Friend,

This week, Governor Holcomb is continuing to take actions to protect Hoosiers from the global coronavirus outbreak – and we wanted to provide you with the latest updates.

Here are actions Governor Holcomb is taking today:

• Indiana will adhere to the CDC’s guidance for large events and gatherings, which recommend no in-person events of more than 50 people.
• 273 public schools in Indiana are currently closed, using e-learning days, or are on spring break with future closings planned under current state guidelines. The Indiana Department of Education is working with the remaining 16 school corporations on next steps.
• Indiana’s restaurants, bars and nightclubs will close to in-person guests – with take-out and delivery options available through the end of the month.
• Hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers should postpone elective and non-urgent surgeries immediately to conserve the resources of our healthcare system. Critical procedures should continue.
• The state’s Emergency Operations Center has been raised to a Level 1 status and will work in conjunction with the incident command center at the Indiana State Department of Health for planning, coordination, predictive analysis and other functions.
• State employees should maximize the use of remote work white still maintaining operations. State agencies already are developing remote work plans for employees and will continue to implement them while maintaining necessary state services. Non-essential meetings will be limited to 10 people, while high-risk individuals should not attend meetings in person.
• State employees over the age of 60 with underlying health conditions should work from home, and agencies should identify work that these individuals can complete remotely.
• The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites will be closed, as will the White River State Park visitors center.
• Indiana’s state parks and recreations centers will remain open, including park inns. Restaurants will convert operations to take-out and delivery.
• The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) will request flexibility under federal and state law to expand eligibility for Hoosiers claiming benefits and to ease burdens on employers. The DWD will also suspend rules requiring certain unemployment insurance claimants to physically appear at a Work One location to engage in reemployment services for the next four weeks.
• The Indiana Economic Development Corporation will postpone the inaugural Indiana Global Economic Summit, scheduled for April 26-28.
• Communities are encouraged to work together to provide child care options for all who need assistance and delivery services of meals and other necessities for senior citizens
• Hoosiers who can donate blood are encouraged to visit local blood centers. Blood supplies are low. Please follow the guidance at www.redcross.org

This comes as the latest developments, following Governor Holcomb’s actions last week, including:

• Signed an executive order lifting regulations on commercial vehicles transporting goods to retailers -- with the goal of getting more needed items on store shelves
• School corporations will be provided with a 20-day waiver of the required 180 instructional days for use as needed for the remainder of the academic year.
• State officials are collaborating with the Indiana Department of Education to discuss solutions regarding student assessments and meals for children whose schools have closed.
• State agencies are evaluating rules and regulations that should be suspended or modified to assist Hoosiers.
• Hoosiers who need to renew their Medicaid eligibility will get more time to complete the process. No services will be interrupted.
• Family Social Services Administration (FSSA) has asked federal officials to approve a request to temporarily waive the renewal process for Hoosiers who need SNAP or TANF benefits.
• Hoosiers on Medicaid will not pay co-pays for COVID-19 testing and can get 90-day refills of medication for chronic conditions.
• FSSA has given daycares specific guidance to protect children in their care. Child care and adult day care facilities should institute social distancing and minimize large gatherings. Temporary suspension of operations should be done in consultation with the Family and Social Services and ISDH in the instance of documented community spread.
• The Indiana Department of Correction has suspended visitation at all facilities.
  

As always, please continue to visit the Indiana State Department of Health’s coronavirus website for the latest updates.

Governor Holcomb is committed to Putting People First – with the health and well being of all Hoosiers being his top priority.

-Holcomb Crew