Friend,

“I want to stress how important it is that we’re each taking care of ourselves and one another. Because we’re all in this together…and we’re going to get through this together.” –Governor Eric Holcomb.

A few big updates today: Governor Holcomb extended Indiana’s stay-at-home order for two weeks (through April 20). Originally set to expire Monday night, this means that we’ll be hunkering down at home a little longer – all with the critical aim of saving Hoosier lives.

Governor Holcomb also extended Indiana’s public health emergency declaration for another 30 days, now expiring on May 3.

And a word of thanks – President Trump has approved the governor’s health emergency declaration request for all of Indiana’s 92 counties.

"We have to stay physically distant, but socially connected and there are some many example of Hoosiers connecting, sharing moments of joy and solidarity, while still being physically distant.”

These aren’t normal times and it is understandable that many Hoosiers are experiencing feelings of uncertainty, nervousness and increased anxiety. The importance of caring for your own mental health can’t be overstated. If you’re feeling higher levels of stress and uncertainty, watch this video from Governor Holcomb’s press conference today to learn some strategies that might help:

Learn Strategies to Support Your Mental Health

Here are a few tips that might be helpful during this time:

Take a walk outside (while practicing social distancing).
Read books.
Write a list of what’s bothering you and circle what you can control.
Seek counseling through telemedicine help.
Check with your primary care doctor about possible medicinal treatments.
Call 2-1-1 to connect with additional resources.

As we sail through this storm together, we want folks to know that there is help available. It is OK to seek help for your mental health and there is help and support available for you!

Additionally, yesterday Governor Holcomb moved all Indiana schools to remote instruction for the remainder of the 2019-2020 academic year. The Indiana Department of Education provided further clarification on graduation requirements for seniors. A school corporation may issue an Indiana diploma to a student who has done all of the following:

Has met all of the course and credit requirements for the specific diploma designation based on a combination of high school credits earned prior to and the course in which a student was enrolled as of March 19, when the governor issued the statewide school closure.
Meets any virtual or remote learning participation requirements established by the governing body of the local school corporation in response to the statewide school closure order issued by the governor.
Meets any additional graduation requirements established by the governing body of the local school corporation prior to the school closure order issued by the governor.

Complete flexibility from Indiana graduation requirements in response to COVID-19 can be found here.

The best thing we can do to protect our loved ones is follow these guidelines and flatten the curve as quickly as possible.

“There is going to be reconstruction and there is going to be rebuilding and we’re going to do it together.” –Governor Holcomb.

#INThisTogether,

-Your Holcomb Crew