutors, urging them to use discretion in enforcing this edict.
The State Police explained that if a person is found to be violating the stay-at-home order and knowingly refuses to comply, they could be charged with a Class B Misdemeanor. But the order only pertains to non-essential work, business or travel.
Governor Eric Holcomb explained that that the goal is for everyone to voluntarily comply, both as employers and as residents.
Holcomb said if residents believe that their workplace is non-essential and they should not be made to work, that they should first bring their concerns up with their employer. That could include producing documentation released by the state on essential employers. If that doesn’t work, the state would like to hear about it.
The governor’s office also says that the Indiana National Guard will not be used to enforce the order. Instead, the Indiana National Guard is aiding in planning, preparation and logistics with other state agencies.
Road work on U.S. 31 between Columbus and Taylorsville will start again on Monday, INDOT is announcing.
Milestone Contractors is doing the work on a $5.2 million asphalt resurface project on U.S. 31 from Washington Street in Columbus to just south of I-65 in Taylorsville. On Monday, crews will begin work at County Road 400N, where a turn lane will be added. The contractor is expected to start milling and then paving in early April.
You can expect daytime lane closures along the route and you should use extra caution in and near the work zones. The project is expected to be completed by July 1, but all work is weather dependent.
The Jackson County Health Department and Schneck Medical Center have confirmed the first case of COVID-19 involving a Jackson County resident.
Schneck notified the Indiana State Department of Health this morning of the positive result from a patient receiving medical care at the hospital. The patient is currently in isolation at Schneck Medical Center.
Indiana now has 365 positive test results for COVID-19 the Indiana Department of Health announced at this morning’s daily update.
Local health officials say that there have been no additional positive cases in Bartholomew County. So far, there have been 275 tests done in Bartholomew County with five positive results of county residents, 47 negative results and 219 tests where results are still pending.
Johnson County’s number of cases has risen to 18, Jennings County has two cases, and Decatur County is now reporting six positive results. Shelby and Brown Counties both still have one confirmed case.
Local health officials say the best source of information for those with symptoms and care questions in Bartholomew County is the COVID-19 Triage Resource Call Center operated by Columbus Regional Health at 812-379-4449.
In Jackson County you can call th Schneck Coronavirus Hotline at 812-524-4266.
State police warn of epidemic-related scams
While many things are postponed, delayed, or even canceled during this unprecedented time, one thing is not changing – Scammers are hard at work, trying to take your hard-earned money.
Fortunately, Indiana State Police in Sellersburg has not seen an increase locally in scamming attempts; however, here are a few real-life examples that have been identified by federal authorities:
Telephone fraud – criminals call victims pretending to be a clinic or hospital officials, who claim that a relative of the victim has fallen sick with the virus and request payments for medical treatment.
Phishing – emails claiming to be from national or global health authorities, in hopes of tricking victims to provide personal credentials or payment details, or to open an attachment containing malware.
Authorities advise if you are looking to buy medical supplies online, or receive emails or links offering medical support, be alert to the signs of a potential scam and protect yourself and your money.
Independently verify the company/individual offering the items before making any purchases.
Be aware of bogus websites – criminals will often use a web address which looks almost identical to the legitimate one, e.g. ‘abc.org’ instead of abc.com’.
Check online reviews of a company before making a purchase – for example, have there been complaints of other customers not receiving the promised items?
Be wary if asked to make a payment to a bank account located in a different country than where the company is located.
If you believe you have been the victim of fraud, alert your bank immediately so the payment can be stopped.
Do not click on links or open attachments that you were not expecting to receive or come from an unknown sender.
Be wary of unsolicited emails offering medical equipment or requesting your personal information for medical checks – legitimate health authorities do not usually contact the general public in this manner.
State calls for food pantries to stay open
The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration today is calling on Hoosiers to help keep the state’s network of food pantries open. FSSA is tracking the number of food pantries operating across the state as part of the state’s response to the coronavirus (COVID-19).
“Now is the time for us as Hoosiers to double down on our best quality — serving each other,” said Jennifer Sullivan, M.D., M.P.H., FSSA Secretary. “Food pantries are critical harbors of hope in many local communities, and with them facing difficulties operating and possibly reducing the food supply to our neighbors in need, it’s time to sound a loud call for help across the state.”
Many food pantries are supported by a volunteer workforce, with many volunteers over the age of 60. Understandably and thankfully, many of those older Hoosiers and others with health challenges are choosing to stay home to protect themselves from the spread of COVID-19. Sullivan urged anyone who not in a vulnerable population or demographic to answer to call to help at a local food pantry. Hoosiers can call 2-1-1 and ask for a list of nearby food pantries.
Anyone having troubling obtaining enough food for themselves or their families should call 2-1-1 for help.
First Financial Bank is announcing a $1 million donation to local not-for-profit agencies in the communities it serves and an array of options to help businesses and customers struggling during the current emergency.
Al Roszczyk, the bank’s regional president for Columbus, explains the donation will go to agencies such as the United Way or United Fund that are actively working to manage relief efforts.
The bank has also created a Hardship Relief Program. Consumers, small businesses, and commercial clients can request to defer payments up to 90 days on installment and auto loans, mortgage loans, home equity loans, and credit cards.
The bank is also suspending vehicle repossessions and will not initiate foreclosure actions for residential properties for the next 60 days.
You can get more information on the Hardship Relief Program at www.bankatfirst.com
Columbus Regional Hospital has been preparing for the anticipated surge in patients needing care for COVID-19. Hospital President and CEO Jim Bickel took part in a Community COVID-19 Task Force video Monday afternoon.
He explained that the hospital has repurposed two outpatient physician facilities to handle COVID-19 patients.
They are meant to maximize social distancing and keep possible COVID-19 cases separate from other patients. But before you go to one of the facilities you should call the hospital’s COVID-19 Triage Resource Call Center.
Bickel said the COVID-19 Triage Resource Call Center is the best source of information for those with symptoms or care questions. The center is handling 400 to 500 calls a day and has trained nursing staff on hand to take your calls.
Gov. Eric Holcomb is ordering Hoosiers to “hunker down” and to stay at home.
In a speech today at the statehouse he said everyone should stay at home unless you are on an essential errand, work or business:
“I’ve signed another Executive Order that calls on all Hoosiers to hunker down, stay at home, unless you’re going out on an essential errand, or essential work or essential business,” Holcomb said.
The governor said the next two weeks will be critical if we are going to stop the spread of the coronavirus. The hunker- down order is in effect from March 24 to April 7.
Indiana is the next in line to announce such a ban, with Illinois, Ohio and Kentucky also recently announcing similar bans.
“Other states have recently come out with similar directives,” Holcomb said. “Ohio has stay at home. Kentucky yesterday evening rolled one out. Illinois a few days before them both. We’re all seeing the same trends or waves coming, especially in the dense
areas, but it is spreading to all counties.”
Beginning Tuesday, all state government offices will be closed to in-person public activity until at least April 7. Holcomb ordered an automatic extension of all state-issued licenses and law enforcement will not be issuing citations for expired driver’s licenses or registrations during this emergency.
The governor also urged all restaurants to comply with his order that bans in-person dining. He said that he was directing county health departments and Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission agents to take enforcement actions against bars and restaurants that continue to offer in-person dining including fines and the suspension of liquor licenses.
The governor is also allowing restaurants that sell alcohol to offer carryout beverages.
The governor’s office released a list of Frequently Asked Questions about the orders:
When does the order take effect?
The Stay-At-Home Order takes effect Tuesday, March 24 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
When does the order end?
The order ends on Monday, April 6, at 11:59 p.m. ET, but could be extended if the outbreak warrants it.
Where does the order apply?
The Stay-At-Home Order applies to the entire state of Indiana. Unless you work for an essential business or are doing an essential activity, you must stay home.
Is this mandatory or a recommendation?
This order is mandatory. For the safety of all Hoosiers, people must stay home and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
How will this order be enforced?
Staying home is critical to reducing the spread of COVID-19 in your community. Adhering to the order will save lives, and it is the responsibility of every Hoosier to do their part. However, if the order is not followed, the Indiana State Police will work with local law enforcement to enforce this order. The Indiana State Department of Health and the Alcohol and Tobacco Commission will enforce the restaurant and bar restrictions.
Will the Indiana National Guard enforce this order?
No. The Indiana National Guard is aiding in planning, preparation and logistics with other state agencies. For example, the Indiana National Guard assists in distributing hospital supplies the state receives.
What is an essential business?
Essential businesses and services include but are not limited to grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations, police stations, fire stations, hospitals, doctor’s offices, health care facilities, garbage pickup, public transit, and public service hotlines such as SNAP and HIP 2.0.
A list can be found in the Governor’s executive order at in.gov/coronavirus.
What is an essential activity?
Essential activities include but are not limited to activities for health and safety, necessary supplies and services, outdoor activity, certain types of essential work, and to take care of others.
A list can be found in the Governor’s executive order at in.gov/coronavirus.
I work for an essential business. Will I be allowed to travel to and from work?
Law enforcement will not be stopping drivers on their way to and from work, traveling for an essential activity such as going to the grocery store, or just taking a walk.
Will the grocery store/pharmacy be open?
Yes, grocery stores and pharmacies are essential services.
Can I still order take out/delivery from restaurants and bars?
Yes, restaurants and bars can continue to provide takeout and delivery, but should be closed to dine-in patrons.
Can I get my groceries delivered? Can I still get my online orders delivered?
Yes, you can still receive packages, get groceries delivered, and get meals delivered.
How can I get medical care?
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 the 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. When possible, health care visits should be done remotely. Contact your health care provider to see what telehealth services they provide.
What is the guidance for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities?
State-operated developmental centers, intermediate care facilities for individuals with developmental disabilities and community integrated living arrangements will continue to provide care. All in-home direct care staff are considered essential staff and should continue to support individuals in the home setting.
If you have specific questions about your support and services, reach out to your provider or individual service coordination agency.
What if I still have to go to work?
You should stay home unless your work is an essential function such as a health care provider, grocery store clerk or first responder. If you have been designated essential by your employer, you should continue to go to work and practice social distancing.
A list of essential businesses can be found in the Governor’s executive order at in.gov/coronavirus.
What if I think my business should be closed, but they’re still asking me to report to work?
Essential businesses will remain open during the stay-at-home order to provide services that are vital to the lives of Hoosiers. If you believe your business is nonessential but still are being asked to show up to work, you may discuss it with your employer.
A certain service is essential for me, but the governor didn’t include it. What do I do?
The stay-at-home order was issued to protect the health, safety and well-being of Hoosiers. Although some businesses such as fitness centers and salons will be closed, essential services will always be available. For a list of essential businesses that will continue to operate during the order, visit in.gov/coronavirus.
Will public transportation, ride-sharing and taxis continue?
Public transportation, ride-sharing and taxis should only be used for essential travel.
Will roads in Indiana be closed?
No, the roads will remain open. You should only travel if it is for your health or essential work.
Can I still take a plane out of Indiana?
Planes and other types of transportation should be used for essential travel.
What if my home is not a safe environment?
If it is not safe for you to remain home, you are able and encouraged to find another safe place to stay during this order. Please reach out so someone can help. You can call the domestic violence hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE or your local law enforcement.
What about homeless people who cannot stay at home?
The administration wants to protect the health and safety of all Hoosiers, regardless of where they live. State agencies are partnering with community organizations to ensure the homeless population has safe shelter.
Can I visit friends and family?
For your safety, as well as the safety of all Hoosiers, you should remain at home to help fight the spread of COVID-19. You may visit family members who need medical or other essential assistance, such as ensuring an adequate food supply.
Can I walk my dog or go to the veterinarian?
You are allowed to walk your dog and seek medical care for your pet should they require it. Practice social distancing while out on walks, maintaining at least 6 feet from other neighbors and their pets.
Can I take my kids to the park?
State parks remain open, but welcome centers, inns, and other buildings are closed. 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. Playgrounds are closed because they pose a high risk of increasing spreading the virus.
Can I attend a religious service?
Large gatherings, including church services, will be canceled to slow the spread of COVID-19. Religious leaders are encouraged to continue livestreaming services while practicing social distancing with one another.
Can I leave my home to exercise?
Outdoor exercise such as running or taking a walk is acceptable. However, gyms, fitness centers and associated facilities will be closed to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. While exercising outside, you still should practice social distancing by running or walking at least 6 feet away from other people.
Can I go to the hair salon, spa, nail salon, tattoo parlor or barber shop?
No, these businesses are ordered closed.
Can I leave my home to do laundry?
Yes, Laundromats, dry cleaners and laundry service providers are considered essential businesses.
Can I take my child to daycare?
Yes, daycares are considered an essential business.
Can I pick up meals at my child’s school?
Yes, Schools that provide free food services to students will continue on a pickup and take-home basis.
Stevona M. Tevis. Photo courtesy of Columbus Police Department
A Columbus woman is being accused of crashing into a parked vehicle while driving drunk, then fleeing the scene of the crash.
Police were called to the crash near 13th Street and Lafayette Avenue at about 1:50 Sunday morning. They found the damaged parked car and a suspect’s vehicle with heavy front-end damage and a missing wheel in a near-by alley. They spoke with the driver, 43-year-old Stevona M. Tevis and noticed that she had a strong smell of alcohol on her breath.
She was arrested on preliminary charges of leaving the scene of an accident and operating a vehicle while intoxicated.
Zachary A. Deberry. Photo courtesy of Columbus Police Department.
Two people are facing attempted theft charges, accused by Columbus police of trying to break into the police department’s own garage.
An officer was parked near the garage when he noticed two people looking in a window at the garage on Verhulst Drive. One of them was wearing a bandana over their face. The officer started his cruiser and the two allegedly fled to a vehicle parked nearby. They were stopped by officers, assisted by Bartholomew County deputies.
The two allegedly told police that they planned to burglarize the garage and wreck patrol cars. 20-year-old Zachary A. Deberry of Columbus and a 17-year-old were arrested. Deberry is also facing a charge of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
A Borden, Indiana distillery is helping the Columbus Fire Department restock on hand sanitizer. In the face of the national shortage, the Huber Starlight Distillery donated 15 gallons of hand sanitizer to local firefighters on Sunday.
According to the owners, the distillery began producing the sanitizer to assist healthcare workers and first responders during the COVID-19 emergency. They followed a recipe provided by the World Health Organization
The Starlight Distillery plans to continue the production of hand sanitizer as long as production supplies are available. They are also offering, up to 12 ounces of the hand sanitizer free to customers who bring their own container.
Fire Chief Andy Lay thanked the distillery, saying the “generous donation will aid our firefighters significantly as we take all available precautions to protect our essential emergency responders.”
