COVID-19 UPDATES - 19 cases confirmed

The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) and the Clay County Health Department differ on the amount of confirmed COVID-19 cases.

The total of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Clay County on the state website (coronavirus.in.gov) shows 20. However, even state officials say to use the local health department’s up-to-date information when there is a difference in the report.

On Monday, Clay County Public Health Nurse Kim Hyatt confirmed 19 cases out of the 166 tests reported overall in the county.

“One of the cases isn’t actually ours, and it has been transferred to another county,” said Hyatt. “We are officially at 19 confirmed cases right now.”

As of Monday evening, a total of positive cases of COVID-19 in Indiana was at 11,686 reported among the 6.7 million residents in the state, with 64,639 residents tested, and 569 deaths reported to the ISDH. (The numbers are considered to be provisional, reflecting only the information published to the ISDH.)

Officials continue to advise the number of tests requested by various medical facilities from throughout the state is becoming more available. The results from the tests can be processed within 24-48 hours, and the numbers could potentially rise as more information is made available.

Log on to in.gov for daily updates and more COVID-19 information, or the CDC website at cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

Hyatt said all of the five new cases are currently is self-isolation at home. Of the current 19 confirmed cases reported, two remain hospitalized, with 11 recovering in self-isolation at home, and six patients reported recovered.

Indiana State Health Commissioner Dr. Kristina Box said during Gov. Eric Holcomb’s daily briefing on the effort by the state to fight COVID-19, the numbers are beginning to flatten, which is much lower than expected. However, Box said the continued testing is vital to map out the4 continued effort to combat COVID-19; and the public needs to maintain the social distancing and follow the Stay-at-Home mandate.

Fighting COVID-19 at home

The ISDH has released information with regards to home cleaning during COVID-19. The virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person, between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the primary way the virus spreads.

The virus has been detected on surfaces for up to 72 hours. Based on this, citizens should follow the following cleaning recommendations, especially if they have a visitor with a known case of COVID-19.

Surfaces commonly touched in the home and automobile (e.g., tables, hard-backed chairs, doorknobs, light switches, remotes, handles, desks, toilets, sinks, handles, steering wheels) should be cleaned and disinfected.

Use diluted bleach solutions (never mix bleach with other cleaners).

Household bleach is effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted (5 tablespoons [1/3rd cup] of bleach per gallon of water).

If bleach is not available, use an approved product shown to be effective against this coronavirus.

Soft surfaces include carpets, rugs, and floors.

Remove any visible contamination and clean it with standard cleaners.

For items that can be laundered, handle them with gloves and wash them according to manufacturer recommendations, if possible, use the warmest water setting.

LOCAL UPDATES

• K & H Regional Sewer District will not be holding a monthly meeting on April 23. The meetings are located at Knightsville Community Center.

• Starting Saturday, April 18, the Forest Park Golf Course will be able to rent carts. However, to help with social distancing, and doing what we can to keep our golfers healthy, only allow one person will be permitted per golf cart. Thanks for your continued support.

• The Harmony Town Council will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, April 28, 2020, at 6:00 p.m. at the Harmony Community Center. The purpose of the meeting is to open and discuss quotes for the 2020-1 Community Crossing Grant.

• 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.

STATE UPDATES

Gov. Eric Holcomb confirmed the Stay-at-Home order for Indiana would continue until with “a few tweaks and weekly updating” until May 1 at 11:59 p.m. during his daily briefing. Holcomb said the goal is to reopen the state to return to regular business; however, it will be done in data-driven steps to ensure it is done right and with the health and safety of everyone.

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.

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 remain 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 fewer 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.