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BROADWAY IN EVANSVILLE ANNOUNCEMENT

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THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL, originally scheduled for April 16, 2020, will be rescheduled due to COVID-19 concerns.  Previously purchased tickets will be valid for the rescheduled date, which we hope to announce in the coming weeks.

THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG will not take place on May 5, 2020 due to COVID-19 concerns and tour cancellation. Tickets purchased via Ticketmaster will be automatically refunded to the original method of payment.  All other tickets will be refunded at the original point of purchase.

The safety and health of our audiences is our highest priority and we encourage everyone to follow the guidelines put forth by public health officials.

For more information visit oldnationaleventsplaza.com or call the Box Office at 812-437-8300.

 

“IS IT TRUE” MARCH 24, 2020

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We hope that today’s “IS IT TRUE” will provoke honest and open dialogue concerning issues that we, as responsible citizens of this community, need to address in a rational and responsible way?

(Recently we detected an issue where our subscribers may have not been getting breaking news alerts from the City-County Observer. This notification is to let you know that starting today you have been added to receive future news alerts.  If you no longer want to receive future news alerts please opt-out by clicking the  link in your e-mail to unsubscribe)

IS IT TRUE Mayor Winnecke recently stated: “that he recognizes that this public health crisis will have an adverse effect on our 2020 capital and operating budgets”?  …he further stated, “that the city is finalizing a finance ordinance to repeal a significant amount of money from our capital budget, hoping that some line items can be restored at a later time”? … the Mayor also stated that “he will file that ordinance for the Council to consider at its March 30th meeting and his administration and outside financial advisors will continue to track our revenue very closely in the days and weeks ahead”?  …we are told if the Mayor would have contributed a reasonable amount of money in the Evansville “Rainy Day Fund” during each year he’s been in office he wouldn’t have to take money from the capital and operating accounts? …the past and current deficit spending practices by the Mayor have also added to the current cash flow challenges of the city?  …we also wonder how the Mayor is going to get additional money if the taxpayers don’t have the money to pay their taxes?

IS IT TRUE that it is a time-honored and proven statement that desperate people do desperate things?…the United States may be on the cusp of learning this lesson the hard way if our elected congress don’t move forward with a financial relief plan that provides some immediate cash to people who have lost their jobs or had their hours reduced due to the “shelter in place” orders that happened as a result of the threat of COVID19?

IS IT TRUE in spite of this getting the United States Senate to pass a bill that would do this is like pulling hen’s teeth because opportunistic members of congress are trying to attach ideological actions to the relief bill?…making financial relief that is needed by people whose lives were impacted through no fault of their own for things like solar and wind tax credits, concessions to special interest groups, and other utopian wishes is irresponsible and puts us at risk for civil unrest?

IS IT TRUE that examples of desperate actions by desperate people are all around us?…buying a couple of months of food, toilet paper and bottled water on the shelves of a grocery store could be considered to be an act of desperation?….it is time for the American people to put their Tom Terrific thinking caps on during this crisis?

IS IT TRUE that civil unrest has already begun in some locations?…in Southern California a supply truck delivering food was hijacked by armed bandits and the contents of the truck were stolen?…something similar happened in North Carolina?…in what is perhaps the most callous act of civil unrest, armed criminals stole all of the medications and test kits from a drive-through COVID19 testing center?…these acts could be just the tip of the iceberg compared to what will happen if the obstructionists and opportunistic ideologues in congress fail to provide relief before people start to miss their rent and the food supply is depleted?…we can expect mass looting, robbery, and perhaps martial law if the congress that is there to serve the people of this nation fiddles like Nero while Rome was burning?

IS IT TRUE that the United States has turned into a tribal society with some people loving every word that President Trump says and others suffering from such rabid hate that they are literally opposing efforts to provide emergency relief to people on the edge of poverty?…we have been through a time like this back in the 60s where social unrest became riots?…in the late 1960s and once-great productive cities like Detroit, St. Louis, Baltimore, and South Bend have never recovered?…when the fires are started and “Burn Baby Burn” becomes the anthem of the street, we will have crossed the Rubicon into violence and chaos?…this must be avoided and if people who make a million bucks get a check who cares at this point?…the fastest way to get money into the people’s hands is to have no restrictions and no qualifying criteria?…at this point some in congress seems to be willing to sacrifice 97% of the population to prevent a few thousand wealthy people from getting a check?…this is insane and it needs to stop right now?

IS IT TRUE that one of the parts of the current bill that is being objected to by some democrat senators is a $50 billion cash subsidy to the domestic airline industry?…anyone with the mental capacity to read a balance sheet can see that most of our airlines will be out of operating cash in about 6 to 8 weeks without a federal backstop?…these people do not even have the presence of mind to understand that the planes are currently carrying medical supplies and ventilators during these trying times when people are not buying seats?…failing to see this is an example of abject ignorance on the part of some of our United States Senators?

IS IT TRUE we are told that manufacturing, airlines, medical providers, wholesale and retail establishments, public sector mass transit, hospitality and entertainment venues are also about to be flat out of cash and in danger of shutting down in the very near future?…the CCO hopes that our congress will actually choose people over ideology and partisan politics?…that President Trump often calls the coronavirus an invisible enemy?… another invisible enemy that has the capacity to plunge our nation into financial chaos and civil unrest is partisan political action?

IS IT TRUE that it was recently announced that Palm Springs, California will be the location of a new 10,000 seat hockey arena and has been selected to have an American Hockey League affiliate of the Seattle National Hockey League franchise?…the new facility will have two ice sheets and will cost $250 million?…this all sounds familiar to the Ford Center in Evansville but there is one very important difference?…the Palm Springs arena (not yet named) will not be using any taxpayer dollars?…the arena is a partnership between the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and a private investment group?…the arena will sit on tribal land inside a sovereign nation?…the taxpayers of Palm Springs and California will not be paying for or covering the debt on the facility in any way?…this is how stadiums and arenas should be financed as vital services like fire and police are not made to suffer to cover the payments on a temple to sports?
IS IT TRUE it would have been so great if Evansville could have done similar to Palm Springs, California by building an Arena that will not eventually bleed the taxpayers of $10 million per year for 20 years to pay for the facility?

IS IT TRUE that information is power but rumors aren’t?

IS IT TRUE that it’s obvious when it comes to having complete knowledge about the Coronavius that some people know that they don’t know and some people don’t know that they don’t know?

IS IT TRUE its time that relatives and parents of millenniums demand that they begin to quarantine themselves?

IS IT TRUE get on your knees and pray for divine intervention?

IS IT TRUE when the people fear the Government we have Tyranny!  When the Government fears the people we have Liberty?

IS IT TRUE our “READERS POLLS” are non-scientific but trendy?

Today’s “Readers Poll” question is: Which media is the most effective in giving us the current updates about the Coronavirus?
Please take time and read our articles entitled “STATEHOUSE FILES, LAW ENFORCEMENT, “READERS POLL”, BIRTHDAYS, HOT JOBS”, EDUCATION, OBITUARIES and “LOCAL SPORTS”.
You now are able to subscribe to get the CCO daily.
If you would like to advertise on the CCO please contact us at City-County Observer@live.com

 

 

JUST IN: Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office And The Evansville Police Department COVID-19 Travel And Business Restrictions

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Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office And The Evansville Police Department COVID-19 Travel And Business Restrictions

Tuesday, March 24, 2020

The Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office and the Evansville Police Department have published this release in order to clarify our local law enforcement response to the Governor’s Office COVID-19 pandemic travel and business restrictions.

Sheriff’s deputies and police officers have been ordered to focus on protecting citizens and local businesses from those few members of our community who might be thinking this pandemic represents an opportunity to commit the crime. Anyone bold enough to take advantage of our citizens and business owners during this crisis will soon be sheltering in place at the Vanderburgh County Jail.

Both Sheriff Dave Wedding and Chief Billy Bolin recognize the impact the Governor’s executive orders will have on the daily lives of our residents and business owners. The orders will impact our ability to travel, attend gatherings, conduct business and enjoy leisure and fitness activities.

We ask everyone in the community to abide by the restrictions that go into effect at midnight tonight. Under Indiana Code 10-14-3-34, a person who knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly violates a state of emergency order commits a Class B Misdemeanor. Our sheriff’s deputies and police officers DO NOT want to cite anyone for violating the emergency order. We seek voluntary compliance through open dialogue and education. WE MUST protect our at-risk populations from infection so that we can give our hard-working medical service providers the space they need to function at their best.

We do not yet know the full extent to which COVID-19 will impact our community. This is why following the instructions of the Governor’s Office and the Health Department is absolutely critical. Please listen to and follow the advice of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) concerning hand washing and social distancing. Don’t share Facebook posts from non-official sources concerning the COVID-19 virus. Don’t subscribe to or promote conspiracy theories designed only to promote fear and mistrust.

Please remember to check in on our elderly and sick neighbors, while still maintaining social distance. Stay home unless you must travel to work at an essential business or to obtain food, supplies, and medications. Making a good faith effort to follow the Governor’s orders now may give our community the best chance of avoiding the imposition of prolonged restrictions.

Travel and Business Restrictions

We realize many members of the public have questions regarding the Travel and Business Restrictions that take effect on March 25, 2020. On March 23, 2020, Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb issued a series of executive orders in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Executive order #20-08 restricts business activity and public gatherings between March 25, 2020 and April 06, 2020. The most relevant orders are summarized below. A complete listing of all executive orders and their prohibitions can be found here: https://www.in.gov/gov/2384.htm

Executive Order 20-08

ï‚· To the extent possible, individuals outside their homes must at all times maintain social distancing of at least six (6) feet (excluding family and household members).

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ï‚· Public gatherings of more than ten (10) people are prohibited.

  • ï‚·  All places of public amusement, whether indoors or outdoors, including, but not limited to, locations with amusement rides, carnivals, amusement parks, water parks, aquariums, zoos, museums, arcades, fairs, children’s play centers, playgrounds, funplexes, theme parks, bowling alleys, movie and other theaters, concert and music halls, and country clubs or social clubs, shall be closed.
  • ï‚·  All non-essential businesses are ordered closed (with the exception of the minimum level of staff necessary to facilitate telework and/or preserve the physical plant).
  • ï‚·  All non-essential travel is prohibited. Travel is only permitted for the following reasons:

o Obtaining medical care and supplies for individuals and pets. o Obtaining groceries, food and supplies.
o Outdoor activity such as walking, hiking, running and bicycling.

o Travel to work at essential businesses, government offices, healthcare providers, human services providers and infrastructure support.

o Court-ordered travel for child custody.
o Interstate travel for non-residents leaving the state and return travel for residents. o Obtaining educational materials or meals from an educational institution.
o To care for a family member, friend or pet.

Essential Businesses
An essential business may remain open during the state of emergency. A complete list of essential businesses can be

found here https://coronavirus.in.gov/2496.htm.

Expiration of State issued identification cards, driver’s licenses, vehicle registrations, renewals and firearms licenses. Executive Order 20-09

  • ï‚·  The expiration of any state agency-issued license, certification or permit which has expired during, or is set to expire during this public health emergency shall be extended automatically to Friday, May 22, 2020.
  • ï‚·  If you already had an expired license or registration prior to this public health emergency, we will still take the appropriate enforcement action. You are only exempt if the permit expired during the public health emergency.Hotline Assistance for Business and IndustryThe Critical Industries Hotline is available to help guide businesses and industries with the executive order. This center is reachable by calling 877-820-0890 or by emailing covidresponse@iedc.in.gov. This is for business and industry questions only.

    Restaurants & Bars Executive Order 20-04

ï‚· All bars, nightclubs, and restaurants closed to in-person patrons (take-out and delivery allowed). Executive Order 20-10

  • ï‚·  Directs the Indiana State Department of Health and local boards of health to take all available administrative and enforcement actions against establishments that provide in-dining services.
  • ï‚·  Directs the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission to enforce issues with establishments permitting in-person dining and holding alcohol beverage permits.

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 These complaints will not be handled by either The Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office or The Evansville Police Department.

What Indiana’s Coronavirus School Closures Mean For Special Education

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‘I don’t have a clue what to do’: What Indiana’s coronavirus school closures mean for special education
By Emma Kate Fittes
Chalkbeat Indiana

Katie Vescelus has resigned herself to the idea that, with schools closed statewide in response to the coronavirus outbreak, her son, Matthias, will likely fall behind his fifth-grade peers. For Matthias, who is blind, working remotely means relying on technology his parents aren’t very familiar with and losing some critical real-time help from his teacher.

Schools in Indiana are closed until at least May 1, and campuses may shut down through the end of the school year amid the global pandemic. While some schools could cancel classes altogether, the push toward teaching students remotely leaves educators trying to figure out how to best serve students from afar.

School closures place a burden on families and raise concerns for all students’ academic progress. But the closure creates a particularly difficult challenge for the more than 173,000 students in Indiana who receive special education services, ranging from extra time on exams to one-on-one classroom aides.

Indiana has instructed schools to continue providing special education services. But it’s unclear if a new stimulus bill being negotiated by federal lawmakers will allow states and districts to be able to request waivers that would loosen some of the restrictions on meeting students’ federally mandated special education plans while schools are closed.

On Saturday, The U.S. Department of Education clarified in a fact sheet that, while schools will be given flexibility in how services are delivered, they are still expected to continue to comply with special education laws.

“Nothing issued by this department should in any way prevent any school from offering educational programs through distance instruction,” U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos said in an accompanying statement. “We need schools to educate all students out of principle, rather than educate no students out of fear.”

In Indiana districts offering online learning, teachers are video conferencing with their students to help them through lessons, and some are giving students who need it extra time on assignments. Physical therapists are sending parents directions for how to continue exercises at home. Some teachers said they are dropping off materials at students’ homes.

Days before Noblesville Community Schools closed, Vescelus said one of Matthias’ teachers, who works with blind students, dropped off a new version of the specialized iPad he uses. The device allows Matthias to type and read in Braille, but his teacher or parent can look at the screen to see what he’s writing or reading in plain English. It makes remote learning possible for her son, Vescelus said.

Many special education students struggle with a sudden change to their schedule. It can trigger negative behaviors, educators said. And staying home also means they will miss out on the social aspect of schools, which they said can offer valuable skills.

“I’m trying my best at keeping the structure, but I don’t have a clue what to do,” said Amy Stempkowski, whose daughter has a severe speech disorder. “She gets so much support that I don’t know what to be doing to get her that support.”

Her daughter is in third grade at Butler University Laboratory School 55, where she typically receives speech and occupational therapy and gets one-on-one help throughout the day. Indianapolis Public Schools sent parents some general guidance, including worksheets that weren’t tailored to specific classes, but didn’t provide remote learning last week and is now on spring break for two weeks. Stempkowski said she hopes they release a plan for students soon.

School psychologist Diane Keller said she is still working to finish 15 evaluations for IPS within the 50-day deadline. But she faces a significant hurdle because parts of her test, including those that rely on seeing how a student interacts with their surroundings, can’t effectively be completed remotely.

Her evaluations are used to determine what services students need. And it’s hard to evaluate functional behavior when students are at home rather than a busy school, she said.

“It’s very hard to put out something that is mediocre because that’s not our role,” Keller said. “Our role is to make a difference.”

Angie Balsley, executive director of Earlywood Educational Services, said some schools in the six districts her education cooperative serves had just 24-hours notice before doors shut. Balsly, who is also president-elect of Indiana Council of Administrators of Special Education, is talking with education directors state- and nationwide to come up with solutions for their students, but recognizes that none will be ideal.

“As far as not being able to be face-to-face with your kids, that will never be easier,” she said. “The loss of instruction is heartbreaking but we have to keep that priority in front of us: This is a war on coronavirus and we are all in. We all have a part to play.”

For Vescelus that means doing her best to keep Matthias on track. But it also means Matthais will likely enter sixth grade behind where he would have been without closures. He will also miss visits to his new middle school that had been planned so he could learn how to navigate the unfamiliar building.

Vescelus said there’s a lot of anxiety among parents of students with disabilities who are facing stepping into the role of special education teacher. She’s tried that, she said, and it created a stressful environment. There are some lessons she can’t help with, such as teaching basic algebra in Braille.

Instead, she makes sure Matthias gets breaks throughout the day and messages his teachers if he has a question.

“I don’t feel that pressure,” Vescelus said. “If I can’t help him, I can’t help him and it’s OK. His life is not going to be a failure if we miss a couple of lessons over the next couple of months.”

She added, “Maybe the learning right now of algebra isn’t as robust as it would have been in the classroom. But this allows him to learn some pretty significant problem-solving.”

Trump Says He Wants Country ‘Opened Up’ By Easter

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Trump Says He Wants Country ‘Opened Up’ By Easter, Despite Caution From Health Experts

Public health experts have said easing restrictions too early could put an enormous strain on hospitals and lead to even more deaths and economic damage.

By Shannon Pettypiece and Peter Alexander

 

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said Tuesday that he wants to have the country getting back to business by April 12, Easter Sunday, even as the coronavirus pandemic worsens.

“I would love to have the country opened up and raring to go by Easter,” Trump said during a Fox News interview.

Public health experts and local and state leaders have cautioned against easing restrictions too early, saying it could put an enormous strain on hospitals and lead to even more deaths and economic damage. But Trump said Tuesday that he believed the human toll would be greater should Americans continue to stay at home.

“This cure is worse than the problem,” Trump said, adding that “in my opinion, more people are going to die if we allow this to continue.”

A White House official said the president does not view Easter as a date that he can begin to open things up, but a date by which the economy is speeding again. That means the loosening of restrictions would, under this scenario, start much sooner. The official says the focus now remains on how to get there, in phases, to address the challenges demographically and geographically.

Trump told Fox News later Tuesday that he was targeting Easter because “you will have packed churches all over our country, I think it would be a beautiful time and it is just about the timeline that I think is right.”

Trump said people can continue to practice good hygiene and social distancing even while going back to work to try to control the virus’s spread.

Trump on Tuesday expressed frustration with the economic consequences of having millions of Americans staying home and compared the coronavirus to the flu, despite public experts cautioning against the comparison.

“We lose thousands and thousands of people a year to the flu, we don’t turn the country off every year,” he said.

Administration officials, eager to get the country back to business, have grown increasingly concerned in recent days about the economic impact the tight restrictions on movement and social interactions are having. These officials said they worry that the White House went too far in allowing public health experts to set policy and that their actions did not need to be so draconian.

The push for Americans to stay home, championed by public health experts, is aimed at curbing the spread of the virus and “flattening the curve” of new cases. Officials in Italy were slow to isolate affected regions and limit movement, leading to one of the world’s worst outbreaks so far.

While Trump may want to see American life return to normal, many governors and mayors are the ones putting orders in place telling residents to stay at home and closing schools, restaurants and bars. On Monday, Michigan’s governor issued a three-week order telling people not to gather in public or private with people who are not part of their household, with some exceptions, and Virginia closed its schools for the rest of the year.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday strongly pushed back on calls to ease health guidelines in hopes of boosting the economy, saying that “we will not put a dollar figure on human life.”

“We can have a public health strategy that is consistent with an economic one,” he tweeted. “No one should be talking about social Darwinism for the sake of the stock market.”

WRITTEN BY: Shannon Pettypiece at Shannon Pettypiece is the senior White House reporter for NBCNews.com., and Peter Alexander at  Peter Alexander is a White House correspondent for NBC News.

JUST IN: FOUR EXECUTIVE ORDERS FROM GOVERNOR HOLCOMB

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Due To High Traffic, The Governor’s Website Is Struggling To Load.

Attached Are Four Executive Orders.

Executive Order 20-08 (Stay at Home)

Executive Order 20-09 (Continuity of Government Operations)

Executive Order 20-11 (Carryout Consumption of Alcohol)Executive Order 20-10

(Enforcement of In-Person Dining Prohibition)

 

 

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EWSU Customer Call Center Temporarily Unavailable Today Operations will Resume Wednesday

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The Evansville Water and Sewer Utility (EWSU) Customer Call Center is temporarily unavailable today due to staffing issues but will reopen Wednesday, March 25, 2020. The Customer Call Center will resume operations during regular business hours, from 7:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., with limited staff onsite. As a result, callers may experience longer wait times than usual on the phone. Additional staff will work from home via computer to respond to questions and concerns online.

EWSU Executive Director Allen Mounts said this temporary staffing arrangement will allow the utility to continue serving customers while complying with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines on social distancing to reduce the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). In the meantime, customers are encouraged to use EWSU online services available 24/7 at www.ewsu.com or email concerns to customerservice@ewsu.com.

Customers are also welcome to use the drop box located in front of the Civic Center building and the Bill Pay Kiosk next to the Civic Center main entrance to make payments or download the MyWater EWSU app to view account balances, pay bills online and monitor water usage.

Our website, www.ewsu.com,  may be utilized to request payment arrangements, start new services, transfer services, or request to end services. Simply fill out the online forms and the request will be processed within one to three business days. The website also gives customers access to pay bills online.

For all general non-emergency requests, services, or questions about balances and billing, visit www.ewsu or email customerservice@ewsu.com. For emergencies only, call 812-421-2130.

 

Hotline to help business and industry with Stay-at-Home Order back up

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Help still available via email

INDIANAPOLIS – 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.

Indiana Stay-At-Home Order FAQ

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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, visitin.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.

 

 

Guidance on Upcoming COVID-19 Travel and Business Restrictions

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We realize many members of the public have questions regarding the Travel and Business Restrictions that take effect on March 25, 2020. We’ve summarized what you need to know.

On March 23, 2020, Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb issued a series of executive orders in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Executive order #20-08 restricts business activity and public gatherings between March 25, 2020 and April 06, 2020. The below summary is not intended to be a list of all the current state of emergency orders. A complete listing of all executive orders and their prohibitions can be found here: https://www.in.gov/gov/2384.htm

Executive Order 20-04

  • All bars, nightclubs and restaurants closed to in-person patrons (take-out and delivery allowed).

Executive Order 20-08

  • To the extent possible, individuals outside their homes must at all times maintain social distancing of at least six (6) feet (excluding family and household members).
  • Public gatherings of more than ten (10) people are prohibited.
  • All places of public amusement, whether indoors or outdoors, including, but not limited to, locations with amusement rides, carnivals, amusement parks, water parks, aquariums, zoos, museums, arcades, fairs, children’s play centers, playgrounds, funplexes, theme parks, bowling alleys, movie and other theaters, concert and music halls, and country clubs or social clubs, shall be closed.
  • All non-essential businesses are ordered closed (with the exception of the minimum level of staff necessary to facilitate tele-work and/or preserve the physical plant).

All non-essential travel is prohibited. Travel is only permitted for the following reasons:

  • Obtaining medical care and supplies for individuals and pets.
  • Obtaining groceries, food and supplies.
  • Outdoor activity such as walking, hiking, running and bicycling.
  • Travel to work at essential businesses, government offices, healthcare providers, human services providers and infrastructure support.
  • Court ordered travel for child custody.
  • Interstate travel for non-residents leaving the state and return travel for residents.
  • Obtaining educational materials or meals from an educational institution.
  • To care for a family member, friend or pet.

Essential Businesses
An essential business may remain open during the state of emergency. Executive Order 20-08 defines essential businesses as the following:

A Business Type on the CISA List
On March 19, 2020, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued a definition of Essential Businesses and Operations, which may be accessed at the following link:
https://bit.ly/2xYLvXP.

Stores That Sell Groceries and Medicine
Grocery stores, pharmacies, certified farmer’s markets, farm and produce stands, supermarkets, convenience stores, and other establishments engaged in the retail sale of groceries, canned food, dry goods, frozen foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, pet supplies, fresh meats, fish, and poultry, prepared food, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, any other household consumer products (such as cleaning and personal care products), and specifically includes their supply chain and administrative support operations. This includes stores that sell groceries, medicine (including medication not requiring a medical prescription), and also that sell other non-grocery products, and products necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences and Essential Businesses and Operations.

Food, Beverage, and Agriculture
Food and beverage manufacturing, production, processing, cultivation, including farming, livestock, fishing, baking, and other production agriculture, including cultivation, marketing, production, and distribution of animals and goods for consumption; and businesses that provide food, shelter, and other necessities of life for animals, including animal shelters, rescues, shelters, kennels, and adoption facilities.

Organizations That Provide Charitable and Social Services
Businesses and religious and secular non-profit organizations, including food banks, when providing food, shelter, and social services, and other necessities of life for economically disadvantaged or otherwise needy individuals, individuals who need assistance as a result of this emergency, and people with disabilities.

Religious Entities
Religious facilities, entities and groups, and religious gatherings, provided they adhere to the CDC’s guidance on social gatherings.

Media
Newspapers, television, radio, and other media services.

Gas Stations and Businesses Needed for Transportation
Gas stations and auto supply, auto-repair, farm equipment, construction equipment, boat repair, and related facilities, and bicycle shops and related facilities.

Financial and Insurance Institutions
Banks, currency exchanges, consumer lenders, including, but not limited to, credit unions, pawnbrokers, consumer installment lenders and sales finance lenders, title companies, appraisers, financial markets, trading and futures exchanges, payday lenders, affiliates of financial institutions, entities that issue bonds, related financial institutions, and institutions selling financial products. Also, insurance companies, underwriters, agents, brokers, and related insurance claims and agency services.

Hardware and Supply Stores
Hardware stores and businesses that sell electrical, plumbing, and heating material.

Critical Trades
Building, construction, and other trades, including, but not limited to, plumbers, electricians, exterminators, operating engineers, cleaning and janitorial staff for commercial and governmental properties, security staff, HVAC, painting, moving and relocation services, and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences, Essential
Activities, and Essential Businesses and Operations.

Mail, Post, Shipping, Logistics, Delivery, and Pick-Up Services
Post offices and other businesses that provide shipping and delivery services, as well as
businesses that ship or deliver groceries, food, goods, vehicles, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, or services to end users or through commercial channels.

Educational Institutions
Educational institutions (including public and private pre-K-12 schools, colleges, and
universities) for purposes of facilitating distance learning, performing critical research, or performing essential functions, provided that social distancing of six-feet per person is maintained to the greatest extent possible. This Executive Order is consistent with, and does not amend or supersede, any prior Executive Order regarding the closure of schools.

Laundry Services
Laundromats, dry cleaners, industrial laundry services, as well as laundry service providers.

Restaurants for Consumption Off-Premises
Restaurants, bars, taverns, and other facilities that prepare and serve food, but only for
consumption off-premises, through such means as in-house delivery, third-party delivery, drivethrough, curbside pick-up, and carryout. The foregoing is addressed in Executive Orders 20-04 and 20-10. The in-person dining prohibition shall be enforced under and pursuant to the process described in Executive Order 20-10. Schools and other entities that typically provide food services to students or members of the public may continue to do so under this Executive Order on the condition that the food is provided to students or members of the public on a pick-up and takeaway basis only. Schools and other entities that provide food services under this exemption shall not permit the food to be eaten at the site where it is provided, or at any other gathering site due to the virus’s propensity to physically impact surfaces and personal property. This Executive Order is consistent with, and does not amend or supersede, prior Executive Orders regarding the closure of restaurants.

Supplies to Work from Home
Businesses that sell, manufacture, or supply products needed for people to work from home.

Supplies for Essential Businesses and Operations
Businesses that sell, manufacture, and/or supply other Essential Businesses and Operations with the support or materials necessary to operate, including computers, audio and video electronics, household appliances; IT and telecommunication equipment; hardware, paint, flat glass; electrical, plumbing and heating material; sanitary equipment; personal hygiene products; food, food additives, ingredients and components; medical and orthopedic equipment; optics and photography equipment; diagnostics, food and beverages, chemicals, soaps and detergent; and firearm and ammunition suppliers and retailers for purposes of safety and security.

Transportation
Airlines, taxis, transportation network providers (such as Uber and Lyft), vehicle rental services, paratransit, marinas, docks, boat storage, and other private, public, and commercial transportation and logistics providers necessary for the Essential Activities and other purposes expressly authorized in this Executive Order.

Home-Based Care and Services
Home-based care for adults, seniors, children, and/or people with developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, substance use disorders, and/or mental illness, including caregivers such as nannies who may travel to the child’s home to provide care, and other in-home services including meal delivery.

Residential Facilities and Shelters
Residential facilities and shelters for adults, seniors, children, pets, and/or people with
developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, substance use disorders, or mental illness.

Professional Services
Professional services, such as legal services, accounting services, insurance services, and real estate services (including appraisal and title services).

Manufacture, Distribution, and Supply Chain for Critical Products and Industries
Manufacturing companies, distributors, and supply chain companies producing and supplying essential products and services in and for industries, such as healthcare, pharmaceutical, technology, biotechnology, chemicals and sanitization, agriculture, waste pickup and disposal, food and beverage, transportation, energy, steel and steel products, petroleum, fuel, mining, construction, national defense, communications, and products used by other Essential Businesses and Operations.

Critical Labor Union Functions
Labor union essential activities, including the administration of health and welfare funds and personnel checking on the well-being and safety of members providing services in Essential Businesses and Operations, provided that these checks should be done by telephone or remotely where possible.

Hotels and Motels
Hotels and motels, to the extent they are used for lodging and delivery or carryout food services.

Funeral Services
Funeral, mortuary, cremation, burial, cemetery, and related services.

Penalty for Violation
Under Indiana Code 10-14-3-34, a person who knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly violates a state of emergency order commits a Class B Misdemeanor.

In Closing
These steps are being taken to protect our at-risk elderly population from infection and to reduce the chance of exceeding our local medical services capacity. The Sheriff’s Office asks for your assistance in complying with the Governor’s orders during the coming weeks.

Together, through cooperation, we can keep out most vulnerable citizens safe.

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