The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) today announced that 508 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 7,928 the total number of Indiana residents known to have the novel coronavirus following corrections to the previous day’s total.　
A total of 343 Hoosiers have died to date. Deaths are reported based on when data are received by ISDH and occurred over multiple days.　
To date, 42,489 tests have been reported to ISDH, up from 39,215 on Saturday.　
Marion County had the most new cases, at 154. Other counties with more than 10 new cases were Allen (11), Elkhart (14), Hamilton (33), Hendricks (14), Johnson (29), Lake (69), Madison (20), Newton (17) and Porter (11). The Lake County totals include results from East Chicago and Gary, which have their own health departments.　
The complete list of counties with cases is included in the ISDH COVID-19 dashboard at www.coronavirus.in.gov. 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. Beginning Monday, April 13, the dashboard will be updated at noon each day.　
INDIANAPOLIS—One in five people who have died from the novel coronavirus in Indiana were African Americans, who represent less than 10% of the state’s population, new data from the Indiana State Department of Health show.
Dr. Kristina Box, ISDH Commissioner, unveiled the new data Friday at Gov. Eric Holcomb’s daily virtual press briefing.
“I expected the number of African American deaths to be a higher percentage than the number of African Americans represented in our state population overall,†Box said. “And that’s because that’s what every other state is seeing, and that’s because they have higher incidents like I mentioned of co-morbidities that are more likely to contribute to death from COVID-19 like heart disease and diabetes.â€
Dr. Woody Myers, the former state health commissioner and Democratic candidate for governor, said in a statement that this data shouldn’t have taken this long to be released.
“The state has lagged behind many others in the release of this valuable data. It simply should not have taken this long to inform the public and medical community about who is most at risk for coronavirus. Hoosiers need to know this information as a matter of safety,†he said.
He said while we now know some of the initial figures, there is still more data that needs to be shown.
“The reality is that minority and low-income communities will likely bear the brunt of this disease, both in terms of health and economics. The question we ought to be asking now is: ‘What will state leaders do about it?’,†he said.
Friday, Indiana saw 55 new deaths related to COVID-19, raising the state’s total to 300. There were also 556 new cases reported, with a total of 6,907 cases in Indiana.
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Box said tracking the data in real-time is difficult. She said with normal illnesses, like the flu, the numbers would be released on a weekly basis to keep them as accurate as possible. With this virus, she said, there is a need for numbers to be updated daily, but they might not be completely accurate.
She said the data is re-examined to ensure cases are not counted for twice, and double-checked accuracy. But, this normally takes longer than the 24-hour period between when new numbers are reported and might cause a slight change is the number of cases reported in the state.
Friday was a day when state officials delivered a lot of bad news, with data showing the pandemic has yet to reach its peak either in the number of cases or in the damage to the economy.
The state’s monthly revenue report showed March revenues were $70 million lower than projected.  And, these numbers don’t take into account the economic devastation caused by the coronavirus shutting down most commerce for the month
Cris Johnston, director of the Office of Management and Budget, said the state’s casinos were closed for only a week of the reporting period. The report shows that wagering revenues were down $4 million or 33% from the estimated revenue.
Johnston said the state is working to bring economic relief to not only the state as a whole but local governments and Hoosiers. He said there have been three packages approved by the federal government aimed to economically help states
One was directed for public health and buying personal protective equipment for medical workers and a second was directed to providing assistance to individuals on food, women and children programs, and services. The final, he said, is expected to bring more than $3 billion to the state to help fund existing grant programs.
“While it is a sizeable amount of money, we also cannot build expectations beyond this funding, that we cannot fulfill,†he said.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will begin distributing $668 million in relief funds to Indiana hospitals and medical providers from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which was passed by Congress and signed by President Donald Trump.
“Our health care systems and medical professionals are on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic,†Sen. Todd Young said in a statement. “The funding being distributed today will help provide them with critical relief to treat Hoosier patients now and in the future.â€
The state will have a task force in place to plan, administer, and account for federal aid the state will receive through the CARES Act.
Indiana’s Economic Relief and Recovery Team will be chaired by Johnston and Commerce Secretary Jim Schellinger. It will also consist of former state Sen. Luke Kenley, R-Noblesville, Ryan Kitchell, the former Office of Management and Budget director, and Becky Skillman, former lieutenant governor, among others.
The month of April, Johnston said, is typically one of the highest-grossing months of the year, although this year it doesn’t look like it will be. That is when the budget is expected to show the biggest impact of the pandemic.
Box said although it seems there is more and more bad news every day, there are also positive things happening. She said chalk drawings on her driveway and notes of encouragement have uplifted her during this time.
“It’s hard when we have this many people dying to be real positive,†Box said as she choked back tears. “But I know that we are going to do everything, and we are doing everything that we can to dampen the number of lives that we lose in the state of Indiana.  And I know we have a great Hoosier population that is doing a lot to take care of each other.â€
FOOTNOTES: Victoria Ratliff is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.
This Holiday Weekend, Loving Your Neighbor as Yourself Means Staying Home
Crystal Staley or Sebastian Kitchen
Governor Updates Construction Of Field Hospital At Kentucky Exposition Center
FRANKFORT, Ky.(April 11, 2020) – Gov. Andy Beshear on Saturday encouraged Kentuckians of all faiths to continue doing their part in the state’s fight against the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), even though social distancing is especially difficult during this holiday weekend.
“It’s a special weekend. I know I made a couple of headlines yesterday about those not complying. What hurts is that it should be about those of you making sacrifices to help one another,†Gov. Beshear said. “Kentucky, I have never been more proud of you and we are going to win.â€
The Governor emphasized that the vast majority of the commonwealth’s religious leaders have already planned for virtual services this weekend, and have been integral partners in protecting their congregations.
Even though the Governor banned in-person mass gatherings back in early March, he reassured Kentuckians Saturday that he would not allow the actions of a tiny minority to endanger other people in their communities. On Friday, he announced that all individuals who attend an in-person worship service or mass gathering of any kind this weekend will face quarantine orders.
Gov. Beshear said more than 99.8% of places of worship in Kentucky have done the right thing and temporarily suspended in-person services to stop the spread of the coronavirus and to protect those who worship there and those they come in contact with. On Saturday, the Governor shared a third video from faith leaders from across the commonwealth, this one all women, asking people to stay healthy at home.
The Governor has said this is an effort to stop all mass gatherings, not just religious services, to stop the spread of COVID-19 and save Kentuckians.
“What you are doing is working. Let’s make sure as many Kentuckians as possible are with us this winter and this Christmas,†Gov. Beshear said.
The Governor told Kentuckians this week not to worry about the Easter Bunny, who is an “essential worker†and will be able to travel and work tomorrow.
Update on field hospital at Kentucky Exposition Center
Today, Gov. Beshear shared a photo from inside the Kentucky Exposition Center as the state converts it to a temporary field hospital, in preparation for a potential surge of COVID-19 patients.
More than 300 members of the Kentucky National Guard have been called up and are working throughout the commonwealth, including setting up the field hospital and assisting in hospitals and food banks.
“Tomorrow, the National Guard will be in every area of the state ready to transport patients to hospitals,†the Governor said.
Sign language lesson
Rachel Rodgers of the Kentucky Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing provided a lesson Saturday in American Sign Language. Gov. Beshear asked Rodgers and Virginia Moore, executive director of the commission, to do this “so that all of us can better communicate with each and every brother and sister here in the commonwealth.â€
Yesterday, Moore taught Kentuckians how to sign “we will get through this together.†Today, Rodgers taught Kentuckians how to sign “Team Kentucky.â€
Case information
As of 5 p.m. April 11, Gov. Beshear said there were at least 1840 coronavirus cases in Kentucky, 185 of which were newly confirmed.
“Everyone in this country believes that Kentucky is flattening the curve,†he said. “Even though we doing a good job, we are still facing a worldwide pandemic with no vaccine.â€
Unfortunately, Gov. Beshear also said four new deaths were reported Saturday, raising the state’s toll to 94 deaths related to the virus.
The newly reported deaths include an 87-year-old male from Boone, a 55-year-old male from Jefferson, a 79-year-old male from Daviess and a 79-year-old female from Pulaski.
The Governor asked Kentuckians again to join him in lighting their homes green tonight in honor of the lives lost, as a continued sign of compassion and renewal.
“When we announce our deaths it’s not just numbers. It’s not just numbers we light our homes green for; these are people with families,†he said.
Gov. Beshear also offered an update on the racial breakdown of COVID-19 patients, which has been the subject of news stories across the country.
The Governor said with about 69.5% of the known cases accounted for, Kentucky’s cases included about 81.39% Caucasian, 12% African-American, 2.56% Asian, 3.94% multiracial and 0.1% Native American or Alaskan Native.
On fatalities attributed to the coronavirus, with about 80.86% of the known cases accounted for, Kentucky deaths included about 77.63% Caucasian, 21.05% African-American and 1.31% Asian.
“I hope one of the lessons we learn coming out of this is everyone should have access to affordable health care so they can be as healthy as possible,†Gov. Beshear said.
More information
The Governor is asking all Kentuckians to continue to fight the spread of the virus by following his 10-step guidance, which includes practicing social distancing and staying healthy at home. Gov. Beshear says these efforts have the potential to save the lives of as many as 11,000 Kentuckians.
Read about other key updates, actions and information from Gov. Beshear and his administration at governor.ky.gov, kycovid19.ky.gov and the Governor’s official social media account Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Watch the Governor’s social media accounts at 5 p.m. ET each day for his regular briefing.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages people to follow these steps to prevent illness. Kentuckians who want advice can call the state hotline at 800-722-5725 or call their local health care provider.
Nearly 550 miles of roads wind through Vanderburgh County. The quality of our infrastructure is key to attracting employers, growing our economy and enhancing the quality of life. To continue improving local roads and bridges, Vanderburgh County recently received more than $400,000 through Indiana’s Community Crossings Matching Grant program.
This grant funding is made available through the Indiana Department of Transportation as a result of a law I co-authored in 2016, which has since been expanded. In total, more than $5.5 million has been awarded to Vanderburgh County, Evansville and Darmstadt to invest in local road projects. Funding can be used toward road and bridge preservation, road construction, intersection improvements, guardrail replacements, and signage.
To qualify for funding, local governments must provide local matching funds, 50 percent for larger communities or 25 percent for smaller communities, from a funding source approved for road and bridge construction. This means communities across Indiana can participate in this program and move forward with much-needed projects.
Our state’s fully-funded, comprehensive road funding plan is helping to improve our roads, alleviate traffic congestion and eliminate costs associated with years of deferred maintenance. The Community Crossings program reflects an unprecedented partnership between the state and local communities to invest in maintaining and improving transportation infrastructure. It’s a big win for Hoosier communities large and small and gives them the ability to stretch their dollars further to focus on completing road and bridge projects. Our goal is to maintain this momentum to solidify our reputation as the Crossroads of America.
There will be an estimated $100 million available for communities statewide as part of the next round of grants during the 2020 call for projects More information on this next round of funding can be found at www.in.gov/indot.
Indiana is a national leader for making strong investments in our roads and bridges. As chair of the House Roads and Transportation Committee, I remain committed to keeping our infrastructure safe and functioning for years to come.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking corrective action to provide stability in the Pennsylvania and West Virginia economies. Specifically, the agency has established an emissions standard for a new sub-category of six small coal-refuse power plants under the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS). These coal-refuse power plants are an important source of reliable energy, a key economic driver in the rural communities where they are located, and a proven method for turning waste into a usable source of power while at the same time remediating a longstanding environmental threat. By taking this action, EPA is addressing a matter left unresolved by the last administration that threatened to put the coal-refuse industry and the surrounding communities out of business.
“While fixing this technical issue proved too complex or insignificant for the Obama-Biden Administration, President Trump has made clear that using environmental regulations to put our energy industry or rural communities out of business is not acceptable,â€Â said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “By establishing this new sub-category, EPA has put in place achievable emissions standards that will save hundreds of jobs and preserve coal-refuse recycling operations that have become an important part of local environmental goals. Balancing environmental progress alongside economic prosperity is not only a win-win, but also how the Clean Air Act was designed to work.â€
“This EPA rule will allow coal refuse facilities across Pennsylvania to remain operational, saving good paying jobs in the process,â€Â said Senator Pat Toomey (PA). “This is a fight I led in the Senate for several years. I appreciate the willingness of Administrator Wheeler and his staff to work with my office on this important matter.â€
“Pennsylvania’s energy economy relies on clean coal, and I appreciate the EPA’s action to overturn these Obama-era these regulations and support our local community, helping PA families and provide relief for our local coal miners,â€Â said Congressman John Joyce (PA-13). “We know that America’s energy grid security is dependent on a wide range of sources, and the coronavirus crisis has reinforced the importance of domestic energy production. The EPA is taking an important step strengthen America’s energy independence.â€
“Given Pennsylvania’s history, refuse plants are reclaiming our lands and cleaning up the environment. This will save jobs in rural areas of the commonwealth while also providing energy. EPA made the right call to keep these facilities operating and working for Pennsylvania,â€Â said Congressman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (PA-15).
“Thank you to the EPA for establishing a new emissions standard for coal-refuse power plants, which will help us turn more waste into affordable energy for American families,â€Â said Congressman Mike Kelly (PA-16). “Making it easier to remove coal-refuse from Pennsylvania communities will not only produce energy, however. It will also allow landowners to create more parks, nature areas, and address other community needs. Once again, the Trump Administration took decisive action to end the Obama era war on coal and in doing so, is helping coal country, and America, in more ways than one.â€
“The new EPA rule is an important and needed step in providing economic stability in West Virginia. These plants use coal waste for energy that helps clean up coal-refuse piles. Implementing this rule will  protect countless jobs and the local communities these plants are based in,â€Â said Congressman David McKinley (WV-01).
“I am pleased to hear the EPA is updating the 2012 Mercury and Air Toxic Standards (MATS). After eight years of former President Obama’s War on Coal, I am pleased that President Donald Trump continues to protect West Virginia energy jobs. This decision will benefit our state’s small plants and preserve coal refuse recycling,â€Â said Congressman Alex Mooney (WV-02).
“President Trump and Administrator Wheeler are once again delivering much-needed regulatory relief for West Virginia. Under their leadership, we are successfully fighting back against the previous administration’s War on Coal, and through their actions, our economy will continue to grow stronger,â€Â said Congresswoman Carol Miller (WV-03). “We are all working together to cut overburdensome regulations to keep our miners working, so West Virginia can continue to power our region, and the nation, with reliable and affordable energy.â€
“This action by the administration exemplifies putting into action things that actually make environmental sense,â€Â said Austin Caperton, Cabinet Secretary, West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection. “By creating this subcategory the EPA has recognized that we can turn an environmental problem, old coal refuse piles, into an environmental win. While not increasing emissions at these small generating plants, we will create low cost energy and place unusable material in an environmentally sound and permitted area. Imagine that.â€
With the reported forthcoming economic impact payments (commonly referred to as stimulus checks), there will undoubtedly be those who will attempt to take advantage of the situation. Scammers never allow a good crisis go to waste! For that reason, the Indiana State Police would caution all citizens to be ever so vigilant in protecting your personal information over the next few months to avoid being scammed.  Here are a few facts from the Internal Revenue Service every Hoosier should know.
On March 30th, The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service announced that the distribution of economic impact payments should begin over the next three weeks. The checks and will be distributed automatically, with no action required for most people. However, some taxpayers who typically do not file returns will need to submit a simple tax return to receive the economic impact payment.
For those who have already filed their 2019 tax returns, the IRS will use this information to calculate the payment amount. For anyone who has not yet filed their return for 2019, the IRS will use data from their 2018 tax filing to calculate the payment. The economic impact payment will be deposited directly into the same banking account reflected on the return filed.
Don’t give the scammers, swindlers, and frauds an open door. The IRS will not contact you via telephone or email asking for any personal information. All stimulus check information will be automatically gathered by the IRS from your actual tax return data.
For more information and to read for yourself, please visit the IRS coronavirus website for more details:
“Right Jab And Middle Jab And Left Jab†APRIL 12, 2020
“Right Jab And Middle Jab And Left Jabâ€Â was created because we have a couple of commenters that post on a daily basis either in our “IS IT TRUE†or “Readers Forum†columns concerning National or International issues.
The majority of our “IS IT TRUE†columns are about local or state issues, so we have decided to give our more opinionated readers exclusive access to our newly created “LEFT JAB and Middle Jab and RIGHT JAB† column. They now have this post to exclusively discuss national or world issues that they feel passionate about.
We shall be posting the “LEFT JAB†AND “MIDDLE JAB†AND “RIGHT JABâ€Â several times a week.  Oh, “LEFT JAB†is a liberal view, “MIDDLE JAB†is the libertarian view and the “RIGHT JAB is representative of the more conservative views. Also, any reader who would like to react to the written comments in this column is free to do so.
