COVID-19 Updates as of Thursday, April 2, 2020

Thursday, April 2, 2020

Coronavirus updates for Friday, April 3 as of press time Thursday evening:

Three COVID-19 cases now confirmed

On Thursday, the Clay County Health Department confirmed two new cases of COVID-19 in the county. The first positive case was announced shortly afternoon, and the patient was reported to be hospitalized; while the second positive case was announced shortly after 4 p.m. That patient is reported to be self-isolated Clay County is working closely with the local and state officials to ensure contacts of the patients are identified and monitored, and that all infection protocols are being implemented.

No additional information is available due to the federal law - Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA).

The first positive case in Clay County was announced Saturday. Due to many facilities requesting the tests for symptomatic patients (many of which are still being processing), the exact number of Clay County residents tested has not been confirmed at this time.

Officials say the numbers are going to continue to rise as more test results come back throughout April. As different health agencies are requesting testing, the tests are being sent out to various laboratories, and many are not local. Some tests have been sent as far away as California. This increases the amount of time to transport the tests and creating a potential backlog for testing at the laboratories. Test results take 24-48 hours to be completed.

Once a diagnosis - either negative or positive - the health department in the patient’s county of residence is notified of the result, as well as their doctors.

It is possible by the time a test result comes back to local officials, like from California, a patient is already recovering or not showing symptoms anymore.

The Brazil Times will update this story when official information is provided.

• Indiana schools have been canceled through the rest of the school year, it was announced during Gov. Eric Holcomb’s daily press conference.

• The April meeting of the Clay County Democrats has been canceled.

• The Clay County Emergency Food Pantry is open 5 days a week from 9-11 to help with Food. We are not accepting any clothes donations at this time. We would like to thank everyone who donates food or any financial help! Call for 812-446-2293 for more information.

• Pastor Jeff Bridgewater invites the public to attend Drive-Thru Church Services Sunday at 10:30 a.m. in the parking lot at Bee Ridge Congregational Church. The church is located at 3010 West County Road 1000 North.

• VFW Post 1127 in Brazil will offer a free hot dog lunch on April 4 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Drive up, stay in your car and you will be served.

• The Carbon Town Council meeting for April is canceled.

• The Clay County Commissioners plan to meet as scheduled at 9 a.m., April 6.

• Monday’s meeting of the Clay County Council has been canceled.

• The Bowling Green school reunion set for April 24th has been canceled for this year, said Linda Schiele.

• The National Association of Letter Carriers Food Drive scheduled for May 9 has been postponed indefinitely, said Karen Stearley, local food drive coordinator

• The Harmony Town Council meeting scheduled for this week has been canceled, said Clerk-Treasurer Donna Mullenix.

• Indiana Sheriff’s Youth Ranch has postponed all activities through the summer.

• Gov. Holcomb has announced the Indiana Primary Election date has been moved from May 5 to June 2.

• The City of Brazil announced closings of City Hall, City Garage, Water Treatment Plant, Wastewater Plant are closed to the public. The situation will be re-evaluated April 6. Payments for water bills, building permits, handgun permits, and car impound fees will be taken over the phone, or deposited into the City Hall payment dropbox, or can be done online.No cash payments will be accepted, so pleased use money orders instead. Please call the proper departments for additional information.

• Clay Community Schools has postponed Kindergarten Open Registration that was scheduled for March 31 and April 1, 2020. Kindergarten Open Registration will be rescheduled when more up-to-date information becomes available. Keep up to date with school information on the corporation’s Clay Community Schools Facebook page.

• The Brazil Public Library is closed until further notice. For further details, check out their Facebook page or log on to the library website at Brazil.lib.in.us

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