MONDAY'S COVID UPDATE: Numbers show Clay could return to 'blue'

Wednesday, March 3, 2021

As Clay County’s COVID-19 data continues to show a decline, the Wednesday announcement of the Indiana State Department of Health’s Weekly 2-Metric Score might be the first time Clay County could potentially return to BLUE — virus present but minimal spread — since early spring 2020.

Clay County currently has an overall score of 1, with an overall cumulative rate for unique individuals tested in the county since the beginning of the COVID-19 p[andemic at 21.9%, and a 7.1% amng the 7-Day rate during February 16-22, 2021. A county must remain at a lower Weekly Two-Metric Score for two consecutive weeks to move down to a lower advisory level. Log onto https://www.coronavirus.in.gov/ to learn more about the COVID-19 pandemic.

ISDH issues new COVID-19 requirements

Indiana State Department of Health has issued new COVID-19 requirements:

REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL HOOSIERS

1. Hospitals should implement evidenced-based criteria to reprioritize non-emergent procedures and surgeries to ensure sufficient capacity to care for all patients

2. The overall size of a social gathering or event is strongly recommended to be limited based on a county’s color-coded metric:

• Red – 25 people

• Orange – 50 people

• Yellow – 100 people

• Blue – 250 people

3. Social gatherings and events may take place with these attendance limits:

• Red – may not exceed 25 percent of a facility capacity

• Orange – may not exceed 25 percent of a facility capacity

• Yellow – may not exceed 50 percent of a facility capacity

• Blue – may not exceed 100 percent of a facility capacity

• This includes K-12 extracurricular and co-curricular activities, community recreational sports, and college and professional sports, which should coordinate events with their local health departments.

• Venue owners, hosts, or organizers are required to submit a written safety plan that addresses the steps that will be taken to mitigate against COVID-19 to the local health department.

4. Face coverings are required for all Hoosiers

5. Hoosier businesses are open, following county metric requirements

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

7. Businesses should communicate to all employees that their activities outside of work can increase the spread of COVID in their workplaces and communities

8. All customers in restaurants, bars, and nightclubs must be seated when receiving service. Individuals from non-household parties must be spaced six feet apart at tables, counters, or other seating arrangements

9. Hoosier pre-K to 12 schools should consult with their local health department and use the Indiana Department of Health metrics for decisions about instructional operations

10. All Hoosiers are required to maintain social distancing of six feet in public spaces, whether inside or outside, and especially when with others who are not members of your immediate household

11. The Indiana Department of Homeland Security and Alcohol & Tobacco Commission, together with local partners, will continue to check businesses for occupancy, social distancing, face-covering requirements, and other Executive Order components to ensure compliance

12. Wash your hands frequently; use hand-sanitizer when hand-washing is not available

13. If you test positive, isolate according to CDC guidelines

14. Do not go to work or other locations when you feel sick or symptomatic. Free COVID tests are available throughout the state 15. Hoosiers 65 and older and those with known high-risk medical conditions should remain vigilant about protecting their exposure to COVID

16. Hoosiers who will be in contact with individuals 65 and older and those with known high-risk medical conditions should consider suspending in-person visits

• Do not visit if you are symptomatic or have received a positive COVID test

• Wear a face covering at all times

Hoosiers only

Effective immediately, only individuals who live in Indiana and meet the eligibility criteria can receive a vaccine at an Indiana clinic. This will ensure that doses allocated to Indiana go to Hoosiers.

All clinics have been reminded to verify eligibility prior to administering a vaccine. Out-of-state residents who received their first dose in Indiana can still receive their second dose at the same clinic.

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