JUST IN: COUNTY COMMISSIONER BEN SHOULDERS LEADS EFFORT TO INFORM COMMUNITY ABOUT THE VCHD PLANS TO MONITOR AND PROTECT THEM FROM CORONAVIRUS

FEBRUARY 27, 2020

Dear Vanderburgh County Residents:

On behalf of the Vanderburgh County Commissioners, I want to make everyone aware that our Vanderburgh County Health Department has been in close communication with both the CDC and ISDH in regards to what we know about COVID-19 commonly known as the Coronavirus—how we would track/monitor individuals locally who may have been exposed, and what the CDC and ISDH recommend for people to protect themselves.

Upon request, we have several documents with this information, and a great deal more information can be found on the ISDH website.  Please note that our Health Department has been in contact with our State Health Department and we are prepared for the Coronavirus should it appear in Vanderburgh County.  We have also been in contact with the local hospitals who are also prepared to respond as needed.

As of right now the people who are considered most at risk are those who have traveled to China or those who have been in close contact with someone known to have this disease.

Currently the CDC website indicates 14 confirmed cases in the United State, with 12 of those having traveled to China.

At this point our Health Department feels our population is at more risk from the flu rather than the Coronavirus.  That isn’t to say we couldn’t see it appear in our county in the near future, but right now the likelihood is low.  Furthermore, the Vanderburgh County Health Department is being as proactive as possible as it relates to the Coronavirus.

Please contact our office at 812-435-5241 or the Vanderburgh County Health Department directly at 812-435-2400, should you have any questions or concerns.

Thank you for your time and attention to this important matter,

Ben Shoulders

Vice President

Vanderburgh County Commissioners

CC: County Commissioner President Jeff Hatfield

CC: County Commissioner Cheryl Musgrave