Edinburgh Community School Corp. update

Edinburgh Community School Corp would like to thank you for your patience and understanding as we work through this uncharted change in our planned school year. We understand there will be issues, collaboration, and creativity happening over the next few weeks, but we are doing everything we can to provide the best information as we understand the current situation in our state and community.

If you would like to pick up meals for your students, it is EXTREMELY important that you complete the survey to make sure that we have enough meals prepared and can properly account for the meals served. These free meals for all students are served “Grab and Go”. A lunch and breakfast will be provided at the same time.

Below is our current plan for ensuring school age students have continued meal service during this time.

Meals – Our excellent cafeteria staff will be preparing and distributing meals through the summer meals program. Meals are free to children 18 and under.

When: Monday – Friday, March 23 to March 27 and Monday – Friday, March 30 to April 3, 2020

Where: Outside the main entrance of East Side Elementary, 810 East Main Cross, Edinburgh. Pull into the bus only drive and someone will bring the meals to your vehicle.

When: Pick up times will be 11:00 am to 1:00 pm Monday-Friday starting March 23, 2020
Meals for students are served “Grab and Go”. A lunch and breakfast will be provided at the same time. There will be no cost for these meals as they are served through the summer meals program and not the school lunch and breakfast program.

The USDA has made this exception during this unique situation that our state and country is enduring. It is EXTREMELY important that you complete the survey on our website at ecsc.k12.in.us or facebook to ensure that we have enough meals prepared. We need to order the food and milk in advance so your prompt response to the survey will be greatly appreciated. If you don’t have access to complete the online survey, please call 812-526-2681 with the number of student meals to be picked up and what days you will be picking up.

Gov. Holcomb signs new executive order

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

Here are additional directives from Governor Holcomb:

• Gov. Holcomb signed an executive order Monday memorializing that day’s announcements. A copy of the executive order is attached. Here is a link to Monday’s press release: https://calendar.in.gov/site/gov/event/gov-holcomb-announces-more-steps-to-slow-the-spread-of-covid-19/
  • The governor’s executive order also actives the Indiana National Guard to be on duty to assist as needed.
  • The governor’s executive order also delays non-essential public meetings. For essential meetings, one member is required to be physically present, but other members will be allowed to participate electronically.
• Bars, nightclubs and restaurants should now be closed to dine-in patrons. They may provide take-out and delivery services through the end of March. The Governor expects those businesses to comply with the directive for the safety of Hoosiers in their communities without the need to call for enforcement measures.
• Indiana Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program has provided guidance to WIC agencies to help them continue to serve clients while protecting staff and their families. https://www.in.gov/isdh/19691.htm
• The CDC has issued new guidance for when people can come out of self-isolation or quarantine. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.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 call center at 877-826-0011 that includes options for healthcare providers as well as the public. Call center staff will not offer medical advice or provide test results.
• The Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) has 12 Workforce Regions throughout the state. At least one WorkOne is open in each region, except Marion County. DWD is working with that local WorkOne to ensure unemployment insurance claimants who need access to a computer have that access.
  • The DWD office in the Indiana Government Center South in Marion County is open from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and has computers available for use.
  • Here is a link to FAQ on Unemployment Insurance: https://www.in.gov/dwd/files/Indiana_Unemployment_FAQ.pdf
• The Indiana State Library is now closed to the public. Access to the library’s online services, such as Ask-A-Librarian, INSPIRE and the Digital Collections, will continue to be available without interruption.

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.

Update: This story has been updated with more information.

Columbus City Council adjusted to the new pandemic reality with a mostly virtual meeting Tuesday night.

In a nearly empty City Council Chambers, Mayor Jim Lienhoop called for the roll call and council members responded to Clerk-Treasurer Luann Welmer mostly remotely.

Traditionally, Indiana has banned meetings with a majority of virtual attendees, not allowing those to count for votes or attendance. However, City Attorney Alan Whitted explained that the governor has authorized local governments to hold meetings with most members attending remotely. The council is required to have one member actually physically present in the room during the emergency.

The governor’s order also required local governments to pare down their meetings to only the essentials, Whitted said. The council agenda was trimmed drastically from the one originally released. Instead, they considered a change to the salary ordinance.

Employees are required to remain within two hours of returning to their workplace as needed, to be available by phone and are prohibited from taking on another job during the hours they are committed to the city.

The change would last the duration of the current emergency.

City Council approved the emergency amendment.

Bartholomew County update

You are all aware of the many actions being taken by the federal government, State of Indiana, local governments, local health care providers, businesses, etc. – to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 – the Coronavirus. We will work to keep you as updated as possible on this ever changing situation.

GOAL: The goal of these actions is to keep services running while protecting the health and safety of our employees and the public. While our office will remain open at this time, we will be following the guidelines from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Indiana State Health Department and our local medical professionals. You may see a change in staffing numbers or accessibility throughout our buildings along with new signage posting office numbers to contact.

We are encouraging the public to conduct as much business as possible via telephone, email, or online. Certain offices have drop boxes that can be utilized for payments and other offices may be placing drop boxes outside their doors for any documents that can be dropped off. If you have any questions, please call the respective office prior to coming in.

Public Nursing is encouraging the re-scheduling of any routine appointments and advises that any new appointments will not be scheduled until after June.

For the most up to date information on the local response to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) please visit our county webpage at https://www.bartholomew.in.gov/emergency-management.html#covid-19.

City of Seymour update

The city of Seymour will be following Indiana Governor Holcomb’s best practices advice to assist in preventing the spread of COVID-19. In an effort to “flatten the curve” we encourage everyone to abide by the recommendation to postpone any events with an expected attendance of over 50 people. Restaurants and bars are required per the recommendations to switch menus to takeout and delivery only.

The Community Center is closed this week for maintenance work. It will remain closed through April 3rd. We are also canceling all trips from the center in an effort to protect our regular visitors. As we realize not everyone will stay home and allow this virus a chance to clear its course, Park and Recreation will take up a more frequent plan to sanitize our parks. On that note, all City Park restrooms will be open from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on weekdays, but remain closed during the weekend.

The police department has suspended walk-in fingerprinting at this time. Seymour Fire Department is suspending firehouse visits and outreach programs.

We also request that if you need to pay a sewer bill to please consider mailing in your payment, paying it online, or leaving it in the overnight drop located at city hall. Paperwork that needs dropped off for Seymour Housing Authority may also be left in the overnight drop at city hall as well.

Services that will continue as normal are as follows.

• First responders will continue to perform their duties at this stressful time.
• City Hall will remain open due to rarely serving more than 10 in one meeting.
• Transit will continue to transport riders to their jobs, medical appointments, and other locations.
• Planning and Zoning will continue to issue permits and licenses.

While I know this will not be the easiest time for anyone, I hope you realize that we are indeed trying to “flatten the curve” and keep our medical facilities as open as possible for those in need. Please be considerate of others and stay home if you are not feeling well.

Many services can be taken care of with a phone call or email. I hope that you will be understanding as events have to be postponed and that you will attend them and more when the restrictions are lifted in the future. We will continue to stay as current as possible to the ever-changing details and update you with our course of action as needed.
We are all in this together, local food establishments are open for carry out services and would appreciate your support, grab a carry out and plan a family game night. As you have to go out for necessary items please remember to be kind to one another.

Columbus Township update

Beginning Wednesday, 3/18, the Columbus Township Trustee’s office will not be open to the public for business, as all staff will be working remotely.

Anyone needing Assistance should call the office at 812-372-8249 and leave a message. They will receive a return phone call from a Case Worker to begin the application process. We are fully prepared to render assistance remotely, and expect to do so until the current COVID-19 pandemic subsides.

Bartholomew County Solid Waste Management District update

The Bartholomew County Solid Waste District (BCSWMD) aims to continue to provide essential services of reuse, recycling, and waste disposal for Bartholomew County residents and businesses. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 virus we need to limit the number of personal interactions for our staff to meet the guidelines of the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Indiana State Health Department, and local medical professionals while maintaining essential services.

Effective immediately, we will limit use of the Columbus/Bartholomew County Recycling Center, 720 South Mapleton Street, to business customers only. We will continue to operate reuse, recycling, and waste disposal services at the Bartholomew County Landfill, 811 East County Road 450 South. Residential Recycling Services and limited Tox-Away services can be utilized at the Bartholomew County Landfill, 811 East County Road 450 South, for residents. Business customers will be accepted at Columbus/Bartholomew County Recycling Center and Columbus/Bartholomew County Yard Waste Site, but we would appreciate businesses calling ahead at 812-376-2614. The Commercial Cardboard and Office Paper Curbside Recycling Program will continue to collect from businesses.

Bartholomew County Assessor’s office changes

Ginny Whipple, Bartholomew County Assessor, announced rules for submitting Personal Property Forms effective immediately.

“Due to the Covid-19 pandemic”, Whipple said, “my office will only accept personal property filings by mail, email, telephone or by appointment.” If you have had no change from last year, the easiest way to file is over the phone, she said.

“I hate to inconvenience the taxpayers, but this is for their good and the safety of the office staff,” Whipple stated. As the virus is extremely contagious and a major threat to certain groups of people we are trying to limit the traffic in our office.

Business and Farm Personal Property Forms are due either in the office or postmarked by May 15th. Forms may be obtained online at www.in.gov/dlgf/4971.htm or by emailing motte@bartholomew.in.gov. You may also call 812-379-1505 to have forms mailed.

Town of Edinburgh update

From: J.T. Doane, Town Manager

I wanted to share with you the measures that the Edinburgh Town Council are taking with regard to the COVID-19 (or commonly referred to as the coronavirus) issue. The Town Council met in an emergency session at 8:00 A.M. on March 14, 2020 in the Edinburgh Town Hall to discuss and approve measures regarding COVID19. All of these measures are precautionary and intended to keep our citizens safe and limit the possible exposure to the COVID-19 virus.

Although we are not aware of any persons in Edinburgh that have tested positive for COVID19, we feel it is necessary to be consistent with the State and other local governments in putting in place measures to keep our citizens safe.

First, rest assured all of the measures taken will not limit or halt any of the governmental services that the Town provides to our citizens. We will continue to provide quality services and have available personnel to assist you with any issues you are having. This would include our first responders – we will continue to provide both police and fire protection services as we have in the past.

Second, myself; each department superintendent; Chief Herron; and Chief Little; has been and will continue to consult with both local and state officials regarding COVID-19. This will ensure we have the latest and most accurate information. We will continue to monitor the situation and take further precautionary actions if needed.

Thus to provide precautionary measures for our citizens, the Town Council is taking the following measures effective Monday, March 16, 2020 to Monday, April 13, 2020:

• Town Hall
  • Access to the Town Hall will be restricted for emergency purposes only.
  • We encourage all citizens to pay their utility bills online, with any processing fee
    being waived.  We also will encourage citizens to utilize the overnight drop-box at the Town Hall to submit their utility bill payments.
  • The Town Hall telephone number (812-526-3512) and utility office number (812-526-3514) will still be staffed and able to provide assistance to anyone in need or answer any questions.
• Edinburgh Parks and Recreation.
  • All activities and access to Sports Complex will be suspended until April 13, 2020.
  • All baseball and softball games at the Edinburgh ball diamonds will be suspended until April 13, 2020.
  • All rentals of campsites will be cancelled up to April 13, 2020 with a full refund of any deposit made.
  • The BASE program will be suspended until April 13, 2020.
• John Drybread Community Center
  •  All activities and access to the Community Center will be suspended until April 13, 2020.
• Timbergate Golf Course
  • The Timbergate golf course will remain open but access to the club house will be limited.
• Waste Water Department
  • Access to the compactor will be suspended until April 13, 2020.
• Edinburgh Recycling Depot
  • The implementation of the Recycle Center will be delayed until April 13, 2020.

The Edinburgh Town Council will review and assess these actions taken at their meeting on April 13, 2020 to decide if such action shall be extended. Please contact the Edinburgh Town Hall with any questions or concerns you may have regarding COVID-19 or the actions taken above.

City of North Vernon update

In an effort to keep city employees and the community safe we are restricting public access to City Hall and other department offices until further notice. All departments will still be working so if you are in need of assistance please call:

• Mayor’s Office: 812-346-3789
• Clerk-Treasurer: 812-346-5907
• Utilities Office: 812-346-4691
• Street Department: 812-346-1616
  
• Parks & Recreation: 812-346-9371
  
• Police Department: 812-346-1466
  
• Fire Department: 812-346-3300

Clifford Volunteer Fire Department update

After careful consideration, we have made the decision to cancel the fish fry scheduled for April 25th. We have done this with best interests of the public’s health and wellness in mind along with recommendations from the CDC and the governor.

Along with this, Harold Capper Hall will not be available for rent or any public use through April 10th. In the interim, we will be evaluating the COVID situation to determine a better timeline.

We do want to assure everyone that our department will still be responding to any emergency calls as normal.

Thank you for supporting Clifford Volunteer Fire Department. We look forward to seeing all of you soon.

The Indiana State Department of Health is announcing the state’s second death from the COVID-19 illness, caused by the coronavirus.

This death was in Johnson County and of the person was more than 60 years old and hospitalized at the time of their death,  according to our news-gathering partners at Network Indiana. The state says there are 30 confirmed cases in Indiana now with 159 tests complete.

Both Columbus police and Bartholomew County deputies are announcing changes to how they will interact with the public during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The agencies are reporting that officers may respond to your call in protective gear. They are also saying that non-emergency calls such as minor accidents or theft reports will be taken by telephone without an officer being sent to the scene. All emergency calls or reports of serious crimes will be handled by officers in person. Both agencies are also canceling fingerprinting services.

You can also expect officers to refrain from shaking hands or other unnecessary physical contact. And you may be asked to step out of a building or residence so conversations can be held in open air instead of confined spaces.

Hope Police Department announced changes last week in reaction to the virus outbreak. The department is limiting access to its offices. While the lobby will remain open, no unauthorized personnel, including members of the public, will be allowed to travel beyond the lobby. The department also anticipated limiting some of the administrative services it provides, such as fingerprinting services and handgun permits.

City of Columbus announcing changes to services

You are all aware of the many actions being taken by the federal government, State of Indiana, local governments, local health care providers, businesses, etc. – to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 – the Coronavirus. We want to keep you as updated as possible on city policies – although it seems like the health situation changes daily, and even hourly.

GOAL: The goal of actions the City will be taking include keeping Essential City Services running, protecting City Staff and following the guidelines from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Indiana State Health Department and our local medical professionals. However, we will be limiting the number of staff in our facilities, and request the public call or email prior to coming into a building.

City Services: We will continue to provide City services – but using the minimum level of staffing possible.

1. First Responders – Police and Fire: City Fire and Police will continue to be fully staffed and follow normal schedules.
2. Transit: We will stop fixed routes as of Tuesday night but will continue to offer Call-A-Bus services for people with medical needs.
3. Animal Care: Animal Care offices will be locked but individuals can make appointments. Animal Care Officers will respond to emergency situations and staff will continue the feeding and care of animals. Animal Care Services will send a separate Press release with information.
4. Department of Public Works: Trash pickup will continue on schedule, along with other maintenance work on roads, etc.
5. City Utilities: City Utilities will continue to oversee the water and sewer plants and continue to provide service in the field. In addition, their drive-in window will be open for payments but their lobby will be closed.
6. Parks Buildings: All Park Department buildings will be closed to the public but staff will be available by email and by phone. The Commons, Donner Center, Hamilton Center and the Columbus Gymnastics Center had been closed previously.  All outdoor playgrounds will continue to be open and will be cleaned daily by City Park staff.
7. City Hall: City Hall will remain open but with limited staff. We ask the public to email or phone prior to coming into the building if possible.

Columbus police institute changes in response to virus

The Columbus Police Department has established a number of practices in response to the coronavirus COVID-19 situation in Bartholomew County. The changes have been made to reduce unnecessary risk of exposure in order to protect the employees of the Columbus Police Department, as well as the citizens we serve. The community may notice some changes in the way officers respond to calls.

• Officers will still respond to major case investigations, such as calls regarding crimes in progress, motor vehicle crashes with injuries, missing person/runaway cases, and domestic disturbances. However, they may take certain precautions including social distancing, and using personal protective equipment.
• In more minor cases, CPD is encouraging members of the public to make reports over the phone. Callers may receive a return phone call from officers in an attempt to handle low level, non-emergency calls over the phone. The types of calls for which this could happen include minor motor vehicle crashes, vandalism, harassment, and thefts
• Officers may ask for callers to step outside their residences to conduct investigations in open air, and avoid unnecessary physical contact, such as handshakes
• CPD is suspending fingerprinting services until further notice.
• The Columbus Police Department is still in full operation, and officers are making response decisions in consultation with their supervisors

Bartholomew Sheriff outlines changes for deputies

The goal of your Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office is to reduce as much person-to-person contact as possible in order to mitigate the risks associated with the transmission of novel coronavirus.

BCSO is still responding to all emergency calls.  If you have an emergency, call 911 – we will respond as usual.

For all non-emergency calls – please call Dispatch at 812-379-1689.  A deputy will respond via telephone.  Beginning tomorrow (Tuesday, March 17, 2020), two deputies will be assigned to BCSO’s front desk, during first and second shift, to take reports over the telephone.

• Incident reports can be emailed, faxed or mailed by calling 812-379-1650.  For state accident reports, please go online to: buycrash.com
• Bartholomew County Jail Visitation – Cancelled
• Work Crew – Cancelled
• No fingerprints will be given until further notice.
• Public restrooms located in the lobby at the Bartholomew County Jail are closed until further notice.
• Courts have suspended all weekend commitments.
• BCSO employees have proper safety equipment/gear.

“Our leadership team is being very proactive in providing and adhering to a plan that will work for our agency and for citizens of Bartholomew County”, said Bartholomew County Sheriff Matthew A. Myers.

“BCSO deputies will not be giving criminals in Bartholomew County a “pass card” during this crisis.”  “I assure you, we will continue with all Sheriff’s Office and Jail services”, added Sheriff Myers.

Bartholomew County Public Library closing branches

From: Jason Hatton, director, of the Bartholomew County Public Library

With lots of discussion and the guidance from the city, other entities, and state/federal officials, the Bartholomew County Public Library has made the decision to close all locations and bookmobile services to the public as of Monday, March 16 at 1 p.m.

As already announced, all library programming has also been cancelled.

We are closing to protect the health of our staff and our patrons and it is a decision that we have not made lightly. While we provide an essential service to many patrons, we feel that by closing we will hopefully stop the spread of this virus sooner. Presently, we plan to reopen with normal hours and services on Monday, April 6 – but we will continue to assess the situation to determine if a longer closure is warranted.

During this time, we will be updating our social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, to share information with patrons, including updates on our closure and tips for making the most of online Library resources.

We also encourage you to visit mybcpl.org to explore books, movies, research tools, and more to download and stream. Take this opportunity to explore the tens of thousands of resources available to you from home with your library card.

If you need assistance, please email reference@mybcpl.org if you have questions or need some help troubleshooting. We will also be working to provide some virtual programming throughout the closure as well as sharing the great resources being made available by others.

Don’t worry about things like overdue books or returning items – any physical materials currently checked out will have their due dates extended until we reopen. And any holds that were placed will be waiting for you to pick up when we reopen.

We hope you understand that to interrupt our mission of providing access to people, ideas, information, and experiences is something we do only because we feel we have no other choice. Please stay safe, monitor your health, follow guidelines recommended by the Center for Disease Control, and check for updates at the Indiana State Department of Health website.

We look forward to seeing you again when we reopen, and in the meantime, please take care of yourself and those around you.

Bartholomew County Health Department

Bartholomew County Residents,

Bartholomew County Health officials were notified Sunday evening, confirmation of a COVID-19 positive case of a hospital inpatient at Columbus Regional Health. As planned and prepared for, Columbus Regional Health and Bartholomew County Health Department continue following the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Indiana State Department of Health for the care of this patient and the protocols for healthcare staff and community contacts as identified. Health officials are conducting the appropriate investigative protocols.

This COVID-19 case appears to be a community-acquired spread, as the patient did not have travel history or clinical contact link. The patient is in stable condition in an isolation room and all care staff are utilizing the proper personal protective equipment.

Indiana State Department of Health: State’s first COVID-19 death

Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb and the Indiana State Department of Health  today announced the first Indiana death from COVID-19. The patient is a Marion County adult.

“A family today is suffering the ultimate loss due to COVID-19, and this sadly underscores how severe the virus can be – especially for some high-risk Hoosiers,” Gov. Holcomb said. “The state is taking unprecedented actions to slow the spread of COVID-19, and every Hoosier should follow the precautionary measures.”

The adult from Marion County died at a Community Health Network hospital on Monday morning. The person, who was over age 60, had been hospitalized as a COVID-19 patient and also suffered from underlying medical conditions. No further information will be released about the patient or the case.

“I cannot stress this enough – if you are ill, stay home. If you need to seek medical care, call ahead so that your healthcare provider can take steps to protect others from exposure to COVID-19,” said State Health Commissioner Kris Box, M.D., FACOG. “We all have a role to play to protect Hoosiers from this illness, and the time to act is now.”

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a novel, or new, coronavirus that has not been previously identified. It is not the same as the type of coronavirus that causes the common cold. To date, 24 Hoosiers across 13 counties have received presumptive positive tests for COVID-19. All but one are adults.

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 and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands; and
• Rarely, fecal contamination.

Many people who acquire COVID-19 will have mild symptoms, can self-isolate and do not need to be tested. Older individuals and those with underlying medical conditions are at higher risk for severe illness.

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.

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.

For a list of counties with positive cases, visit ISDH’s online dashboard at www.in.gov/coronavirus. The dashboard will be updated daily at 10 a.m. and will reflect results received through midnight. The website also includes guidance and a list of frequently asked questions.

Bartholomew County COVID-19 Task Force

On behalf of the municipal governments of Columbus and Bartholomew County, Indiana we issue the following statement.

• In an effort to keep our community safe by following the recommended response guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and the Indiana State Health Department, the City of Columbus and Bartholomew County are recommending a more stringent proactive response to the COVID-19 virus.
• Our community’s strongest defense is to promote social distancing. It is important for community members to avoid gatherings, especially of moderate or large groups in public places.
• Current recommendations from the CDC are that for the next 8 weeks, organizers cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the U.S.
• Therefore based on these recommendations and proven preventative measures, the City of Columbus and Bartholomew County strongly recommend that organizations and businesses consider cancelling or postponing gatherings of 50 or more.
• Please keep in mind that the suggestion of ’50’ is an estimate, designed to limit the risk of transmitting the virus. If an organization has within its group a larger representation of people with risk factors (age over 60, or heart, respiratory or auto-immune issues) the limit should be less than 50.
• Organizations should consider moving those interactions to ways of connecting through phone or digital means.
• We also recommend the closing of any indoor public places and encouraging restaurants and bars to convert to take-out, drive-thru or delivery options.

Again, it is imperative that we, as a community, take whatever measures possible to prevent further spread of the COVID-19 virus. We realize these actions pose an inconvenience to many businesses and members of our community. Difficult decisions such as this are taken with the upmost care and concern for our citizens and for our healthcare system as it continues to prioritize care and medical resources to best handle this situation.

CRH suspending elective surgeries

Columbus Regional Health suspends all elective surgeries and procedures in Surgical Services, Endoscopy Center and Outpatient Cath Lab as addition to COVID-19 response efforts.

Due to the mandates put out by the Governor’s Office of Indiana and backed by the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and other clinical governing agencies, Columbus Regional Hospital has made the decision to cancel all elective, non-urgent surgeries and procedures as of Monday, March 16, 2020.

This measure is to meet the health needs of potential COVID-19 patients, protect against exposure and further potential spread, and to ensure that medical resources are readily available. A team of physicians, including surgical management at Columbus Regional Health, has developed a process for determining on a case-by-case basis which procedures meet criteria. Each patient need is unique and will be coordinated on an individual basis.

These efforts are geared toward the safety of our workforce and our community at large. Patients with scheduled surgeries and/or procedures will be contacted by their physician offices. Those with other questions are encouraged follow up with their physician or surgeon office directly.

Gov. Holcomb announces further measures to fight spread of virus

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

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.

Schneck Medical Center suspends elective surgeries

Following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Surgeon General, and American College of Surgeons, effective Wednesday, March 18, Schneck Medical Center will postpone elective, non-urgent surgeries.

The step has been taken to reduce the use of vital resources, including blood products, critical equipment and staff, as well as limit the spread of the virus.

>“This temporary measure will allow our hospital to enact preparedness plans we have been developing for weeks to create capacity and continue to deliver high quality care,” said Dr. Eric Fish, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “This is a fluid situation, and we will make appropriate clinical decisions with our physicians and assess capacity and resources against the need of the communities we serve.”

Schneck institutes further hospital restrictions

Schneck Medical Center has implemented further restrictions due to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Effective Tuesday, March 17, the Main Entrance located at 411 West Tipton Street is only accessible between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.  Additionally, shuttle service will be discontinued until further notice. This measure has been taken due to social distancing guidelines set forth by the CDC.

The Schneck Professional Building entrance to the main hospital remains open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday-Friday, and the Emergency Department entrance remains open 24/7.

As a reminder, every visitor and patient will be screened before entering the main hospital building located at 411 West Tipton Street, Seymour, Indiana.  Please consider arriving early for any scheduled appointments to allow time for screening.

Visitors are limited to two per patient and must be 18 years old and older. Anyone with fever and/or chills, sore throat, muscle aches, runny or stuffy nose, cough, fatigue, headache, and vomiting and/or diarrhea is asked to refrain from visiting patients.

With the announcement of the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Bartholomew County, officials are urging you not to gather in large groups. That comes on the heels of Gov. Eric Holcomb announcing this morning that bars and restaurant dining are being locked down to fight the spread of the virus.

The first Bartholomew County victim is in stable condition in isolation at CRH. Indications are that the disease is spreading via community contact, as they did not travel recently or have contact with someone known to have the disease.

Dr. Tom Sonderman, chief medical officer at Columbus Regional Health, explains that social distancing will be key to limiting the spread of the virus in this environment.

“These decisions are being made out of a concern and caution that community spread of the virus is now at a significant level,” Sonderman said.

Holcomb is announcing that bars and dining rooms in restaurants will be closing to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

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.

Indiana will adhere to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for large events and mass gatherings. Those recommend no in-person events of more than 50 people.

Sonderman stresses that sustained social distancing is the key action to dramatically reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Columbus Mayor Jim Lienhoop says that city and county officials are strongly suggesting that you avoid, cancel or reschedule any large gatherings.  He said that our community’s strongest defense is to promote social distancing.

“It is important for community members to avoid gathering, especially of moderate or large groups, in public places,” Lienhoop said. “Now, again, the current recommendations from the CDC are that for the next eight weeks that organizers cancel or postpone in person events that consist of more than 50 people. So, therefore, based on those recommendations and other proven preventative measures the city of Columbus and Bartholomew County strongly recommend that organizations and businesses consider canceling or postponing gatherings of 50 or more.