COVID-19 UPDATE - New Requirements

As of last Sunday, the Indiana State Department of Health has issued new requirements in response to the Coronavirus pandemic.

SOCIAL GATHERINGS

The size of social gatherings will be limited by the color metric of the county. Local health departments may not accept or approve plans for events that request more attendees or participants. The limits are:

• Red – 25 people

• Orange – 50 people

• Yellow – 100 people

• Blue – 250 people

Details about county metrics may be found online at www.coronavirus.in.gov/

FACE COVERINGS & SOCIAL DISTANCING

All Hoosiers are required to wear face coverings to help stop the spread of COVID-19, and maintain social distancing of six-feet in public spaces, whether inside or outside, and especially when with others who are not in their immediate household.

Businesses of all types are required to place clearly visible signage at the public and employee entrances notifying all that face coverings are required. Businesses should only admit those who wear face coverings and practice social distancing.

REMEMBER - A mask should be worn over your nose and mouth to help stop the spread of the virus. Masks are a simple barrier that offers some protection to you and are also meant to protect those around you, in case you are unknowingly infected with the virus that causes COVID-19. Studies show that cloth masks reduce the spray of droplets when worn over the nose and mouth.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, medical-grade facemasks are reserved for healthcare workers and some first responders.

All Hoosiers should maintain proper hygiene, using handwashing and hand sanitizer frequently.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also updated some of their guidelines regarding COVID-19.

FEELING SICK

Do not go to work or other locations if you feel sick or might be symptomatic. Isolate and go to your doctor or a FREE COVID-19 testing site for testing.

Do not visit in-person with others or be in contact with individuals considered at high-risk with medical conditions or 65 or older.

CONTACT TRACING - EXPOSED TO COVID-19

Isolate according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Self-quarantine for 14 days since last exposure.

It can take up to 14 days after exposure to the virus for a person to develop COVID-19 symptoms.

A negative test result before end of the 14-day quarantine period does not rule out possible infection.

By self-quarantining for 14 days, a person lowers their chance of possibly exposing others to COVID-19.

TEST POSITIVE FOR COVID-19

As of December 1, 2020, the CDC has updated the quarantine guidelines. NOTE these recommendations do not apply to persons with severe COVID-19 or with severely weakened immune systems (immunocompromised).

Stay home except to get medical care. Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and can recover at home without medical care. Do not leave your home, except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas.

Take care of yourself. Get rest and stay hydrated. Take over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen, to help you feel better.

Stay in touch with your doctor. Call before you get medical care. Be sure to get care if you have trouble breathing, or have any other emergency warning signs, or if you think it is an emergency.

Avoid public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.

When to seek emergency medical attention

Look for emergency warning signs for COVID-19. If someone is showing any of these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately:

Trouble breathing

Persistent pain or pressure in the chest

New confusion

Inability to wake or stay awake

Bluish lips or face

This list is not all possible symptoms. Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.

Call 911 or call ahead to your local emergency facility: Notify the operator that you are seeking care for someone who has or may have COVID-19.

Call ahead before visiting your doctor. Many medical visits for routine care are being postponed or done by phone or telemedicine. If you have a medical appointment that cannot be postponed, call your doctor’s office, and tell them you have or may have COVID-19. This will help the office protect themselves and other patients.

Log on to https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019 for more information about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

ISDH COVID-19 DATA for Dec. 14, 2020

CLAY COUNTY DATA

INDIANA DATA