COVID-19 UPDATES: 14 cases reported, 6 recovered

After several days of no new confirmed COVID-19 cases in Clay County, County Public Health Nurse Kim Hyatt advised Thursday that 14 cases have been confirmed, with 130 tests performed overall.

The good news Hyatt said, is the recovery rate.

Of the 14 current confirmed cases reported, two remain hospitalized, with six still recovering in self-isolation at home, and six patients have recovered.

Image provided by the Indiana State Health Department.

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

On March 28, the first case of COVID 19 was announced in Clay County.

“If people continue to stay home and follow the safe handwashing and social distancing techniques, health officials will get a handle on this,” Hyatt said.

According to information provided by the Indiana State Health Department (as of noon Wednesday), 9,542 positive cases were reported among the 6.7 million residents in the state, with 477 deaths. The number of tests throughout the state is reported to be 51,115, with officials saying the number of test results is going to continue to rise as more laboratories are available to process them. Test results can be processed within 24-48 hours. (Learn more at in.gov.) Clean up day at Carbon has been canceled.

*The Clay County Soil and Water Conservation District has canceled the tree orders for 2020. Information on future sign up opportunities will be available through Facebook, local papers, etc. Stay Safe!

*The Indiana State Health Department reports 130 tests have been sent out for residents living in Clay County. When those results are determined, local health officials receive the information immediately after the laboratories complete the reports.

There is a small lag between the state’s information, which can be viewed online at coronavirus.in.gov/ or in.gov/.

*The Loyalty Day Parade has been canceled.

Gov. Eric Holcomb issued new updates to the Stay-At-Home Order, Executive Order, 20-18. To allow retail, campgrounds and other establishments to make adjustments, enforcement will not begin until 24 hours after the order takes effect. This new order ends on Monday, April 20, at 11:59 p.m., but could be extended if the outbreak warrants it. This order is mandatory. For the safety of all Hoosiers, people must stay home and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Information about a further update will be made available Friday, April 17, at 2:30 p.m.

Staying home is critical to reducing the spread of COVID-19 in your community. Adhering to this order will save lives, and it is the responsibility of every Hoosier to do their part. However, if this new order is not followed, the Indiana State Department of Health and the Enforcement Response Team created by the executive order can take action against businesses. First, a verbal warning will be given. If the business fails to comply with the verbal warning, the Indiana State Department of Health may issue a cease and desist letter. If the business continues to operate, the Indiana State Department of Health can order the business to close.

The business will be reported to the Secretary of State and to any relevant licensing, permitting, or certifying board, commission or other entity, and the business could lose its operating license or permit.

Additionally, if an order to close a business is issued, a local prosecuting attorney may file charges for violating the executive order issued under Indiana’s Emergency Disaster Law.

A knowing violation of an executive order issued pursuant to Indiana’s Emergency Disaster Law is a class B misdemeanor, punishable up to 180 days incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000.

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.

State parks remain open, but campgrounds, welcome centers, inns, cabins, and other buildings are closed. Families can go outside and take a walk, run, ride a bike, go fishing or boating, 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. Gyms, fitness centers, and associated facilities are also closed to reduce the spread of the coronavirus.

CDC guidance restricts gatherings, including religious services, to 10 or less people to slow the spread of COVID-19. Religious leaders are encouraged to continue live-streaming services while practicing social distancing with one another.

Laundromats, dry cleaners, and laundry service providers are considered essential businesses, as well as daycare centers.