MHP has launched a virtual clinic staffed with dedicated MHP providers.  Get the care, treatment or medical advice you need using just your computer or phone.  This service allows patients to seek medical advice from anywhere in the US, potentially eliminating the need to visit physician offices, urgent cares, or emergency departments.  The MHP Virtual Clinic is staffed Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Please visit https://www.mymhp.org/services/virtual-visits/ to sign up now.    

• TELEHEALTH/VIDEO VISIT UPDATES: 
  • 241 Telehealth visits have been conducted by MHP providers since 3/19
  • 163 Family & Internal Medicine Telehealth visits have occurred since 3/19
  • 12 MHP Psychology visits have occurred since 3/26
  • 7 additional providers were trained on 3/30 and will begin conducting visits today

Dedicated MHP Provider Virtual Clinic. MHP has launched a virtual clinic staffed with dedicated MHP providers.   This service allows patients to seek medical advice from the comfort of their homes, potentially eliminating the need to visit physician offices, urgent care, or the emergency department.  The MHP Virtual Clinic will be staffed Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 

How can patients access the MHP Virtual Clinic?

1. Download the free myVirtualHealthVisit app (Google Play or iTunes) or enroll on your computer with the following link:https://myvirtualhealthvisit.org/landing.htm 

2. Enroll by creating a free login and entering your demographic information as well as theSERVICE KEY: mhpvisit. 

3. If given the option,select MHP Telehealth and then select the MHP provider you would like to see.

Be sure to allow access to your camera and microphone if you are using the app. If you are connecting via desktop, be sure to test your computer settings.

For more information, visit our website: https://www.mymhp.org/virtual
If you have questions or need help enrolling, please call us at (317) 421-1956.

• GENERAL UPDATES FOR THE PUBLIC:
  • Shelby Go upcoming holiday closures:  April 10th – Good Friday, May 22nd – Floating Holiday, May 25th – Memorial Day. ZTrip (formerly Yellow Cab) can be used as an alternative. 
  • Nursing Homes:  We have started rounding daily in the local nursing homes.  We are exploring using more telehealth options for our nursing homes in order to keep patients from having to be transported to the hospital. 
  • Lilly Drive-Thru Testing Center for healthcare workers and first responders:  For information, please visit: https://www.info.lillycovid19testing.com/hcp
  • MedWorks Pharmacy:  MedWorks will soon be sending discharge medications with inpatients upon discharge for convenience and to keep those at-risk patients in their homes instead of having to visit a pharmacy.     

• SUPPLY UPDATES:
  • We need your empty hand sanitizer bottles.  We are making our own hand sanitizer and need your empty containers in order to reuse.    
  • Do you have items that you would like to donate?  (hand sanitizer, masks, respirators, gloves, N95, bouffant caps, D-batteries, or gowns).  If so, please contact Angela Gill (agill@majorhospital.org)
  • Food Donations:  Several community supporters have called to offer to donate food for our staff and physicians.  Some are also doing it as a way to support those restaurants who are struggling to stay afloat while they are only open for carryout.  We are extremely grateful for all the community support and selfless gestures.  If you would like to find out more information, please contact Angela Gill (agill@majorhospital.org).   
  • Pharmacy:  Our current medication supply is stable, however, our ability to replenish our supply is unknown at this time.  Propofol is projected to be in shortage starting 4/19.  We are researching our options and plans for an alternative solution or supplier.       
  • Beds:  We are receiving a donation of 7 inpatient beds from the Blue River Career Center. 
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):  our current supply is stable as compared to our daily burn rate. 
  • We have 10 emergency ventilators that run on D-batteries only.  The batteries are required to be changed every 48 hours.  Our engineering staff are currently exploring how to covert these devices from battery operated to electric. 

• PATIENTS TREATED AT OUR RESPIRATORY CLINIC LOCATIONS:
  • Priority Care located at 30 W. Rampart Road: Treated 30 patients yesterday and 20 patients so far today. Priority Care is open 7AM-7PM Monday through Friday and 8AM-2PM on Saturdays and Sundays.  
  • Washington St. Clinic located at 157 W. Washington St:  The Washington St. Clinic treated 26 patients yesterday and has seen 22 patients today so far.  Washington St. Clinic is open 8AM to 4:30PM Monday through Friday.

• CALL CENTER VOLUMES:
  • 392-DOCS line had 40 phone calls yesterday.
  • Call Center volumes: 550 calls answered since Friday (does not include 392-DOCS line).  Average queue hold one minute and 14 seconds with 94% answered.

• WANT TO CHECK IN WITH A LOVED ONE WHO IS AT MAJOR HOSPITAL?
  • Managing visitation:  Indiana hospitals are strictly enforcing visitation rules.  We are following the same policies.  However, Major Hospital understands you still need to see and hear your loved one. That’s why we have initiated using FaceTime or Skype connectivity for patients and their family members.  We have dedicated iPads that our patients can use to communicate with the outside world using our dedicated Wi-Fi access.  The inpatient nursing staff is also offering family members a phone number to call in for daily updates and offering to make daily calls to the patient’s family if preferred. 
  • Visitors are prohibited with the following exceptions:
    • One designated at end of life with appropriate screening
    • One designated for laboring patient with appropriate screening
    • One designated for pediatric patient with appropriate screening
    • One designated for surgery patient with appropriate screening
  • If a visitor is permitted, the visitor must remain in the patient’s room and cannot come and go from the patient’s room.  We are doing this to protect our other high-risk patients and our staff.  The visitor must alsonot have a positive or pending COVID-19 test. 

• MHP TESTING STATUS:Please understand we are only able to report numbers and results of MHP patients who had their testing ordered or performed through MHP.  The Shelby County Health Department receives the positive results for ALL Shelby County residents, regardless of the location where the testing was performed.  If the COVID-19 test was not ordered or performed by MHP, we are not notified of the test or the result.  Consequently, our reported testing data will differ from that information available through the Indiana State Department of Health, the CDC and the Shelby County Health Department. 

• Number of MHP patients tested: 121
• Number of pending results: 35
• Number of positive results: 10
  • Currently, we have 4 inpatients that have tested positive.
• If you want updated statistics for Shelby County and/or the State of Indiana, please visithttps://coronavirus.in.gov/.     
• If you want updated statistics for the United States, please visithttps://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/cases-in-us.html

• TESTING STATUS:  
  • Number of available swabs/media: 74.  We anticipate an additional 300 early this week.  We will continue to follow the ISDH/CDC testing protocols to determine which patients are eligible for testing. 

• MHP INPATIENT STATUS:
  • Current number of inpatients: 19 (4 of our inpatients tested positive for COVID-19)
  • Current number of patients in isolation: 16 (4 patients are on a vent and 1 is on BiPap and 1 is on a trilogy device)
  • Number of available inpatient beds: 21

• MHP EMERGENCY DEPT STATUS:
  • Number of ER patients in last 24 hours: 40
  • Number of ER patients with respiratory signs/symptoms: 17 (representing 42.5%)
  • 4 patients are in the ACC with 18

• RESOURCES: 
  • Indiana State Dept of Health Call Center for Healthcare workers and the general public (staffed 8AM-8PM) (317) 233-7125.  Please call (317) 233-1325 after hours. 
  • For the Shelby County Health Department, please call (317) 392-6470.

Governor Eric J. Holcomb today signed two executive orders to aid in the fight against COVID-19. To see copies of the executive orders, click here: https://www.in.gov/gov/2384.htm

Executive order 20-14 extends the requirements for bars, nightclubs and restaurants to stay closed to dine-in patrons until April 6 at 11:59 p.m. They may continue to provide take-out and delivery services.

The Governor expects bars, nightclubs and restaurants to comply with the directive for the safety of Hoosiers in their communities without the need to call for enforcement measures. However, the state and local boards of health and the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission (ATC) have been directed by the Governor to take all available administrative and enforcement actions against establishments that continue to offer in-house dining services, in violation of the governor’s order.

Executive order 20-15 eases government operations including permitting electronic notary services to remotely review and approve documents.

Additional steps taken by the state today include:

• The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) will hold a virtual job fair for more than 1,000 construction and related positions at 10 a.m. ET on Thursday, April 16.
  • To register for the INDOT Virtual Job Fair, go to https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7684424500148015117.
  • All registrants will receive a link to the recording of the virtual job fair whether they are able to participate live or not.
• The Indiana Commission for Higher Education will offer free virtual FAFSA filing help for students and families from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 4.
  • Help will be available through the Commission’s Learn More Indiana social media platforms: Facebook (facebook.com/LearnMoreIN), Instagram (@LearnMoreIndiana) and Twitter (@LearnMoreIN)

Click here to download public service announcements (PSAs) recorded by the state for your use: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/egf210ognxxyx4h/AADYd7E-tBn7P6gtiLSZUiVBa?dl=0

More information may be found at the ISDH website at coronavirus.in.gov and the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

A Kentucky man was arrested by Indiana State Police on a number of charges.  He now faces one more - Disobeying a Declaration of Disaster Emergency - Class B Misdemeanor.

The Hamilton County Prosecutor filed formal charges on Zachary Peters. Those charges include I.C. 10-14-3-12/MB Disobeying a Declaration of Disaster Emergency.

This is a circumstance where the stay at home order issued by the Governor was enforced as an additional charge to a crime. The official charges filed were:

• Possession of Cocaine - Level 4 Felony
• Carrying a Handgun without a License - Class A Misdemeanor
• Possession of a Controlled Substance - Class A Misdemeanor
• Possession of Marijuana - Class B Misdemeanor
• Possession of Paraphernalia - Class C Misdemeanor
• Disobeying a Declaration of Disaster Emergency - Class B Misdemeanor

Original press release

A Kentucky man was arrested by the Indiana State Police after a traffic stop led to the discovery of a stolen gun and several drugs.

Zachary Peters, 24, of Crestwood, Kentucky was allegedly driving 96 miles per hour in a 70 miles per hour zone on I-69 near the Hamilton and Madison County Line. Trooper Josh Thayer made the stop just after 10:30 pm.  During Thayer's interaction with Peters, marijuana, cocaine, and controlled substance (pills), a stolen gun and drug paraphernalia was located in the vehicle. 

Peters was arrested and transported to the Hamilton County Jail.

The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) today announced that 374 additional Hoosiers have been diagnosed with COVID-19 through testing at ISDH, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and private laboratories. That brings to 2,159 the total number of Indiana residents known to have the novel coronavirus following corrections to the previous day’s total. Forty-nine Hoosiers have died.

To date, 13,373 tests have been reported to ISDH, up from 11,658 on Monday.

Marion County had the most new cases, at 170, while Lake County had 50, Johnson County had 20, Hamilton County had 16, St. Joseph County had 13 and Hendricks County had 11. The complete list of counties with cases is included in the ISDH COVID-19 dashboard at coronavirus.in.gov, which will be updated daily at 10 a.m. Cases are listed by county of residence. Private lab reporting may be delayed and will be reflected in the map and count when results are received at ISDH.

The dashboard also has been updated to include demographics on individuals who have died and make other corrections based on updated information provided to ISDH.

Additional updates on the state’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak may be provided later today. 

The doors may be closed but the Shelby County Public Library has plenty to offer.

Forced to close during the COVID-19 outbreak Director Janet Wallace says the library still offers services online.  You can even get a library card.

Maybe now is the time to learn another language.

Wallace has hopes the library may be one of the public places to open sooner rather than later.

Governor Eric J. Holcomb today signed an executive order and detailed Indiana’s plan for the anticipated spike in COVID-19 cases.

To see a copy of the executive order, click here: https://www.in.gov/gov/2384.htm

“We see a surge coming and we’re calling in the reinforcements, bolstering Indiana’s capacity to provide additional health care services during this emergency,” said Gov. Eric J. Holcomb. “By eliminating licensing barriers and tapping in to the available talent pool of healthcare workers, Hoosiers are staffing up and stepping up to meet this challenge head-on.”

The executive order allows the following professionals who do not currently hold an active license to practice:

• medical professionals who retired or became inactive in the last five years
• medical professionals who hold licenses in other states
• medical professionals who held licenses in other states and retired or became inactive in the last five years
• certain medical students and graduates

These professionals must register with the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency via their website at www.in.gov/pla. These professionals will be able to assist in screenings, telemedicine and other basic procedures to allow regularly licensed medical professionals to be on the frontline.

In Indiana, the baseline number of critical care hospital beds is 1,432. As of Monday, hospitals have already taken steps to increase the number of critical care hospital beds to 1,940. Overall, the state’s plan is to double the number, if needed, by taking existing noncritical care hospital beds, recovery rooms, operating rooms and outpatient facilities, turning them into critical care hospital beds.

In Indiana, the baseline number of ventilators is 1,177 ventilators. As of Monday, hospitals have identified another 750 ventilators that can be used for critical care patients. Overall, the state’s plan is to double the number, if needed, by repurposing ventilators from operating rooms, ambulatory care centers, EMS and the Indiana National Guard.

Additionally, the surge plan calls for moving less critical patients to alternate facilities including neighborhood hospitals, medical clinics and state-owned hospitals, such as unopened floors at the NeuroDiagnostic Institute hospital in Indianapolis and the Richmond State Hospital.

If needed, after all of these steps are exhausted, Indiana will be prepared to put patients in alternative facilities. The Indiana National Guard and Department of Homeland Security, in conjunction with FEMA, are in charge of these plans.

The state of Indiana has been working on plans related to COVID-19 since January, and each hospital has a disaster plan in place. Planning has become more specific for state health and hospital officials as models of the projected impact of coronavirus became available. Based on those models, Indiana’s patient surge is expected to begin soon and the peak is expected to be mid-April to mid-May.

NEW SERVICE:  MHP has launched a virtual clinic staffed with dedicated MHP providers.  Get the care, treatment or medical advice you need from the comfort of your home using your computer or phone.  This service allows patients to seek medical advice from anywhere in the U.S., potentially eliminating the need to visit physician offices, urgent cares, or emergency departments.  The MHP Virtual Clinic is staffed Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.  Please visit https://www.mymhp.org/services/virtual-visits/ to sign up now.    

• GENERAL UPDATES FOR THE PUBLIC:
  • The CDC has issued a Health Advisory for Severe Illness Associated with Using Non-Pharmaceutical Chloroquine Phosphate to Prevent and Treat Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). 
  • Shelby Go upcoming holiday closures:  April 10th – Good Friday, May 22nd – Floating Holiday, May 25th – Memorial Day. ZTrip (formerly Yellow Cab) can be used as an alternative. 
  • Nursing Homes:  We have started rounding daily in the local nursing homes.  We are exploring using more telehealth options for our nursing homes in order to keep patients from having to be transported to the hospital. 
  • Lilly Drive-Thru Testing Center for healthcare workers and first responders:  For information, please visit: https://www.info.lillycovid19testing.com/hcp
  • Community Support for First Responders and MHP Staff:  We have been informed through social media that members of the community are planning to show their support and encouragement by driving through the MHP parking lot and flashing their lights on Saturday.  We appreciate it! 
  • MedWorks Pharmacy:  MedWorks will soon be sending discharge medications with inpatients upon discharge for convenience and to keep those at-risk patients in their homes instead of having to visit a pharmacy.     

• SUPPLY UPDATES:
  • We need your empty hand sanitizer bottles.  We are making our own hand sanitizer and need your empty containers in order to reuse.    
  • Do you have items that you would like to donate?  (hand sanitizer, masks, respirators, gloves, N95, D-batteries, gowns or food for our staff).  If so, please contact Angela Gill (agill@majorhospital.org)
  • We are pleased to announce that District 5 is shipping 600 small N95 masks to us this week.  We have secured a supply of D-batteries.  Bouffant caps are in short supply.  We are seeking alternatives such as reusable caps.   
  • Temporary beds:  We have secured 20 army-type beds/cots.  They are spartan and rugged, but will work in the event we have an inpatient surge.  They will hold up to 400 pounds. 
  • Respirators:  We received additional respirators and filters.  These are non-disposable. 

• PATIENTS TREATED AT OUR RESPIRATORY CLINIC LOCATIONS:
  • Priority Care located at 30 W. Rampart Road: Treated 12 patients yesterday and 25 patients so far today.  Priority Care is open 7AM-7PM Monday through Friday and 8AM-2PM on Saturdays and Sundays.  
  • Washington St. Clinic located at 157 W. Washington St:  The Washington St. Clinic was closed yesterday and has seen 22 patients today so far.  The Washington St. Clinic is open 8AM to 4:30PM Monday through Friday.

• CALL CENTER VOLUMES:
  • 392-DOCS line had 89 phone calls over the weekend.
  • Call Center volumes: 444 calls answered since Friday (does not include 392-DOCS line).  Average queue hold one minute with 93% answered.

• WANT TO CHECK IN WITH A LOVED ONE WHO IS AT MAJOR HOSPITAL?
  • Managing visitation:  Indiana hospitals are strictly enforcing visitation rules.  We are following the same policies.  However, Major Hospital understands you still need to see and hear your loved one.  That’s why we have initiated using FaceTime or Skype connectivity for patients and their family members.  We have dedicated iPads that our patients can use to communicate with the outside world using our dedicated Wi-Fi access.  The inpatient nursing staff is also offering family members a phone number to call in for daily updates and offering to make daily calls to the patient’s family if preferred. 
  • Visitors are prohibited with the following exceptions:
    • One designated at end of life with appropriate screening
    • One designated for laboring patient with appropriate screening
    • One designated for pediatric patient with appropriate screening
    • One designated for surgery patient with appropriate screening
  • If a visitor is permitted, the visitor must remain in the patient’s room and cannot come and go from the patient’s room.  We are doing this to protect our other high-risk patients and our staff.  The visitor must also not have a positive or pending COVID-19 test. 

• MHP TESTING STATUS: Please understand we are only able to report numbers and results of MHP patients who had their testing ordered or performed through MHP.  The Shelby County Health Department receives the positive results for ALL Shelby County residents, regardless of the location where the testing was performed.  If the COVID-19 test was not ordered or performed by MHP, we are not notified of the test or the result.  Consequently, our reported testing data will differ from that information available through the Indiana State Department of Health, the CDC and the Shelby County Health Department. 

• Number of MHP patients tested: 107
• Number of pending results: 24
• Number of positive results: 10
• 80%+ patients have minor/mild or no symptoms at all
• If you want updated statistics for Shelby County and/or the State of Indiana, please visit https://coronavirus.in.gov/.      
• If you want updated statistics for the United States, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/cases-in-us.html

• TESTING STATUS:  
  • Number of available swabs/media: 84.  We anticipate an additional 300 early this week.  We will continue to follow the ISDH/CDC testing protocols to determine which patients are eligible for testing. 

• MHP INPATIENT STATUS:
  • Current number of inpatients: 16 (4 of our inpatients tested positive for COVID-19)
  • Current number of patients in isolation: 16 (2 patient are on a vent and 1 is on BiPap)
  • Number of available inpatient beds: 24

• MHP EMERGENCY DEPT STATUS:
  • Number of ER patients in last 24 hours: 32
  • Number of ER patients with respiratory signs/symptoms: 8 (representing 25%)
  • 7 patients are in the ACC with 15 available beds and 1 ACC patients has respiratory symptoms

• RESOURCES: 
  • Indiana State Dept of Health Call Center for Healthcare workers and the general public (staffed 8AM-8PM) (317) 233-7125.  Please call (317) 233-1325 after hours. 
  • For the Shelby County Health Department, please call (317) 392-6470.

Testing for COVID-19 has many variables.  From the region of the United States to available tests even to the length of time to get a result.

MHP Chief Medical Officer Dr. Paula Gustafson.

Gustafson says the Medical Center does everything it can to employ social distancing.

MHP has launched a virtual clinic staffed with dedicated MHP providers to provide care, treatment or medical advice you need from the comfort of your home using your computer or phone.  This service allows patients to seek medical advice from anywhere in the U.S, potentially eliminating the need to visit physician offices, urgent cares, or emergency departments. The MHP Virtual Clinic is staffed Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Please visit www.mymhp.org/virtual to sign up now.    

Want to check in with a loved one at the MHP Medical Center ?

Indiana hospitals are strictly enforcing visitation rules.  We are following the same policies.  However, MHP understands you still need to see and hear your loved one. That’s why we have initiated using FaceTime or Skype connectivity for patients and their family members.  We have dedicated iPads our patients can use to communicate with the outside world using our dedicated Wi-Fi access.  The inpatient nursing staff is also offering family members a phone number to call in for daily updates and offering to make daily calls to the patient’s family if preferred. 

Visitors are prohibited with the following exceptions:

• One designated at end of life with appropriate screening
• One designated for laboring patient with appropriate screening
• One designated for pediatric patient with appropriate screening
• One designated for surgery patient with appropriate screening

If a visitor is permitted, the visitor must remain in the patient’s room and cannot come and go from the patient’s room.  We are doing this to protect our other high-risk patients and our staff.  The visitor must also not have a positive or pending COVID-19 test. 

Gustafson says they appreciate efforts in the community to donate needed supplies to MHP.

MHP faces critical shortages of small-sized N95 masks and D-batteries. 

Hand sanitizer, masks, respirators, gloves, N95, D-batteries, gowns or food for the staff are all appreciated.  If you wish to donate, please contact Angela Gill (agill@majorhospital.org).

The City of Shelbyville says there are 48 road sections in an overlay starting this week, totaling 9.5 miles of newly paved roadway.

The project cost is $1,526,615.60.  This project is 50/50 funded by a Community Crossings Grant from the State.  

There are over 200 sidewalk ramps that will be replaced and made ADA compliant. This is an on-going effort and partnership with the Livable Communities Coalition to increase accessibility in our community.

There is a list and map of the overlays on the City Website.  This link will get you there http://www.cityofshelbyvillein.com/departments/engineering/city-projects/  ,or search ‘City of Shelbyville Projects”

The roads were selected using a PASER rating system, which is used statewide to determine the condition of roads.  You can see the ratings on the City Engineer page. Other than a few of the smaller sections of roadway, and West St and Doran Dr (which were originally going to be part of the relief sewer project), everything rated below a 3 will be repaved.

Robertson Paving from Columbus is doing the work. 

Here is the current schedule, although it's dependant on weather conditions and likely to change.:

Milling Amos Rd., from St Rd 44 south to the railroad tracks on Tuesday (March 31). Lanes will be restricted and signs posted alerting through traffic of delays.

Milling Mausoleum Rd, Rampart Rd, Cardinal Lane, Robin Ct on Wednesday (April 1).

Paving Amos Rd. Thursday (April 2).

Paving Mausoleum Rd.,Cardinal Lane, and Robin Ct. on Friday (April 3).

Signage warning residents not to park on the road will be placed on Cardinal Lane and Robin Ct. on Monday (March 30).

Because of current events, there are more people than ever home during the day.  For roads that have on-street parking, Robertson Paving will be putting up ‘no parking’ signage in advance of the work starting.

City Engineer Matt House says it’s an impressive amount of paving.

“This year will be the largest repaving project in the City’s history.  We’ve been able to do these larger overlay projects since around 2017 with increases in funding from the City Council and the Indiana Department of Transportation's Community Crossings Grant program. For comparison, we completed roughly $400,000 in road projects in 2014, and this year we’ll have over $2M in road projects including the two reconstructions on the west side. “  

NEW SERVICE:  MHP has launched a virtual clinic staffed with dedicated MHP providers.  Get the care, treatment or medical advice you need from the comfort of your home using your computer or phone.  This service allows patients to seek medical advice from anywhere in the U.S, potentially eliminating the need to visit physician offices, urgent cares, or emergency departments. The MHP Virtual Clinic is staffed Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Please visit www.mymhp.org/virtual to sign up now.    

• SUPPLY UPDATES:
  • Critical shortage items:  small-sized N95 masks and D-batteries. 
  • Do you have items you would like to donate?  (hand sanitizer, masks, respirators, gloves, N95, D-batteries, gowns or food for our staff).  If so, please contact Angela Gill (agill@majorhospital.org)

• PATIENTS TREATED AT OUR RESPIRATORY CLINIC LOCATIONS:
  • Priority Care located at 30 W. Rampart Road: Treated 26 patients on 3/27 with respiratory symptoms. Priority Care is open 7AM-7PM Monday through Friday and 8AM-2PM on Saturdays and Sundays.  
  • Washington St. Clinic located at 157 W. Washington St.: Treated 17 patients on 3/27 with respiratory symptoms.  The Washington St. Clinic is open 8AM to 4:30PM Monday through Fridayand is not open on weekends. 

• VIDEO VISITS AND TELEHEALTH:
  • Beginning 3/19 through 3/27, we have conducted 186 telehealth visits.  You can conduct your telehealth visit today at  www.mymhp.org/virtual
  • 127 telehealth visits have been performed through MHP Family & Internal Medicine and we have also rolled out home-visits for certain patients. 
  • MHP Psychology has performed 7 telehealth visits
  • OurWashington St. Clinic performed its first telehealth visit on 3/27
  • MHP Pulmonology, MHP Nephrology and MHP Wound Care will have the ability to begin scheduling telehealth visits for certain patients beginning next week
  • OnsiteSolutions and MHP SportWorks will be the next sites to implement telehealth capabilities

• WANT TO CHECK IN WITH A LOVED ONE AT THE MHP MEDICAL CENTER ?
  • Managing visitation:  Indiana hospitals are strictly enforcing visitation rules.  We are following the same policies.  However, MHP understands you still need to see and hear your loved one. That’s why we have initiated using FaceTime or Skype connectivity for patients and their family members.  We have dedicated iPads our patients can use to communicate with the outside world using our dedicated Wi-Fi access.  The inpatient nursing staff is also offering family members a phone number to call in for daily updates and offering to make daily calls to the patient’s family if preferred. 
  • Visitors are prohibited with the following exceptions:
    • One designated at end of life with appropriate screening
    • One designated for laboring patient with appropriate screening
    • One designated for pediatric patient with appropriate screening
    • One designated for surgery patient with appropriate screening
  • If a visitor is permitted, the visitor must remain in the patient’s room and cannot come and go from the patient’s room.  We are doing this to protect our other high-risk patients and our staff.  The visitor must alsonot have a positive or pending COVID-19 test. 

• MHP TESTING STATUS:Please understand we are only able to report numbers and results of MHP patients who had their testing ordered or performed through MHP.  The Shelby County Health Department receives the positive results for ALL Shelby County residents, regardless of the location where the testing was performed.  If the COVID-19 test was not ordered or performed by MHP, we are not notified of the test or the result.  Consequently, our reported testing data will differ from that information available through the Indiana State Department of Health, the CDC and the Shelby County Health Department. 

• Number of MHP patients tested: 96
• Number of pending results: 28
• Number of positive results: 8 (increase of 0 since yesterday)
• 80%+ patients have minor/mild or no symptoms at all
• If you want updated statistics for Shelby County and/or the State of Indiana, please visit https://coronavirus.in.gov/.     
• If you want updated statistics for the United States, please visithttps://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/cases-in-us.html

• TESTING STATUS:  
  • Number of available swabs/media: 57, and we are expecting delivery of an additional 300 on or about April 7^th.  We have placed an order for an additional 500 test kits.  Delivery date is unknown. 
  • We will be using GuideMed, our current vendor for drug screens, to perform COVID testing with an anticipated 3-day turnaround time.  GuideMed has sufficient testing supplies and media to help increase our testing availability.  We will update as more information becomes available.  We expect 300 testing kits to be delivered next week.      

• MHP INPATIENT STATUS:
  • Current number of inpatients: 17
  • Current number of patients in isolation: 17 (1 patient is on a vent and 0 are on BiPap)
  • Number of available beds: 23

• MHP EMERGENCY DEPT STATUS:
  • Number of ER patients in last 24 hours: 38
  • Number of ER patients with respiratory signs/symptoms: 15 (representing 39.47%)
  • 5 patients in the ACC with 17 available beds

• RESOURCES: 
  • Indiana State Dept of Health Call Center for Healthcare workers and the general public (staffed 8AM-8PM) (317) 233-7125.  Please call (317) 233-1325 after hours. 
  • For the Shelby County Health Department, please call (317) 392-6470.

Shelbyville Police must enforce the Governor’s Executive Order calling for Hoosiers to only travel to essential locations.  But it doesn’t mean officers are making traffic stops to verify your destination.

Lt. Mike Turner explains.

Indiana State Police posted the followiing response to social media questions, interaction:

There is no truth or factual basis to the post depicted below. Please continue to rely on reliable sources, to help dispel the multitude of rumors and inaccurate information. We are all in this together, and together we will get through this.

The Indiana State Police is focused on serving the citizens of Indiana during the COVID-19 pandemic, which includes helping to mitigate the spread of the virus. The Department’s response will focus on educating our citizens of the orders that are in place, directing them back to their home, the steps they can take to practice social distancing to keep their families healthy and providing appropriate avenues to seek additional information. If an extraordinary situation requires enforcement in order to protect public safety, the issuance of a citation or physical arrest may be the necessary course of action to be taken.

Lt. Turner says it's certainly not martial law.

Like most everyone even the average, daily tasks are being hampered by COVID-19

Now that the relief bill passed Friday is law and checks are the way, the government still has the responsibility to keep you safe and keep the economy going. U Indy associate professor of Finance Matt Will says two different areas of government will have to come together.

"That is a combination of health and economics experts having to come together. Clearly living in isolation is not a long-term sustainable strategy," he said.

Will said society, including government, must figure out how to live our lives, how to run the economy and how to deal with the coronavirus.

"Hopefully the health experts and the economic experts can get together and figure out how can we run our economy and still keep people as safe as possible," he said.

Will said people must figure out how to do both, despite the risk.

"You can't really equate this to something like the flu or driving your car. But, we do live with risk in our lives and we have to figure out, how can we live with this risk?"

Pres. Trump has been criticized for talking about "opening America back up", by doctors who believe that the risk is too great.

"I don't think he's getting criticism from the person stuck in his house and saying, I can't stay here for the next six months. I think the criticism is probably coming from his political opponents," said Will. "I don't think the solution is saying, okay people, stay in your house 'til the day you die. I don't think that's a realistic alternative."

The Shelby County Health Department, in consultation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH), has confirmed additional cases of novel coronavirus in our county. All individuals are asked to isolate at home if not admitted to a hospital. It is your social responsibility to continue social distancing.

The county is working closely with all our partners to identify any people who have come in contact with confirmed patients who might have been exposed ensuring that appropriate precautions are taken in accordance with the latest CDC guidance.

At this time, we ask all our residents to stay home unless you need urgent supplies or are receiving care. If you are in a job that is still open, please only go to work if you are not ill.

If you are ill, please CALL your medical providers office or 317-392-DOCS for further instructions. Please do not just show up to receive medical care. If it is a true emergency please call 911 and give specific details to the dispatcher for the quickest possible assistance.

Local Health Officer, Dr. Chris Loman is working with his co-workers at Major Health Partners and Shelby County Health Department to provide care and guidance.

Symptoms of novel coronavirus include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Like influenza, 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 with people who are sick.
• Stay home! It is your social responsibility.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Cleaning supplies that kill virus and other germsfile://schd-server/Shared/Nursing/CD's/2019%20nCoV%20documents/Cleaning%20Supply%20List/Cleaner%20Product%20List%20Covid-19.pdf

Disinfecting CDC Link   https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/cleaning-       disinfection.html

Much of Indiana will be seeing rain over the next few days, says the National Weather Service in Indianapolis.

It will start to move in Thursday afternoon, but that will just be the start of it.  And it could lead to more flooding in the south.

National Weather Service Meteorologist Chad Swain:

The wind will also be something to watch out for once the weekend arrives.

"There will be breezy conditions Saturday night into Sunday with wind gusts around 35 mph. That's basically all over the state," says Swain.

Temperatures will be in the 60s and 70s Friday and Saturday, but then temperatures cool into the 50s for Sunday. Swain says most areas will be dry by Sunday afternoon.

INDOT contractor Beaty Construction plans to conduct intermittent stoppages on I-74 this weekend near St. Omer in Decatur County. Crews will be completing overhead demolition work as part of the $1.2 million superstructure replacement project on C.R. 700 N. that began earlier this month. 

Starting as early as 7:30 a.m. on Saturday morning (March 28), all lanes of I-74 EB will close west of Greensburg near the C.R. 700 N. overpass for up to 20 minutes. Traffic will be held and then released until normal flow is reached. Intermittent stoppages will take place throughout the day for up to 12 hours. Demolition will continue over I-74 WB on Sunday, March 29, with westbound stoppages beginning around 7:30 a.m.

Motorists are encouraged to seek an alternate route to avoid delays or allow extra time when traveling through the area. Drivers should slow down, use extra caution and drive distraction-free through all work zones. All work is weather dependent and schedules are subject to change.

At this time, it is clear we have moved beyond the containment phase and into the mitigation phase for COVID-19. This was expected and is what you're seeing occur across the country/world. Soon, we will be unable to adequately trace each positive COVID-19 patient’s steps and provide detailed information on where they entered, what department(s) they were in, and who possibly came in contact with the patient. 

As a healthcare organization we also have to abide by HIPAA, so we are very limited on what information we can disclose. 

From the beginning MHP has stressed the importance of social distancing and hand washing.  At this point however, "The best advice available is to conduct yourself as if you personally could be an asymptomatic carrier and to assume that everyone you come in contact with could be a carrier of the virus (symptomatic or asymptomatic) as well," said Dr. Paula Gustafson, MHP Chief Medical Officer and Pediatrician . 

"Please urge your family, friends and neighbors to honor the "stay at home" order from the Governor and to use common sense techniques like hand washing, covering your cough, cleaning surfaces you frequently touch (like your cell phone) and social distancing."

For patients are experiencing flu-like symptoms or respiratory illness MHP now offers 4 convenient options.  

1. Access the NEW MHP Virtual Clinic!  See a MHP provider online via the myVirtualHealthVisit app.  The MHP VIrtual Clinic is staffed by MHP providers Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.  After hours we have partnered with The Online Care Group to offer our patients 24/7 virtual care.  For instructions on how to access the MHP Virtual Clinic visit www.mymhp.org/virtual. 
2. Visit our NEW MHP Washington St. Clinic.  Located at 157 W. Washington St. and open Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.  Please stay in your vehicle upon arrival and call the number on the door to be added to the wait list.
3. Visit MHP Priority Care.  Located at 30 W. Rampart Street and open Monday-Friday 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.  No appointment necessary.
4. Call the MHP COVID-19 Hotline at 317-392-DOCS and a member of our care team will direct you as to your best plan of care.


 

MHP COVID-19 Daily Update                 DATE: March 26, 2020

• MHP TESTING STATUS:
  • Number of MHP patients tested: 96
  • Number of pending results: 35
  • Number of positive results: 8 (increase of 5 since yesterday)
  • 80%+ patients have minor/mild or no symptoms at all 

• MHP INPATIENT STATUS:
  • Current number of inpatients:  20
  • Current number of patients in isolation: 17 
  • Number of available beds: 20 

• MHP EMERGENCY DEPT STATUS:
  • Number of ER patients in last 24 hours: 44
  • Number of ER patients with respiratory signs/symptoms: 15 (representing 34%)

• MHP PATIENTS TREATED AT OUR RESPIRATORY CLINIC LOCATIONS:
  • Priority Care: Treated 27 patients yesterday with respiratory symptoms and 29 today with respiratory symptoms
  • Washington St. Clinic:  Treated 11 patients yesterday with respiratory symptoms and 12 today with respiratory symptoms. 

• UPDATES FOR THE PUBLIC:
  • Managing visitation:  Indiana hospitals are strictly enforcing visitation rules.  We are following the same policies.
    • Visitors are prohibited with the following exceptions:
      • One designated at end of life with appropriate screening
      • One designated for laboring patient with appropriate screening
      • One designated for pediatric patient with appropriate screening
      • One designated for surgery patient with appropriate screening
    • If a visitor is permitted, the visitor must remain in the patient’s room and cannot come and go from the patient’s room.  We are doing this to protect our other high-risk patients and our staff.  The visitor must also not have a positive or pending COVID-19 test. 
    • We can utilize FaceTime or Skype connectivity for patients and their family members to keep them connected.  The inpatient nursing staff is offering family members a phone number to call in for daily updates and also offering to make daily calls to the patient’s family if preferred. 
       
  • Why does MHP have a shortage of testing capability?    We are exploring several different vendors for testing capabilities.  There are a variety of factors to consider, such as cost to the patient, transportation of specimens and turnaround times.  To date, we have been restricted from testing certain patients and required to follow algorithms established by the CDC and ISDH, plus we initially had only two lab choices to use (ISDH/LabCorp).  Both sites had limited availability of test kits and supplies.  Currently, we have a critical shortage of transport media due to the large demand nationwide.  Our orders have been delayed by the manufacturers as they cannot keep up with demand. 
     
  • Nursing Home and Home Health patients:  The recommendation is to manage positive or suspected COVID-19 patients in isolation in their current setting and attempt to manage them in their home or in the SNF unless their situation requires emergency services.
     
  • Coordination with City/County/EMS/County Health Dept:  We continue to meet bi-weekly and interact daily with local City/County/EMS leaders and the County Health Department.  These community leaders have been very supportive and are working in coordination with MHP to ensure Shelby County is well positioned to address this crisis.    

Shelby County United Fund 2020 Drive Chair Kyle Beaty, Asst. Drive Chair Drew Little and Interim Executive Director Dave Fisher spoke with GIANT fm about the 66th annual drive.  Included - COVID-19, using technology to reach the public, new contests for kids and adults, and the selection of a new executive director, Alecia Gross.

Honda is extending its suspension of production at all facilities in the U.S. and Canada.

That would include the manufacturing plant in Greensburg.

The temporary shutdown due to the coronavirus will continue through April 6. Honda says it's due to the "continued steep decline in market demand across the automotive industry...resulting in the inability of consumers in many markets to purchase new vehicles."

The company says it will continue to provide opportunities for employees to be paid.

Subaru of Indiana Automotive, in Lafayette, also announced it is extending its temporary shutdown until April 6.

Columbus-based Cummins is changing up its strategy due to the coronavirus.

Cummins has decided to withdraw it's financial guidance for the full-year of 2020. The company is also suspending production at an engine plant that supplies Fiat Chrysler.

Cummins has also moved to shut down production at its Walesboro plant in Bartholomew County for the next two weeks.

The company says while it does not plan to announce anymore shutdowns, it cannot predict what may be coming in the weeks ahead.

The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) today reported 115 new positive cases of COVID-19 have been diagnosed through ISDH, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and private laboratories. That brings to 477 the total number of Hoosiers diagnosed following corrections to the previous day’s total. Fourteen Hoosiers have died.

A total of 3,356 tests have been reported to ISDH to date, up from 2,931 on Monday.

Marion County had the most new cases, at 67. The complete list of counties with cases is included in the ISDH COVID-19 dashboard at www.coronavirus.in.gov, which will be updated daily at 10 a.m.

Cases are listed by county of residence. Private lab reporting may be delayed and will be reflected in the map and count when results are received at ISDH.

The dashboard also has been updated to reflect the following changes based on information provided to ISDH: One Marion County case has been moved to Hamilton County, two duplicate cases have been removed from the Marion County total, a Warrick County case has been reclassified as an out-of-state resident, an Owen County case has been moved to Monroe County and a Ripley County case has been moved to Franklin County.

Additional updates on the state’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak may be provided later today.

Information on various services, agencies, etc. is now available on a website for community resources.  The website is https://www.healthyshelbycounty.org/ .

Resource links are live on the website list.  There is also a link for submitting corrections or other resources. 

MHP Community Outreach - Healthy Shelby County Coordinator  Denise Holland says the resource list is not exhaustive.  As she learns of new resources, she will add them to the list.

Current categories include 

• Behavioral Health
• Food Pantries
• General Assistance Information
• Groceries
• Meals
• Prescriptions
• Seniors
• Social Services
• Transportation
• Veterans

A building to add to the landscape of the Shelby County Courthouse campus now has a contractor.

County Commissioner Don Parker says they have chosen from the five bids on the project.

The building will house the county probation department and those agencies currently in the county's Professional Building on East State Road 44.

The five bids included:

Gilliatte General Contractors, $3,039,000

Runnebohm Construction, $3,250,000

Brandt Construction, $3,390,000

Meyer Najem Construction, $3,397,000

Bruns-Gutzwiller, $3,894,000

Shelby County Superior Court 2 Judge David Riggins confirmed in a letter that he has tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus:

Today I found out that I had a positive test of the COVID-19 virus.  I have not been at the Courthouse since March 13, 2020 when I began our spring break vacation.  I began showing mild symptoms on March 18, 2020.  I thought it could have been a cold or the flu, but I wanted to be tested to be sure.  It took awhile to get permission to be tested, and thanks to Eli Lilly and Company, as a first responder (EMT), I was able to be tested yesterday.  I found out the results today. 

Even though I haven’t been around people at the courthouse since March 13, 2020, I did go to my office in the Courthouse on Sunday to get some computer equipment so that I could work from home.  In an abundance of caution, I sent all Superior Court 2 employees home today until Monday, March 30, 2020 so that the office could be cleaned.  Therefore, Superior Court 2 is CLOSED until Monday, March 30, 2020.

On Monday, March 30, 2020, and for the next two weeks thereafter, Superior Court 2 will be staffed with one person to process paperwork while other staff members work remotely from home.  Judicial duties required at the courthouse will be covered by our Magistrate Jennifer Kinsley and Judges Apsley and Meltzer and I will work from home.  Shelby Circuit Court and Superior Court 1 will maintain their own Courts accordingly. 

I’m sorry to have to do this, and I regret the concern that it may cause those of you that have recently appeared in my court or worked with me.  While HIPPA technically does protect my results, being a public servant, I think that fairness requires that I disclose my status.  To the chagrin of some, ambivalence of others, but mostly to the satisfaction of my friends and family, I do appear to be on the mend.  Like the rest of the Nation, I hope that this can be put behind us soon.  

David N. Riggins

Judge

Shelby Superior Court 2

Iterim Executive Director David Fisher details the efforts of the Shelby County United Fund as it administers its 66th annual drive:

SCUFFY is navigating uncharted waters along with the rest of the country due to the Covid-19 coronavirus. Normally, volunteers would be out delivering packets to businesses and factories and giving presentations to tell the SCUFFY story.

Things have certainly changed.  With schools, churches and many businesses temporarily closed many of us are feeling anxious during this time of uncertainty.

One thing that has not changed is the need for the community support that SCUFFY agencies provide. Each and every one of our twelve agencies pledge to stand strong with those in need during the days and weeks to come.

But for that to happen, we need your help.  In order to fully fund our agencies, SCUFFY has a goal that we can reach if we all work together. We are reviewing several options with respect to our drive to accommodate our donors and to ensure that our agencies can continue at capacity.

This campaign will look different than previous ones. We will rely on email, social media and phone calls to connect with our community and rally their support.  Our agencies also look different per social distancing guidelines. An example is a drive through food pantry at Shelby Senior Services.

We have great new video this year that tells the SCUFFY story. This link will be part of all campaign communications and accessible on our Facebook page and SCUFFY website - click on https://vimeo.com/389363878/ed67f6517d or copy into your web browser to gain access.Please share this video with your network.

The annual drive will continue because, quite frankly – our community relies on SCUFFY. Our agencies make a difference in the lives of those throughout every segment of our community.Therefore, we are asking for your help.

For those who wish to make a donation or pledge to our campaign go to: http://www.scuffy.org/donate-to-scuffy/

INDOT contractor, HIS, will be closing the Knightstown Rd / I-74 Overpass at 7:00 AM on

Thursday, April 16 for approximately twenty (20) work days for a Bridge Deck Overlay project.

The last address accessible from the south on Knightstown Rd is 599 and the first address north

Of the overpass is 665 N Knightstown Rd.

The detour for this is Morris Ave / Old Rushville Rd to 200 N then back east to the Knightstown Rd.

Shortly after this bridge is completed, INDOT will close the Morris Ave / Old Rushville Rd overpass

Bridge for approximately the same period of time to do a bridge deck overlay on it.

Also, Shelby County is still planning to close three (3) bridges on Wednesday, April 1.

Bridge 10 located on 800 N between 325 W and 400 W over Snail Creek.  The last address accessible from the east is 3489 W 800 N.  And the first address west of it is 3560 W 800 N.

Bridge 12 located on 700 N between 700 W and 800 W over Sugar Creek.  The last address accessible from the east is 7650 W 700 N.  mAnd the first address west of it is 7757 W 700 N along with the addresses in the Woodnotes Addition.

Bridge 133 located on 600 E between 700 S / River Rd and 850 S over Flat Rock River.  The last address accessible from the north is 7485 S 600 E and the first address south of it is 7714 S 600 E.

Shelbyville High School Choral Director Joel Kenemore is adjusting to eLearning during this extended, COVID-19 enforced break from normal classes.

Kenemore spoke to GIANT fm News about the impact the current situation has had on daily clases and the department as a whole.

Indiana’s call center to field industry questions about Governor Eric J. Holcomb’s Executive Order 20-08, which provides for essential and non-essential business operations, infrastructure and government functions while the state observes a stay-at-home order from March 25 - April 7 is temporarily down.

The Critical Industries Hotline is still available by emailing covidresponse@iedc.in.gov. The center is for business and industry questions only.

Please read Gov. Holcomb’s executive order and this FAQ page to clarify restrictions and acceptable activities and services under Monday’s Executive Order.

All of Gov. Holcomb’s Executive Orders can found here.

The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) today reported 107 new positive cases of COVID-19, bringing to 365 the number of Hoosiers diagnosed through ISDH, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and private laboratories. Twelve Hoosiers have died.

A total of 2,931 tests have been reported to ISDH to date, up from 1,960 on Monday.

Marion County had the most new cases, at 51. The complete list of counties with cases is included in the ISDH COVID-19 dashboard at www.coronavirus.in.gov, which will be updated daily at 10 a.m. Cases are listed by county of residence. Private lab reporting may be delayed and will be reflected in the map and count when results are received at ISDH.

The dashboard also has been updated to remove a previously counted case in Hancock County that was erroneously reported to ISDH as a positive and to shift the county of residence for three others, giving Brown County its first case, moving one case from Hancock to Hamilton County and moving a Wayne County case to Fayette County.

Additional updates on the state’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak may be provided later today. 

Major Health Partners released a March 23 COVID-19 update including information on patients, testing and emergency room statistics.

• MHP TESTING STATUS:
  • Number of MHP patients tested: 62
  • Number of resulted tests: 38
  • Number of pending results: 25
  • Number of positive results: 1

• MHP INPATIENT STATUS:
  • Current number of inpatients: 13
  • Current number of patients in isolation: 10
  • Number of available beds: 27

• MHP EMERGENCY DEPT STATUS:
  • Number of ER patients in last 24 hours: 50
  • Number of ER patients with respiratory signs/symptoms: 15

• INDIANA STATISTICS:
  • Number of Hoosiers who tested positive: 259 (an increase of 58 since yesterday)
  • Number of Hoosiers tested: unknown
  • Number of Indiana deaths: 6

• UNITED STATES STATISTICS:
  • Number of Americans who tested positive: 35,200
  • Number of Americans tested: unknown
  • Number of American deaths: 471

• OTHER UPDATES:
  • All food donations must be coordinated through Angela Gill (agill@majorhospital.org).  Food must be prepared from a restaurant/kitchen that is following ISDH guidelines for food preparation and all meals must be individual meals only (no family style permitted) due to possible contamination concerns.  We can’t accept donated meals without coordinating with Angela.
  • The CDC is predicting an ICU bed shortage for Indiana beginning April 30 through May 15^th. 
  • Eli Lilly has opened a COVID-19 testing center drive-through for healthcare workers.  A physician order for testing is required.  Please visit https://www.info.lillycovid19testing.com/ for more information.  I have attached some information about the Lilly COVID testing center. 
  • 10 patients have been seen at the MHP Washington Street Clinic as of noon.  This location is set up and will begin Video Visits starting tomorrow.
  • Indiana’s Stay-At-Home Order takes effect Tuesday, March 24 at 11:59 p.m. ET.  The order ends on Monday, April 6, at 11:59 p.m. ET, but could be extended if the outbreak warrants.
    • 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.
  • Starting March 30-April 10th, SportWorks will change its operating hours to 8-5 M-Th and 8-4 on Friday.  They will accommodate later or earlier appointments on an as-needed basis. 

• RESOURCES: 
  • Indiana State Dept of Health Call Center for Healthcare workers and the general public (staffed 8AM-8PM) (317) 233-7125.  Please call (317) 233-1325 after hours. 
  • For the Shelby County Health Department, please call (317) 392-6470.

Governor Eric J. Holcomb delivered a statewide address Monday to order that Hoosiers remain in their homes except when they are at work or for permitted activities, such as taking care of others, obtaining necessary supplies, and for health and safety. The related press release is attached. Below are frequently asked questions and their answers.

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 suspected 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.

Governor Eric J. Holcomb delivered a statewide address today to order that Hoosiers remain in their homes except when they are at work or for permitted activities, such as taking care of others, obtaining necessary supplies, and for health and safety. The order is in effect from March 25 to April 7.

“The next two weeks are critical if we are to slow the spread of COVID-19, and we must slow the spread. You must be part of the solution, not the problem,” said Gov. Holcomb.

The first positive case of COVID-19 in Indiana was reported on March 6. Since then the number of positive cases has increased on a near daily basis, escalating as the capacity to test has grown. As of this morning, the number of tests completed in Indiana is 1,960, the number of positive cases is 259 and 7 deaths have been reported.

“I’m setting the example by sending state government personnel home to work to the maximum extent possible and closing our facilities to public interaction beginning Tuesday, for at least the next two weeks,” said Gov. Holcomb.

Beginning Tuesday, all state government offices will be closed to in-person public activity until at least April 7. This includes the Government Center complex in Indianapolis and other offices throughout the state, including Bureau of Motor Vehicle branches. State employees will work remotely whenever possible and continue to provide core functions online and by phone. All public safety functions will continue.

In conjunction with the closures, Gov. Holcomb ordered an automatic extension of all state-issued licenses and will advise law enforcement to refrain from issuing citations for a driver’s license or registration that expires during this emergency.

The state, in conjunction with the city and all hospital systems in Marion County, has activated a comprehensive emergency operations center to maximize hospital capacity and provide joint coordination. The center is charged with tracking the inventory of all hospital beds, supplies and personnel as the number of COVID-19 patients grows.

“I am proud of our hospital systems that are participating in the initial phase of this process, Eskenazi Health, IU Health, Franciscan Health, Community Health Network, and Ascension,” said Gov. Holcomb. “Marion County is where we’ve seen the most community spread to date, but we will expand this model to other parts of the state.”

In all, Governor Holcomb issued four executive orders:

• EO 20-08. Stay at Home. Provides for essential and non-essential business and operations, infrastructure, government services, travel, and activities outside of one’s home. Click here for answers to frequently asked questions regarding the stay-at-home order.   
• EO 20-09. Continuity of State Operations. Provides for the continuing operation of state government from 5 p.m. today through 8 a.m. April 7 with restricted access to government buildings and services.
• EO 20-10. Enforcement Directive Regarding Prohibition of In-Person Dining.
  • Directs that state and local boards of health and the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission (ATC) take all available administrative and enforcement actions against establishments that continue to offer in-house dining services, in violation of the governor’s executive order of March 16.
    • Health departments will deliver letters ordering restaurants that continue to provide in-person dining to cease such operations. If they do not comply, fines will be levied.
    • For restaurants with alcohol permits that continue to offer in-person dining, the ATC will issue an order in writing for the establishment to cease such operations. If the activity continues, the ATC will suspend the entity’s liquor license and will consider the non-compliance at the time of permit renewal.
• EO 20-11. Provisions for carryout consumption of alcohol.
  • Relaxes the sale of carryout alcoholic beverages for dining establishments. This includes establishments that allow for on-premises consumption only and those that are permitted carryout permits dependent on a percentage of on-premises sales.

Links to all executive orders may be found here: https://www.in.gov/gov/2384.htm

The complete text of Gov. Holcomb’s address may be found here: https://www.in.gov/gov/3233.htm

Link to the Stay-At-Home Order FAQ may be found here: https://www.in.gov/gov/3232.htm

More information may be found at the ISDH website at in.gov/coronavirus/ and the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

Read All

The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) today reported 58 new positive cases of COVID-19, bringing to 259 the number of Hoosiers diagnosed through ISDH, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and private laboratories. Seven Hoosiers have died, including an Allen County adult over age 60 whose death was announced Sunday by the Allen County Health Department.

A total of 1,960 tests have been reported to ISDH to date, including 466 in the last 24 hours.

Marion County had the most new cases, at 28. The complete list of counties with cases is included in the ISDH COVID-19 dashboard at https://www.in.gov/coronavirus/, which will be updated daily at 10 a.m. Cases are listed by county of residence. Private lab reporting may be delayed and will be reflected in the map and count when results are received at ISDH.

Additional updates on the state’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak may be provided later today.

The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) today reported 76 new positive cases of COVID-19, bringing to 201 the number of Hoosiers diagnosed through ISDH, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and private laboratories. Four Hoosiers have died.

A total of 661 results were reported, bringing to 1,494 the number of tests reported to ISDH to date.

The new cases involve residents of Bartholomew (4), Boone (1), Delaware (1), Dubois (1), Floyd (1), Franklin (2), Grant (1), Hamilton (8), Hancock (2), Hendricks (2), Howard (1), Johnson (5), Lake (3), Madison (1), Marion (35), Monroe (1) Morgan (1), Putnam (1), Ripley (1), St. Joseph (2), Scott (1) and Tipton (1) counties.

The list of counties with cases is included in the ISDH COVID-19 dashboard at https://www.in.gov/coronavirus/, which will be updated daily at 10 a.m.

Cases are listed by county of residence. Private lab reporting may be delayed and will be reflected in the map and count when results are received at ISDH.

The dashboard has also been updated to remove a negative case that was incorrectly reported to ISDH as positive from Greene County and to reflect a change in residence that moves one case from Hancock County to Marion County.

Additional updates on the state’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak may be provided later today.

The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) today confirmed the fourth Indiana death from COVID-19. The patient is a Delaware County adult over age 60 who had been hospitalized. No additional information about the patient will be released due to privacy laws.

The death was first announced by the Delaware County Health Department.

As of today, 126 Hoosiers have contracted COVID-19. All but one are adults.

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a novel, or new, coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The virus causing COVID-19 is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold.

For more information, including a list of frequently asked questions, visit www.in.gov/coronavirus and subscribe to receive updates.

Visit the Indiana State Department of Health at http://www.in.gov/isdh/ or follow us on Twitter at @StateHealthIN and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/StateHealthIN.

Indiana is postponing its primary.

Indiana will vote on June 2, four weeks later than normal. That'll give county clerks more time to get ready, and buy time in hopes the coronavirus pandemic will slacken off by then.

The state will also let you vote by mail if you want, so fewer people are in the polling places, allowing Hoosiers to continue the "social distancing" health officials warn is critical to slowing the spread of the virus.

The state Republican and Democratic Party chairs endorsed the move, which still requires approval next week from the Indiana Election Commission. Indiana will be the seventh state, along with Puerto Rico, to move its primary because of the outbreak.

Secretary of State Connie Lawson says to be prepared for the vote count to take longer than usual, with the larger volume of absentee ballots.

Indiana is picking nominees for nine state Senate seats, 35 Indiana House seats, and all nine congressional districts. If the Democratic presidential contest is still in progress, Indiana will be the third-largest delegate prize available. With Ohio and Maryland also moving their primaries, June 2 is now the second-biggest date on the nominating calendar, trailing only Super Tuesday.

Some food venues are surviving COVID-19 with carry-out and delivery.  But it's not the option for others who are waiting and hoping for better times ahead.  And soon.

Scott Asher says West Side Pub & Grub didn't view carry-out or delivery as an option and elected to close following Governor Holcomb's directive.

He knows the impact from the closing will grow as time goes by.

Asher says they've tried to turn a difficult situation into an opportunity with cleaning and projects around the pub.

 If patients are experiencing flu-like symptoms please help us remind them to call the MHP COVID-19 Hotline at 317-392-DOCS so a member of our team can direct them as to their next steps.

MHP Family & Internal Medicine Walk-in Clinic is closed until further notice. 

1. MHP Pediatrics will continue to operate as normal and will continue to see walk-in patients. 
2. Any patient who is ill or has signs, symptoms, or exposure to COVID-19 (Coronavirus); please call (317) 392-DOCS (3627) and you will be directed what to do and where to seek treatment.
3. Patients who are acutely ill, non-emergent patients are being directed to one of our 2 convenient locations:       
   1. Priority Care: Located in the Rampart Professional Building at 30 W. Rampart, Shelbyville
      Hours of operation: Monday -Friday: 7AM-7PM and Saturday & Sunday: 8AM-2PM. 
   2. NEW MHP Washington St. Clinic: Located at 157 W. Washington Street (across from the former Major Hospital site)
      Hours of operation: Monday -Friday: 8AM-4:30PM. 
4. Indiana now has 79 confirmed cases (which is an increase of 23 cases since yesterday) and 2 deaths.  554 Hoosiers have been tested to date.  MHP has tested 46 patients and we have results back on 23 of those patients.  One patient tested positive on 3/18 and the remainder are pending.  There have been 11,274 cases and 157 deaths in the US. 
5. MHP Bed capacity:  we have 56 staffed beds and 6 ICU beds under normal circumstances.  Our surge capacity includes 80 inpatient beds and 14 critical care beds. 
6. If anyone has items they would like to donate to MHP during this challenging time please e-mail agill@majorhospital.org and a member of our team will follow up with you as soon as possible.  The following items are in high demand.  They must be new and in original packaging for us to accept them.

• masks (N95, surgical masks, respirators)
• Tyvek suits,
• eye protection/safety glasses. 

8. Due to a shortage of available testing supplies, all hospitals have been directed to follow the Indiana State Department of Health guidelines.  Therefore, we are not doing any testing at our ambulatory sites and are currently only testing high risk and severely ill patients in the following categories:
   1. Patients requiring hospitalization with fever and lower respiratory symptoms; negative for other sources of infection
   2. Healthcare workers (inpatient, outpatient, nursing home, and other long term care facilities, etc.) who provide direct care to at-risk patients
   3. Long-term care facility residents or prison/jail residents and staff with fever and respiratory illness and otherwise no known source
9. MHP Valet services at Main Entrance 2 and the MHP Gift Shop both closed 3/19 and will remain closed for the foreseeable future.
10. There is a severe blood shortage due to the COVID-19, especially for O-negative blood type.  Anyone who would like to donate blood can visit https://www.redcross.org/ to learn more and schedule an appointment.     

Hospice of South Central Indiana wants to keep our community, patients, families and staff safe and healthy during the current pandemic.

“Please know Our Hospice will continue to bring care to our patients and families and will be vigilant in following all precautions to protect our staff, patients and families.Our Mission is To Make Every Moment Count and we are committed to continuing to bring our professional and competent care to everyone who needs it,” said Laura Leonard, Our Hospice President.

Our staff has received updated training and we are closely following the professional health care recommendations from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Center for the Advancement of Palliative Care (CAPC).

Here is a list of updates for Our Hospice:

Screening at the Hospice Center

The Hospice Center has initiated screening for anyone entering the center, including staff, guests and visitors. Everyone should enter the center through the main entrance, including anyone visiting the CRH Sleep Diagnostic Center or the Outpatient Palliative Care clinic. Screening is recommended for the health and safety of our staff and patients. Additional cleaning of public spaces has been initiated and the gift shop and salad bar at the Inpatient Center are closed until further notice.

Postponing the April 26 Broadway Memories Event

Our Hospice staff and board want to ensure you that the well-being of the Broadway Memories performers, patrons, staff and volunteers is of the highest priority. With current restrictions and the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control, the city of Columbus and the state of Indiana about limiting the number of people in a gathering for the next eight weeks, we have decided to postpone the Broadway Memories event that was originally scheduled for April 26. Ticket refunds are currently underway.We are in the process of identifying a new date in 2020 for this amazing event and will make sure that you are among the first to know of the new schedule. Questions can be directed to Brigitte Halvorsen at 812-314-8004 or emailed to ourhospice@crh.org

Suspending Bereavement Groups

Our Tuesday Bereavement Groups, Beginning Again, which usually takes place at 2:00 PM and 5:30 PM at the Hospice Center, have been temporarily suspended. If you need grief support, we encourage you to contact our bereavement team at 812-314-8044 or email Cathy at ccampbell@crh.org.

Our monthly Wings for the Journey support group for parents who have experienced the death of a child has also been suspended. This group normally meets the third Thursday of each month at the Hospice Center.  Please reach out to our bereavement team at 812-314-8044 or email Cathy at ccampbell@crh.orgif you need support.

We will continue to update you as appropriate during this time of rapid change.

Food establishments are restricted to delivery, drive-thru and carry-out service amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

Scott Furgeson says Cagney's Pizza King has moved people to new roles as it deals with the difficult situation.

The courtrooms of Indiana are being impacted by COVID-19.  And it comes at a time when the judicial system in Shelby County intended to ramp up its schedule.  Now, that schedule comes to a resounding thud.

Shelby County Superior Court I Judge Kent Apsley.

Judge Apsley notes that the Indiana Supreme Court  has issued an Order in response to the Shelby County Courts’ petition to adopt emergency measures and procedures due to the evolving public health crisis.

The Order from the Indiana Supreme Court:

In summary, the Supreme Court has authorized us to suspend jury trials, including “speedy” trials.  We are authorized to dispense with most routine pre-trial conferences and non-essential hearings.  We are authorized to reduce the number of staff members working in person and/or to permit them to work from home.  The courts will continue to maintain sufficient operations to handle emergency matters.  We will be limiting the number of spectators.  This order will remain in effect through May 4, 2020, unless extended.

Judge Apsley says when they resume normal operations they will be dealing with the impact of this for some time.

There is an enhanced risk of severe weather for much of Indiana today.

“An enhanced risk means there is a greater chance of severe weather than slight risk. When we get to an enhanced risk, we’re saying, ‘Hey, this is really a day you need to pay more attention to the weather,” says Jason Puma, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Indianapolis.

Puma recommends you be on the lookout for severe thunderstorm watches or warnings as well as tornado watches or warnings.

“We’ll see some rain move in towards the latter part of the morning and into the afternoon. We’re more concerned, though, with a second round of rain moving in late this afternoon and into the evening hours,” says Puma.

He projects the timeline to be from 7 pm to 2 am Friday.

“That’s when we could see our severe weather move across central Indiana. With the rain we had yesterday on top of what we could get today, that could result in some flash flooding in those areas,” says Puma.

Puma believes the cities and towns with the best chance for a tornado are in southern Indiana.

“Places like Seymour, Bedford, Bloomington, Columbus, and maybe even as far south as Vincennes. That’s the area we’re going to be focusing on, but we can’t rule it out anywhere,” says Puma.

Other things to watch out for include damaging winds, hail, and flooding. A flash flood watch will be in effect tonight across much of southern Indiana. The threat of severe weather in the northern part of the state is significantly less, Puma says.

The National Weather Service advises you to monitor the forecasts and the weather, be alert for storm development and know where to take shelter.

Governor Eric J. Holcomb took additional unprecedented actions today to protect and support Hoosiers during the COVID-19 outbreak by signing executive orders that extend the closure of schools, provide economic relief and protections for individuals and businesses, and expand unemployment insurance benefits for those impacted by job loss.

“Every day we learn more about how to tackle this monster. We are being thoughtful about how to approach every action we are taking in this national public health emergency and putting Hoosiers’ health and safety first,” said Gov. Holcomb.

Daily COVID-19 testing capacity in Indiana has expanded with the addition of a new partnership between the Indiana State Department of Health and Eli Lilly and Company, and at least one other entity has initiated testing this week. In the past 24 hours, about 200 tests have been completed.

“As we increase the number of tests analyzed each day, no one should be caught off guard that the number of positive cases will increase,” said Dr. Kris Box, state health commissioner. “This will help us know where community spread is occurring in Indiana and help us mobilize resources in affected areas.”

Here is a summary of covered actions. The Executive Orders, which contain additional actions, will be found at this link: https://www.in.gov/gov/2384.htm

State of Emergency Extension

• The Governor will extend the current state of emergency an additional 30 days when it expires on April 5.

K-12 schools

• All K-12 public schools will remain closed until May 1. Non-public schools are also ordered closed. This date may be revised to extend through the end of the 2019-2020 school year if circumstances warrant.
• All-state mandated assessments will be canceled for the current academic year. The governor has contacted U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos to share the state’s plan and also has asked the Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Jennifer McCormick to pursue any federal waivers needed to cancel the requirements for accountability, chronic absenteeism and state-mandated assessments.

Economy

• The state of Indiana will align with the federal government to delay state income tax payments from April 15 to July 15. The U.S. Treasury extended the deadline to pay federal income tax by 90 days.
• Penalties will be waived for 60 days for property tax paid after May 11. The state will work with counties that may experience cash flow stress because of the delay.
• The state will not immediately move forward with using $300 million in reserves to pay for several capital projects approved in the just-concluded legislative session and instead maintain flexibility to utilize the funds as needed for relief efforts and to maintain current services. The state will consider using bonding authority to move forward with the just-approved capital projects.
• Providers of essential utility services such as gas and electric, broadband, telecom, water and wastewater services are prohibited from discontinuing service to any customer during the public health emergency.

• The state’s application to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was approved on Wednesday. This program provides targeted, low-interest loans of up to $2 million to help small businesses and nonprofits overcome the temporary loss of revenue as a result of coronavirus. See more at SBA.gov/Disaster.

Unemployment Insurance Benefits

• The state will interpret Indiana’s unemployment laws to the broadest extent possible to cover Hoosiers who are out of work because of COVID-19.
• Benefits will be paid to individuals who file their initial unemployment claims late.
• The Department of Workforce Development will allow individuals to continue to accrue unemployment eligibility if they take work leave because of COVID-19.
• DWD will seek federal authorization to provide unemployment benefits for those who are not otherwise eligible for unemployment, such individuals who have recently started a job.
• For employers, DWD will not assess certain experience rate penalties because of employees who receive unemployment benefits because of COVID-19.

Housing

• No residential eviction proceedings or foreclosure actions may be initiated during the public health emergency. This does not relieve the individual of obligations to pay rent or mortgage payments.
• All public housing authorities are requested to extend deadlines for housing assistance recipients and required documentation to show eligibility for housing programs.
• The Indiana Department of Financial Institutions and Indiana Community Housing Development Authority are required to work with financial institutions to identify tools to help promote housing stability.

Social Services

• Participants in the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) and the Children’s Health Insurance Program are not required to make premium payments.
• Job search requirements are waived for those applying for Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) benefits.
• The Family and Social Services Administration will seek a federal waiver to extend renewals for existing Medicaid and HIP recipients.
• Telehealth services for mental health, substance use disorder and prescribing for Medicaid covered services will be expanded.

Insurance

• The commissioner of the state Department of Insurance will request that insurers institute a 60-day moratorium on policy cancellations for non-payment of premiums. This does not suspend a policyholder’s obligation to make payments.
• The commissioner will ask health insurers to cover COVID-19 testing without requiring prior authorization.
• The commissioner will request that health insurers not increase prices or coverage costs that involve medical care for COVID-19.

Bureau of Motor Vehicles

• To limit the number of in-branch transactions, late fees will be waived for several driver’s licenses and identification card renewals, vehicle registrations, titles, and certain other transactions.
• Other operational changes in branches are being instituted to provide for the safety of employees and customers in branches, such as spacing between terminals and limiting the number of customers in the lobby.

Veterans

• Requirements have been relaxed for veterans to qualify for awards from the Military Family Relief Fund.
• Awards in excess of $2,500 may be approved by the IDVA director during the public health emergency.

Health and Professional Licensing

• Mental health professionals are permitted to practice via telemedicine.
• Advance Practice Registered Nurses are allowed to provide services in multiple locations.
• The state health commissioner may waive requirements of the nursing home certificate of need statute to respond to COVID-19 issues for long-term care facilities.

Governor Eric J. Holcomb today announced that Indiana small businesses are eligible for financial assistance under a disaster designation by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

This declaration is in response to a formal request Gov. Holcomb submitted with the SBA on Tuesday, seeking assistance through the organization’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program for small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak in Indiana.

“Small businesses play a critical role in driving Indiana’s economy forward, with more than 512,000 employing 1.2 million Hoosiers across the state,” Gov. Holcomb said. “These disaster loans will provide much needed financial support to small business owners who are weathering the impact of the coronavirus outbreak.”

Under the program, small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and nonprofits across the state are eligible to apply for low-interest loans up to $2 million to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue due to the COVID-19 outbreak. These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills incurred during this public health emergency. The loan interest rates for small businesses and nonprofits are 3.75% and 2.75%, respectively, with terms up to 30 years.

To qualify for disaster loans, applicants must demonstrate credit history, the ability to repay the loan, and proof of physical presence in Indiana and working capital losses. Additionally, the Indiana Small Business Development Center, which has 10 regional offices throughout the state, will provide free business advising and application assistance for small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak.

To apply for loans or receive more information about the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, visit SBA.gov/Disaster. Contact 1-800-659-2955 or disastercustomerservice@sba.gov with additional questions. The deadline to apply for the disaster loans is Dec. 18, 2020.

Honda is shutting down all of its production plants in the North America. That includes the assembly plant in Greensburg.

Honda says it will shut down beginning next Monday, but plans to return to production on March 31.

The three big automakers in Detroit -- General Motors, Ford and Fiat-Chrysler -- have agreed to shut down all of their factories, because of coronavirus concerns.  That will have a big effect in Indiana, as the list of closures will include the GM Assembly plant in Fort Wayne. More than 4,000 people work at that facility.  It would be the second time in a matter of months that work will stop at the plant, after the UAW strike late last year.

Toyota, which has a plant in Princeton, says it does not plan to shut down manufacturing facilities.

As of Wednesday, March 18, MHP has tested a total of 36 patients for COVID-19. Today we received our first positive conformation.

The patient was screened appropriately upon entry to the facility and our staff that came in contact with the patient were fully protected in the appropriate PPE. The patient was quickly transferred to a higher level of care outside of MHP.

This is Shelby County’s first confirmed case and it is clear the virus is present throughout Central Indiana.

We want to reinforce the importance of washing your hands with soap and water and staying home if you are experiencing flu like symptoms that do not require immediate medical care.

If you think you may have been exposed to the COVID-19 virus please call our hotline at 317-392-DOCS and a member of our care team will assist you. Please do not drive to your physician’s office or urgent care facility for testing.

Testing kits are still limited in Indiana and are not available at these locations.

For the most current and reliable information visit www.in.gov/isdh/ or www.cdc.gov/. We will also continue to post updates to the MHP website at www.mymhp.org/covid19.

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

The county is working closely with the state health department 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 be low.

 Local Health Officer, Chris Loman, MD is working closely with state health officials. He stated, “we all need to remember to work together for the health of our community. Stay home if you are not feeling well and maintain social space of 6 feet. Good hand washing is the one of the best ways to prevent the spread of infection including the seasonal flu and covid-19.”

Symptoms of novel coronavirus include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Like influenza, 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 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.

For additional information about novel coronavirus, visit https://www.in.gov/isdh/28470.htm.

Governor Eric J. Holcomb offered the following statement after the announcement of the new partnership between the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) and Eli Lilly and Company, with support from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to accelerate testing in Indiana for COVID-19.

“This partnership between the Indiana State Department of Health and Eli Lilly and Company will be transformational in our efforts to accelerate testing for COVID-19,” Gov. Holcomb said. “We are grateful for Lilly’s dedication to the health and safety of Hoosiers as we continue to put all of our focus into slowing the spread.”

Lilly will use its research laboratories to analyze samples taken in Indiana healthcare facilities, including nursing homes and emergency rooms, in an effort to increase the state’s ability to conduct testing for COVID-19. As Lilly’s testing capacity expands, Lilly and ISDH will work together to increase testing. Here is the link to Lilly’s full press release: https://investor.lilly.com/news-releases/news-release-details/lilly-indiana-state-department-health-partner-accelerate-covid

In a continuing effort to slow the spread of coronavirus, Gov. Holcomb also announced these additional efforts:

• The Indiana Department of Education reported that all Indiana public schools are currently closed, using either e-Learning, spring break or waiver days granted by Gov. Holcomb.
• With more than 512,000 small businesses throughout the state, Gov. Holcomb requested the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to issue an Economic Injury Disaster Loan declaration supporting small businesses impacted by the coronavirus outbreak in Indiana.
  • The program would provide targeted, low-interest loans up to $2 million in order to help small businesses overcome the temporary loss of revenue as a result of coronavirus. Nonprofits would also be eligible for loan assistance through the program. More information is available at SBA.gov/Disaster.
• The Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) will host two live webinars for Hoosiers impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.
  • The program will cover unemployment eligibility requirements, frequently asked questions, and how to apply for benefits.
  • The 30-minute live programs will be held at 10:30 a.m. ET on Tuesday, March 24, and at 3 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 25. To register, visit: https://on.in.gov/UI2020
• Indiana Department of Revenue (DOR) continues to provide customer service by phone at 317-232-2240 and email using the online form at dor.in.gov/3392.htm.
• The CDC has posted updated guidance for healthcare workers treating a patient who is suspected of having or confirmed to have COVID-19. Here is the link: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/caring-for-patients.html
• The ISDH call center continues to experience high volume. Hoosiers with general questions are encouraged to visit the website in.gov/coronavirus for more information. ISDH has implemented a toll-free 24/7 call center at 877-826-0011 that includes options for healthcare providers as well as the public. Call center staff cannot offer medical advice or provide test results.

More information may be found at the ISDH website at in.gov/coronavirus/ and the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

Assessor: 317-392-6305

Auditor: 317-392-6310

Circuit Court: 317-392-6360

Clerk: 317-392-6320

Community Corrections: 317-392-6492

Commissioners: 317-392-6330

Drug Free Coalition: 317-398-3135

Election Officer: 317-392-6324

Emergency Management: 317-392-6308

Extension Office: 317-392-6460

GIS: 317-6354

Health Department: 317-392-6470

Highway Garage: 317-392-6485

Human Resources: 317-398-5537

Inspectors: 317-392-6480

Maintenance: 317-392-6498

Magistrate: 317-421-1400

Plan Commission: 317-392-6338

Probation Department: 317-392-6490

Prosecutor: 317-392-6440

Public Defender: 317-421-8030

Recorder: 317-392-6370

Sheriff (Business Office): 317-392-6345

Soil & Water: 765-544-2051

Superior I: 317-392-6350

Superior II: 317-392-6340

Surveyor: 317-392-6481

Treasurer: 317-392-6375

Veterans Service: 317-392-2140

Weights & Measures: 317-392-6480

Youth Assistance Program: 317-421-8141

Nolan Thomas Parker was born September 15, 2001 to Michael S. Parker and Kristin (Spurling) Parker.

Nolan walked into the loving arms of the Lord on March 14, 2020 at the age of 18.

Nolan is survived by his parents, Michael S. Parker (Bridget Bartlett), of Columbus, and Kristin Spurling Parker of Shelbyville; his 15 year old sister, Sophie Parker of Shelbyville, and six month old sister, Hadley Parker of Columbus. His maternal grandparents, Larry and Sylvia Spurling of Shelbyville; paternal grandmother, Sharon Parker of Shelbyville; and his Aunt Alison (Keith) Sabino of Las Vegas, Nevada.

He was a member of the Evangelical United Church of Christ.

Nolan was a senior at Shelbyville High School, where he was a member of the National Honor Society and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Nolan was an avid lover of soccer during his young life. He had participated in soccer beginning as a small child at age 3, in the Blue River Soccer Association and continued to play throughout high school and with Indiana Impact SC. Nolan played football as a freshman. He was enrolled at Franklin College for the fall semester, with a position on the soccer roster.

He was employed at River’s Edge Golf Course and Texas Corral. Nolan traveled to Shelbyville’s sister city in Japan in June of 2018.

Nolan excelled in his academic studies, loved time on the beach with his family and was lucky to have traveled to many amazing destinations during his short life.

Nolan wanted to dedicate his life to helping young athletes excel and discover their love of sports. The Nolan T. Parker Scholarship fund has been established to help kids who may not have the resources available to get them started or continue with their athletic journey.

The scholarship fund is Nolan T. Parker Scholarship and donations may be made online to the Blue River Foundation (www.blueriverfoundation.com).

Nolan will be greatly missed by everyone that knew him. He was the kind of young man that anyone would be proud to call son, grandson, brother, nephew and friend.

Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 20, 2020 at the Shelbyville Community Church, 720 N 325 E, Shelbyville. (There will be a limit of 50 people in the church at any given time.)

Funeral services will be private, with the Reverends Alecia Gross and Chuck Jordan officiating.

A public celebration of life will be at a later date.

Interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery in Shelbyville.

Services have been entrusted to Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville.

Online condolences may be shared with Nolan’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

The funeral service for Nolan will be live stream on the Facebook page of Shelbyville Community Church, beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 21, 2020. https://www.facebook.com/ShelbyvilleCommunityChurch

The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) Tuesday announced that a second Hoosier has died from COVID-19. The patient is a Johnson County adult over age 60 who had been hospitalized. No further information about the patient will be released due to privacy laws.

ISDH has received six new positive cases of COVID-19, bringing to 30 the number of Hoosiers diagnosed through ISDH, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and private laboratories. The new cases involve residents of Lake (2), Franklin (2) and Marion (2) counties and will be included on ISDH’s online dashboard at https://www.in.gov/coronavirus/. The full list of counties with cases is included in the dashboard, which will be updated daily at 10 a.m. Cases are listed by county of residence.

Additional updates on the state’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak may be provided later today.

Nolan Thomas Parker was born September 15, 2001 to Michael S. Parker and Kristin (Spurling) Parker.

Nolan walked into the loving arms of the Lord on March 14, 2020 at the age of 18.

Nolan is survived by his parents, Michael S. Parker (Bridget Bartlett), of Columbus, and Kristin Spurling Parker of Shelbyville; his 15 year old sister, Sophie Parker of Shelbyville, and six month old sister, Hadley Parker of Columbus. His maternal grandparents, Larry and Sylvia Spurling of Shelbyville; paternal grandmother, Sharon Parker of Shelbyville; and his Aunt Alison (Keith) Sabino of Las Vegas, Nevada.

He was a member of the Evangelical United Church of Christ.

Nolan was a senior at Shelbyville High School, where he was a member of the National Honor Society and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Nolan was an avid lover of soccer during his young life. He had participated in soccer beginning as a small child at age 3, in the Blue River Soccer Association and continued to play throughout high school and with Indiana Impact SC. Nolan played football as a freshman. He was enrolled at Franklin College for the fall semester, with a position on the soccer roster.

He was employed at River’s Edge Golf Course and Texas Corral. Nolan traveled to Shelbyville’s sister city in Japan in June of 2018.

Nolan excelled in his academic studies, loved time on the beach with his family and was lucky to have traveled to many amazing destinations during his short life.

Nolan wanted to dedicate his life to helping young athletes excel and discover their love of sports. The Nolan T. Parker Scholarship fund has been established to help kids who may not have the resources available to get them started or continue with their athletic journey.

The scholarship fund is Nolan T. Parker Scholarship and donations may be made online to the Blue River Foundation (www.blueriverfoundation.com).

Nolan will be greatly missed by everyone that knew him. He was the kind of young man that anyone would be proud to call son, grandson, brother, nephew and friend.

Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 20, 2020 and from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, March 21, 2020 at the Shelbyville Community Church, 720 N 325 E, Shelbyville.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at the church, with the Reverends Alecia Gross and Chuck Jordan officiating.

Interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery in Shelbyville.

Services have been entrusted to Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville.

Online condolences may be shared with Nolan’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

Indiana's casinos are the first industry to be shut down statewide by coronavirus.

The Indiana Gaming Commission ordered casinos to close Monday morning, and stay closed for at least two weeks. Indiana casinos average 42-million dollars a week in revenue -- Casino Association president Matt Bell says they'll take a "significant hit" from the shutdown.

The shutdown will also take a direct bite out of the state budget. The state collected nearly 600-million dollars in wagering and admissions taxes last year. That averages to 23-million lost in a two-week shutdown.

Bell says "virtually every" casino has committed to keeping all employees on the payroll during the two-week shutdown. He says casinos will use that time to do a deep clean of their facilities.

One arm of the casino business is still operating -- sportsbooks are allowed to take bets online. The problem is, there aren't any sports being played. Bell notes the canceled N-C-A-A basketball tournament is the biggest sports betting event of the year. It's been canceled, while basketball, baseball, hockey and most soccer leagues are on hold.

Indiana allows betting on 89 events in 24 sports. The World Series of Bowling is still in progress in Las Vegas, and Mexico's Liga M-X soccer league and Australia's National Rugby League are still playing. But those sports make up a sliver of betting action. Last month, nearly half the 187-million dollars in Indiana sports bets was on basketball.

You can still place bets on the NBA, WNBA and NFL drafts. But some sportsbooks have halted betting on who will win the NBA championship. And even if the season resumes, some sportsbooks have rules requiring that the full season be played for bets on teams' win totals to be valid.

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

The governor and other state officials will conduct a COVID-19 briefing today at 2:30 p.m. in the south atrium of the Indiana Statehouse with the latest updates on testing and cases.

Here are additional directives from Governor Holcomb.

• Indiana will adhere to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for large events and mass gatherings. The guidance recommends no in-person events of more than 50 people. Here is a link to the guidance: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/large-events/mass-gatherings-ready-for-covid-19.html
• Under the current guidance for schools, 273 public school districts are closed, using e-learning days, or on spring break and have announced a future closure. The Department of Education is working with the remaining 16 school corporations to determine their next steps and needs
• Bars, nightclubs and restaurants are required to close to in-person patrons and may provide take-out and delivery services through the end of March
• Hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers should cancel and/or postpone elective and non-urgent surgical procedures immediately. This action will help the healthcare system conserve resources and personnel necessary to meet emerging health needs
  • Physicians should continue to perform critical procedures necessary to prevent short-term and/or long-term adverse effects to their patients’ overall health
• The state’s Emergency Operations Center has been raised to a Level 1 status and will work in conjunction with the incident command center at the Indiana State Department of Health for planning, coordination, predictive analysis and other functions
• State employees will maximize the use of remote work and meet virtually whenever possible while maintaining operations. Non-essential in-person meetings will be limited to 10 persons or less and should meet virtually whenever possible. High-risk individuals should not attend meetings in person
• State employees over the age of 60 with underlying health conditions are advised to work from home, and agencies should identify work that can be accomplished remotely for those individuals
• The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, which are closed on Mondays, will close to the public beginning Tuesday
• The visitors center at White River State Park will close
• Indiana state parks and recreation centers, including state park inns, remain open. Restaurants will convert operations to take-out and delivery
• State agencies already are developing remote work plans for employees and will continue to implement them while maintaining necessary state services. Employees who work outdoors are encouraged to practice social distancing
• The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) has suspended rules requiring certain unemployment insurance claimants to physically appear at a Work One location to engage in reemployment services for the next four weeks. This will ensure that individuals who may be symptomatic do not have to physically appear to continue their unemployment insurance eligibility
  • The DWD will also request flexibility under federal and state law to expand eligibility for claimants and ease burdens on employers.

• The Indiana Economic Development Corporation will postpone the inaugural Indiana Global Economic Summit, scheduled for April 26-28

• Communities are encouraged to work together to provide child care options for all who need assistance and delivery services of meals and other necessities for senior citizens
• Hoosiers who can donate blood are encouraged to visit local blood centers. Blood supplies are low. Please follow the guidance at www.redcross.org

More information may be found at the ISDH website at https://on.in.gov/COVID19 and the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

RushShelby Energy released the following information regarding its location amid the COVID-19 outbreak:

At RushShelby Energy the safety and well-being of our membership and employees is very important. As part of that commitment, we are limiting the risk of the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Beginning, Monday, March 16, 2020, we will limit foot traffic in the RushShelby Energy office by closing the front lobby. Payments can still be made at our drive through window, online, or by using our automated phone system. Our line crews will respond to restore outages as they always have, but other non-critical appointments and services may be rescheduled.

We thank you for your patience and understanding. We will continue to monitor the situation and adjust as necessary.

Following the guidance from the CDC, local officials, and other institutions, the Strand Theatre will suspend performances until May 11.   We are working with our performers to change schedules to accommodate performances.   The following are the affected events:

4/8/2020  Darkest Hour (2017) - Film

4/9/2020  Dish It Out 

4/10/2020 Old Dark House (1932) - Film

4/15/2020 Community Treasure Series - Made in Shelby County

4/18/2020 Churchill- One Man Play

4/19/2020 Sunset Stomp Dixieland Band - Concert

4/21/2020  Attack of the Crab Monster (1959) - Film

4/22/2020  Poetry Night

4/24/2020  My Dark Reality - Concert

4/28/2020  E.T. The Extraterrestrial (1982) - Film

4/30/2020  Advantage Shelby County Graduation

5/1/2020  St. Joe School Program

5/2/2020  SHS Jazz Band

Please note the Shelby County Players performance of DIAL M FOR MURDER will take place from May 15-24.   We will work to reschedule as many events as we can.   We will also be doing events via live streaming as possible. 

Thank you for your understanding and support.   This is a very difficult time for all those who know and love the Strand Theatre.

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Department worked a two car personal injury accident , between the 114 and 115 mile markers of I74 eastbound just after noon on Saturday.

The department  stated that it appears a white 2003 Honda Accord traveling westbound ,being driven by a juvenile male, age 17, of Shelbyville ,  lost control and crossed median and traveled into the eastbound lanes. The Honda was struck by a white 2019 Nissan Murano being driven by Carl S. Walton, age 85, of Indianapolis. 

All three males, in the Honda suffered serious injuries. They were all taken to Methodist Hospital. The front seat male passenger of the Honda, Nolan Parker, 18, of Shelbyville, passed away at Methodist.  The other passengers in the Honda are also from Shelbyville.

The Nissan Murano  had four occupants. The driver, Carl Walton, was taken to Eskenazi Hospital as well as passenger Lillie Walton, age 76 . . The third passenger, Angela Harve, yage 51, of Fairland, was taken to Methodist.  All three had serious injuries .  A fourth passenger was not injured . 

The crash is still under investigation. 

Please Note: This information was accurate as of 3/13/2020 at 1:15 p.m.  The situation however is fluid and subject to change. We will do our best to keep you informed and provide access to the best care possible.

Prepare. Don’t panic. That describes our approach to the COVIID-19 coronavirus at MHP.  We are working closely with other health organizations at the national, state and local level to prepare so that we can protect our staff and patients should the virus become a serious public health issue in Shelby County. As of 3/13/2020 at 1:15 p.m. there have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Shelby County. Rest assured, however, we have been working diligently at putting plans and processes in place for an effective response, when and if it is needed.

“Prepare” is obviously an important first part of the advice mentioned above, but so is the “don’t panic” portion. The COVID-19 coronavirus is a new virus and with this comes uncertainty.  It’s normal to feel anxious and worried about the unknown, but to help with this MHP encourages you to keep updated on what’s happening by following trusted sources of information such as the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) https://www.in.gov/isdh/ or to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) https://www.cdc.gov/for. We will also continue to post updates to our MHP Facebook page (www.facebook.com/Majohp) as well as on our website at www.mymhp.org/covid. 

Things are constantly evolving with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), and as more cases emerge, we have had many questions come up from patients, employees and members of the community. MHP wants to help alleviate these concerns by sharing some of the proactive measures we are taking on a local level to help mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Set up a 24/7 Triage Call Center Line at 317-392-DOCS (3627)

If you are experiencing flu like symptoms and are worried you may have acquired the COVID-19 coronavirus, we want to quickly direct you to the most appropriate care and prevent the spread of the virus. Instead of driving to your doctor's office or urgent care center, please call our triage center at 317-392-DOCS (3627).

Implemented Visitor Restrictions & Screenings at all Entrances

As a preventative measure to protect our patients and employees, MHP is now screening all visitors and limiting access at the MHP Medical Center and Rampart Professional Building (Priority Care). Patients utilizing our valet services should remain in their vehicles and a member of our care team will come to them. Before entering the facility, each person will be asked a series of questions provided to us by the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH). Depending on their symptomology, our screeners may also take their temperature with a digital no-contact thermometer to ensure a fever is not present. MHP is joining other local healthcare systems in implementing these pro-active efforts to help limit the risk of exposure to novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

We have also limited the entrance points into our facilities.  Visitors will only be allowed to enter the MHP Medical Center through Entrance 2 (main entrance) or Entrance 1 (Emergency Department). Oncology patients will continue to enter through Entrance 4 (Oncology Entrance).  Entrance 3 (Health Pavilion) will be temporarily closed. Entrance 2 (main entrance) will be open 6 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday – Friday and will be closed on the weekends. During this time all visitors will use Entrance 1 (Emergency Department). At the Rampart Building (Priority Care), the side entrance has been temporarily closed.  All visitors will need to use the front entrance. 

Visitor restrictions are also being enforced and include the following:

• No more than 2 designated visitors per patient
• Immediate family members only
• Must be 18 years or older
• Must not have any cold or flu like symptoms

Testing kits are not available at our Primary Care Offices or Urgent Care Center

There are evolving guidelines from the CDC on testing. Currently, MHP is not able to perform testing for COVID-19 in our primary care offices or urgent care. Patients experiencing flu-like symptoms need to call 317-392 DOCS and one of our care team members will pre-screen them and direct them to the appropriate testing site if needed. Please DO NOT drive to your doctor’s office, urgent care center or hospital, unless you require immediate care. If it is a medical emergency call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. 

Most importantly, remember, if you are experiencing symptoms, please call 317-392-DOCS (3627) before coming to a site of care. 

Thank you for your help in protecting the community.

The IHSAA has announced the postponement of the boys state basketball tournament.

Due to the number of schools closing after today for an extended period of time, it has become apparent the IHSAA boys basketball tournament series cannot be completed as scheduled.

Subsequently, the boys basketball tournament is postponed immediately.

Saturday’s girls gymnastics state finals at Worthen Arena in Muncie will continue as scheduled with no spectators in attendance. Competition will begin at 1 pm ET / 12 pm CT. 

Kroger issued the following release into the COVID-19 outbreak:

At Kroger, our customers are like family. And like you, during these last few weeks we’ve been focused on doing all the things we need to do to keep our families safe and healthy.

As America’s grocer, we’re here for our customers and communities when they need us most, with open stores and openhearted hospitality.

We believe that everyone deserves to have access to fresh, affordable food and essentials, especially in times of uncertainty. That’s why our teams are working so hard to keep our stores clean, open and stocked. That’s why we took the precautionary step on March 2 to limit the number of cold, flu and sanitary products per order…so everyone can have access to the items they need. And that’s why our supply chain teams are working to ensure that the food, medicine and cleaning supplies our customers need are reaching our stores as quickly as possible and are available through our pickup, delivery and ship services.

We activated our preparedness plan several weeks ago, and we continue to monitor the rapidly evolving situation. We’re following guidance from federal, state and local agencies, including the CDC and other health organizations.

Here are the steps we’re taking to protect our customers and associates:

In Our Stores

• Cleaning commonly used areas more often, including cashier stations, self-checkouts, credit card terminals, conveyor belts and food service counters, and cleaning shelves when restocking products.
• Sanitizing restrooms more frequently and restocking with supplies, including soap, paper towels and hand sanitizer.
• Adding extra hand sanitizer at cashier stations, food service counters, and all Pharmacy, The Little Clinic and Starbucks locations.
• Wiping down shopping carts, baskets and equipment.
• Partnering with our suppliers to replenish high-demand preparedness products.
• Continuing to provide our customers with free disinfectant wipes at our store entrances to sanitize their shopping carts or baskets.
• Following best practices for safe food handling, as always.

For Our Associates

• Encouraging our associates to closely monitor their health and well-being.
• Providing hand sanitizer and tissues in breakrooms and meeting rooms.
• Asking our associates to stay home if they, or someone in their household, are sick.
• Providing financial support from our Helping Hands fund – a company-sponsored employee assistance fund – to associates who may be directly affected.
• Suspending business air travel for associates through March 31, 2020 and recommending virtual meetings.

For Our Customers

• Encouraging our customers to follow theCDC’s suggested hygiene practicesto reduce the spread of the virus.
• Recommending that our customers also practice safe food handling at home.

In everything we do, we’re guided by our values and our Purpose: to Feed the Human Spirit. We strive to make decisions that balance the safety of our associates with our commitments to our customers and communities. And above all else, we’ll be there for our communities when they need us most. 

 Ivy Tech Community College is delaying the continuation of current courses and the start of new 8-week courses until March 23 at which time the College will move to delivering all courses virtually. The College plans to deliver courses virtually through April 5 initially. 

The College will monitor and adjust this timeline as more is learned about COVID-19 nationwide and in the state.

Ivy Tech locations will remain open to provide student and business office assistance including the ability for students to meet with advisors, admissions and financial aid, use computers, and access to faculty as needed. Accommodations will be made for labs, clinicals and some technology courses to meet in groups of 10 or less as needed if social distancing can be assured. Information regarding such meetings will be provided to students from their faculty. Faculty and staff will continue to be on location to provide assistance. Ivy Tech students are currently on spring break.

“While our students have been on spring break we have continuously monitored the coronavirus pandemic and have weighed all options. Our focus is always on the safety and academic success of our students. At this time, given the escalating cases in Indiana and across the country, we believe that offering our courses virtually is now the most viable alternative. Ivy Tech currently offers nearly half of our courses online. However, with more than 1,600 faculty across our 18 campuses, we will use next week to provide faculty the training, tools, and support to deliver quality instruction to our students so that they can successfully move forward with their educational and career goals,” Ivy Tech President Sue Ellspermann said.

Ivy Tech offers 16-week courses that started in January and were at the midway point in the semester when spring break started on March 9. The restart of those courses will be delayed one week with this change. The College also offers a large number of 8-week courses, which had either ended by March 9 or are scheduled to begin on March 16. The start date of those second 8-week courses will be delayed with all courses starting again on March 23. In all cases under the current plan the semester will extend an additional week and conclude May 17. The College has not announced any changes regarding commencement ceremonies at this time.

Ivy Tech will continue to post updates atwww.ivytech.edu/COVID-19

Announcement from the Indiana State Fairgrouns & Event Center

In the interest of public health, Governor Holcomb has ordered that all non-essential gatherings must be limited to no more than 250 people. Until further notice events scheduled at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center are suspended. We will work in the coming weeks to reschedule those events that we can.

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, but the safety and health of our guests, staff and community are our top priority. A ticket refund policy is being developed and will be communicated when finalized. Please check back for updates.

Heritage House has issued the following temporary visitor restrictions at all of its locations.

Attention Visitors:

Until further notice, we are expanding temporary visitation restrictions at all Heritage House facilities.
1. All visitation is suspended with limited exceptions.
2. Activities outside of the facility will be suspended.
3. Activities inside the facility involving community volunteers are suspended.

These restrictions are based on current CDC, ISDH and CMS recommendations.

Thank you for your understanding. At Heritage House, our residents’ safety and well-being are our number one priority. Please contact the facility if you have further questions.

Indiana is seeing it's first legitimate risk for severe weather of the year today.

David Beachler, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said the greatest risk for severe weather is in southern Indiana. Damaging winds, hail, and a small chance for a tornado are all in the cards.

"That threat (for tornadoes) seems to be along the Ohio River and further south than that," Beachler said. "But, that's not to say there could be some fluctuations and we may see that threat creep a little bit further north."

Beachler expects the weather to start ramping up a little after 3:00 p.m EDT and keep going through about midnight tonight. It's the middle of March and Beachler said this is about the time we start seeing a lot more severe weather pop up.

"This is typically the time we starting seeing severe weather," he said. "We saw a couple weeks ago a round of severe weather in the Tennessee Valley. So, it's not uncommon to see the first round of severe weather in the middle part of March, especially in central and southern Indiana."

Beachler said the severe weather will clear out by tomorrow and that it will be the start of a spring like warming trend as we head towards April. He does not expect any more days any time soon in which highs will be in the 30's or low 40's.

The Strand Theatre in Shelbyville has released the following statement on upcoming performances that have been suspended due to the COVID-19 outbreak:

The Strand Theatre has made the difficult decision to suspend performances until April 8, 2020.   

We are an all volunteer operation.   The safety and welfare of our audience and volunteers is our first priority.   

Events that are affected by this suspension are:

March 13 - Donald Davidson

March 14 - Love and Rock

March 17 - Spaceways

March 18 - Downtown Presentation 

March 20 - Frankenstein

March 21 - Troy Davis All Star Comedy

April 1 - Liberty United Methodist Church Cantata

April 3 - Mario the Maker Magician

April 5 - Shelby Community Band Spring Concert

On April 1 the Strand's leadership will make a decision whether to extend the suspension if warranted.   We will have an announcement on that date.

We truly appreciate the support and understanding during these difficult times.   

Sgt. First Class Ben Hilgert is back near home with the US Army Field Band for concerts on Wednesday, March 11 at Civic Hall PAC in Richmond and Thursday, March 12 at The Palladium in Carmel. 

These performances feature the Concert Band and Soldiers' Chorus.

The 2000 Triton Central grad shared his experiences performing on stage from high school to Carnegie Hall with GIANT fm.

The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) has updated its new COVID-19 online dashboard to reflect four additional presumptive positive cases. The patients reside in Howard and Johnson counties and are all adults.

This brings to 10 the number of Hoosiers who have tested positive for COVID-19.

The dashboard can be found at https://on.in.gov/COVID19 and will be updated daily at 10 a.m. 

The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) has updated its new COVID-19 online dashboard to reflect two additional presumptive positive cases. The patients reside in Adams and Boone counties. This brings to six the number of Hoosiers who have tested positive for COVID-19.

The dashboard can be found at https://on.in.gov/COVID19 and will be updated daily at 10 a.m. and will reflect results received through midnight.

Additional updates on the state’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak will be provided later today.

Dr. Paula Gustafson talks about COVID-19 on The Morning Show with Johnny McCrory.  Dr. Paula Gustafson is the Chief Medical Officer and a board-certified pediatrician at Major Health Partners. 

At least four people in Indiana have tested positive for the coronavirus, with another child at Avon schools showing symptoms.

With more people getting tested, you may be wondering what you can do to stay healthy.

One major thing that public health experts are advising is to clean your hands with either soap and water, or an alcohol-based solution, like hand sanitizer, to avoid infection.

Doctors say that hand sanitizer doesn't kill all viruses, but it is effective against the coronavirus, meaning hand sanitizer has been flying off store shelves.

However, if you don't want to take a trip to your local grocery store (or can't fine any at the store) you can make hand sanitizer right at home.

If you make your own the sanitizer must have at least 60% alcohol to be effective. You can use rubbing alcohol or ethanol, and adding aloe vera will make it easier to apply. Alos, if you don't want to smell like rubbing alcohol you can add essential oils to mask the smell.

Required ingredients:

2/3 cup rubbing alcohol

1/3 cup aloe vera gel

5-10 drops of essential oil

Once you have all the ingredients you simply mix them in a bowl until blended and use a funnel to move it into a container.

The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) will provide daily updates regarding COVID-19 in Indiana as activity has increased across the United States. As of 4 p.m. Monday:

• ISDH has confirmed four presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 since Friday, March 6.
• Three patients are adults.
• One patient is a juvenile.
• The individuals reside in Marion, Hendricks and Noble counties.
• The Marion and Hendricks County patients are self-isolating. The Noble County patient is currently hospitalized.
• No other information about the patients or their conditions will be released.
• In total, ISDH has tested 32 individuals, including 3 individuals whose tests were sent to CDC.
• Two adult patients have a recent history of travel to business events where transmission of COVID-19 has occurred. The third adult patient also has a reported history of travel.

• In connection with these specific cases, ISDH is working closely with health officials in all three counties, the Avon Community School Corp. and the Indiana Department of Education to ensure infection control protocols are in place and make the best determinations to reduce further transmission of COVID-19.
• The spread of COVID-19 in Indiana is shifting to community transmission, as expected. The best ways to protect yourself are to wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, avoid touching your face with unwashed hands, avoid close contact with people who are sick, stay home when you’re sick, cover your cough or sneeze and clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• High-risk populations, such as elderly residents or people with weakened immune systems, should consider whether they need to socially distance themselves.
• Avon Community Schools has decided to close all its schools through March 20.

• ISDH is recommending long-term care facilities and hospitals review their visitation polices.
• ISDH recommends that nursing homes follow the latest guidance from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, found here.
• Many hospitals have visitor restrictions in place due to influenza. ISDH recommends hospitals continue to monitor the situation and revise those policies as appropriate.

• Indiana State Health Commissioner Dr. Kris Box, M.D., FACOG, and Indiana Department of Homeland Security Director Stephen Cox will begin meeting with Indiana’s 10 public health preparedness districts this week to review strategies and engage in person with local emergency management services, hospitals, county health departments and emergency management agencies.

• The State has upgraded its Emergency Operations Center to a Level 3 to allow for more coordination among state agencies.

• The ISDH call center for healthcare providers and members of the public who have concerns about COVID-19 will be staffed 24 hours a day at 317-233-7125.
• While the call center is now staffed 24/7, the public is asked to use the ISDH COVID-19 website, the CDC website or contact their healthcare provider with questions or to learn the most up-to-date information about the outbreak and what steps to take. Questions about symptoms and many risk factors, as well as guidance on travel, can be answered using the websites, which will leave the call center lines open to take calls from healthcare providers or others regarding the most ill patients. 

• The ISDH Laboratories follow CDC guidance on which patients to test. Patients who do not meet those guidelines can ask their healthcare providers about being tested by a private lab.

• ISDH encourages providers to use private labs that have come on line for lower-risk patients to allow the ISDH lab to focus on those at highest risk and those who are more severely ill.
• If you suspect you have COVID-19 but have mild symptoms, you are asked to stay home and consult with your healthcare provider.

All confirmed COVID-19 patients are required to remain in isolation until specimens taken on two consecutive days test negative for COVID-19. Individuals who have recently visited an area under a Level 3 travel warning also are asked to self-isolate for 14 days and notify their local health department or a healthcare provider if they develop symptoms of COVID-19, which include cough, fever and shortness of breath.

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a novel, or new, coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The virus causing COVID-19 is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold. 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 CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear 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.

This is an ongoing situation and is evolving rapidly. For more information, including a list of frequently asked questions, visit https://on.in.gov/COVID19 and subscribe to receive updates. Future updates will also be posted to this website.

IU Health has launched a virtual clinic to offer individuals in Indiana regardless of age free Coronavirus (COVID-19) screenings using the IU Health Virtual Visit app.

Staffed 24/7 with IU Health physicians, advance practice providers and registered nurses, the clinic will screen patients from home, potentially eliminating the need to visit physician offices, urgent cares or emergency departments.

The team will recommend and facilitate appropriate pathways for care, and provide direct access and communication with local hospitals as medically appropriate.

How can you access the hub?

1. Download the free IU Health Virtual Visits app (Google Play or iTunes) or enroll on your computer.
2. Enroll by creating a free login and completing your personal profile.
3. Connect with the virtual hub, select “Coronavirus Screen” and find the appropriate pathway for care.

Be sure to allow access to your camera and microphone if you are using the app. If you are connecting via desktop, be sure to test your computer settings.

Every state in the U.S. is now able to test its citizens for the coronavirus.

Vice-President Mike Pence told Fox News over the weekend the Trump Administration has changed rules when it comes to testing for certain diseases. It used to be up to federal labs to cover it, but now state labs can test for the disease at their own discretion.

Pence said if you think you are showing symptoms you should get tested.

But, Pence stresses there is no need to panic.

So far, three cases of the coronavirus have been discovered in Indiana. Two people who attended a convention in Boston returned with the virus and an elementary school student in Avon has also become ill.

Across the U.S, Over 500 people have come down with the virus and 22 have died.

An elementary school student in Avon has tested positive for coronavirus, prompting the entire school district to have an e-learning day on Monday.

The Hendricks County Health Department on Sunday night notified the school district that a student who attends Hickory Elementary received the positive test result late Sunday and shared it with the district.

The state health commissioner and the Hendricks County Health Department have recommended that Hickory Elementary School be closed for two weeks. Students and staff will return after spring break, on April 6.

If confirmed by the Indiana State Department of Health, the child would be the third person in Indiana to have tested positive for coronavirus. Two people who traveled to Boston in late February to attend a BioGen conference have also tested positive.

The school district released the following statement:

On Sunday, March 8th at 10:25 p.m. Avon Community School Corporation was notified by the Hendricks County Health Department that a student from Hickory Elementary has tested positive for COVID-19/Coronavirus. The law directs us to keep student medical information confidential.

The Health Department received the positive test result late Sunday evening and shared it with us immediately. Because this information just became available, we believe it is prudent to exercise our option to have an e-Learning day on Monday, March 9th for the entire school district.

Although it is not required, the State Health Commissioner and Hendricks County Health Department have recommended that Hickory Elementary School be closed for two weeks through Friday, March 20th. It is our intent to provide our Hickory students with ongoing learning opportunities, which may include e-learning and other experiences. Hickory students and staff will be able to return on Monday, April 6th, following Spring Break.

We appreciate the guidance and collaboration provided by the Indiana Department of Health, the Hendricks County Health Department and the Indiana Department of Education.

Questions should be directed to the Hendricks County Health Department at 317-745-9222.

Indiana has its first confirmed case of 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). At Major Health Partners (MHP) we are following direction from the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as we establish our practices in identifying, diagnosing and caring for these potential patients.

This is very much an evolving situation, hence the need to rely heavily on direction from the ISDH. For more information and updates on COVID-19, we encourage you to visit www.cdc.gov, www.in.gov/isdh or the MHP website at www.myMHP.org.  These sites will provide you with reliable, up-to-date, valid information. 

“At MHP, we are coordinating efforts with the CDC and the ISDH to prepare for, plan, monitor and respond to this evolving situation on a local level,” said Linda Wessic, CNO, COO at MHP. So far, MHP has not had any patients present that met the testing guidelines. “We have incorporated the assessment of clinical symptoms and risk factors into our clinical intake documentation and are well prepared,” said Wessic.

This direction will guide MHP staff through a process that assists them in determining if testing for the COVID 19 virus is warranted. As noted in the attached document, testing requires consultation with our Infection Control Dept, who then confers with the local Health Dept and subsequently, the ISDH. 

“Should a patient with COVID-19 symptoms present themselves, our goal upon entry into our system, would be to protect and contain.”, said Wessic. “Patients with applicable symptoms would be instructed to wear a mask and would be isolated as much as possible within the care area. If testing is indicated, all ambulatory/out-patients will be transported to the Emergency Dept and placed in a negative airflow room. Inpatients will be moved to a negative air flow room on the third floor.”

To help protect yourself and others, MHP recommends the following:

• If you have flu-like symptoms, wear a mask.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• 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 (such as cell phones, keyboards, and door knobs) using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Eat healthy and get good sleep.

Bridge 13 is an historic structure that met its end on the Shelbyville roadways.  But history called for its saving, not destruction, as Bridge 219 was constructed in its place.

That brought about the bridge’s rebuild and now it serves as a part of the Shelbyville trail system in the Blue River Park.

Shelby County commissioner Kevin Nigh says the engineering effort resulted in some special recognition.

The award was presented Thursday evening.

Governor Eric J. Holcomb and the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) announced today the first presumptive positive case of COVID-19 in a Marion County resident with a recent history of travel to Boston.

To ensure continued coordination, Gov. Holcomb is issuing a public health emergency declaration.

“With the help of our federal, state and local partners, Indiana is responding to this case as we have planned and prepared for weeks,” Gov. Holcomb said. “The Hoosier who has been diagnosed has taken responsible steps to stay isolated.”

ISDH is working closely with the Marion County Public Health Department, Community Hospital North and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to ensure that any close contacts of the patient are identified and monitored and that all infection control protocols are being followed.

A presumptive positive case means the patient has tested positive at the ISDH Laboratories.

Samples will be sent to the CDC for final confirmation.

The public health emergency declaration Gov. Holcomb is issuing today will call 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 will be posted at www.in.gov/gov.

State Health Commissioner Kris Box, M.D., FACOG, said the adult patient has been in quarantine since arriving back in Indianapolis and that the risk to the general public is low. The CDC will work to identify and notify air travelers who were on the individual’s flight from Boston and had close contact with the patient.

The patient will remain in isolation for 14 days and will not be released until specimens taken two consecutive days at the end of that period test negative for COVID-19. No additional information about the patient will be released due to privacy laws.

“The state health department has been preparing for weeks to ensure that we have the resources and systems in place to limit or prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Indiana,” Dr. Box said. “Given the global spread of this illness, the question was never if Indiana would have a case, but when it would arrive. I want to stress that this is an isolated case, and that this patient and the hospital did everything possible to limit the risk of exposure to other individuals. Because of those steps, the risk of additional exposure and community transmission is low, but we are taking every precaution to prevent new infections related to this patient.”

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 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.

The CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear 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.

This is an ongoing situation and is evolving rapidly. ISDH will provide updates as new information becomes available. For more information, including a list of frequently asked questions, visit https://on.in.gov/COVID19.

The Shelby County United Fund is officially underway with its annual drive.

2020 was ushered in with the unexpected passing of the executive director, Angie Davies, in January.

Interim Executive Director told Wednesday's audience at the annual kickoff breakfast about how he first heard of Davies' passing.

Drive Chair Kyle Beaty says they are prepared and ready to raise $850, 000 to make a 66th consecutive successful drive.

The Pacesetters for the 2020 drive brought in over $144, 000, just under 17% of the goal.

U.S. Congressman Greg Pence (IN-06) announced $6,500,000 in federal grant dollars to Decatur County to upgrade broadband service. This Rural Development investment will be used to connect 372 consumers, and build and improve 101 miles of line.

Pence has consistently fought for and supported measures to improve rural technology in his district and across the nation, urging support for America’s rural communities and introducing legislation to improve broadband access. 

“Without access to broadband, entire communities are being left behind,” said Congressman Pence. “Access to a viable broadband connection impacts nearly every rural community and industry in the nation, from agriculture to health care and medicine. Connecting our rural communities is one of my top priorities, and with this grant, we are one step closer to closing the digital divide.”

A Safe Haven baby box is coming in the near future to Shelbyville.

The Shelbyville Fire Department Station 1 will be the site for the box.

Fire Chief Tony Logan:

Davis, Mayor Tom DeBaun and the Shelbyville Fire Department are asking for the community to help reach a goal of $15,000 in one month so that Shelbyville will be able to offer a Safe Haven Baby Box, which will be located at Shelbyville Fire Department at 40 W. Broadway St.

A Baby Box is a safety device provided for under state’s Safe Haven Law and legally permits a mother in crisis to safely, securely, and anonymously surrender if they are unable to care for their newborn. A Baby Box is installed in an exterior wall of a designated fire station or hospital. It has an exterior door that automatically locks upon placement of a newborn inside the Baby Box.

Meeting the fundraising goal will cover the initial fee, installation and alarm service. Funds exceeding the goal will be used for marketing and educational programs for community.

The City of Shelbyville has established a Revolving Loan Fund.

The ordinance, passed by Common Council vote on Monday, would allow for requests to the city for funds to aid a project which brings benefit to the city.

The funds would be considered on a case-by-case basis.  There is no geographical footprint.  For instance, it doesn’t have to be for a project in the downtown or anywhere specific.  Simply, it must be in the City of Shelbyville.

Councilman Scott Furgeson says the Ordinance Committee was reluctant to consider the matter due to loans by the city in the past that didn’t have projects come to fruition.

The council noted that projects that come requesting monies from the Revolving Loan Fund would be considered each on their own merit but the goal isn’t to make monies available for basic maintenance and upkeep. 

Items like how much interest, collateral, clawbacks and other parameters could also be set by the council on each case.

Financial planning to pay for Shelbyville’s downtown garage, part of the city’s renovation project, are being set by the city.

The Shelbyville Redevelopment Authority and Redevelopment Commission held meetings before Monday’s Common Council meeting.  Mayor Tom DeBaun says parameters were set for paying for the structure and he expects positive structuring beyond those parameters.

Ron Kelsey with Genesis told GIANT fm News that demolition of the site for the parking garage is complete and with mild winter weather ahead of schedule.  He also noted that soil studies at the site have come back positive allowing for construction at the site of the new garage.

The Shelbyville Board of Public Works and Safety announced Tuesday that it will uphold the demotion of Shelbyville Police Chief of Detectives Clifford Coffman.

Upon recommendation of Police Chief Mark Weidner the board voted to demote Coffman related to neglect of duty and neglect or disobedience of a direct order issued on December 3.  The board decided that Coffman failed to actively involve himself in, guide and supervise a homicide investigation involving a stabbing death.

The board submitted the following document in rendering its decisioon.