The Monroe County Health Department supports Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb’s added steps to slow the spread of COVID-19/Coronavirus, according to a press release Monday.
“Although Monroe County has not yet had a confirmed case, the possibilityis high,” according to the statement.
“The Indiana State Department of Health has received more testing materials from the CDC but testing ability is still limited to those most at risk. Those with symptoms or concerns who want tested should look for a medical care provider who uses a commercial lab that performs the tests. Because of these limits, some patients with symptoms may be told that they can’t be tested but to treat the illness as if they have coronavirus and to take necessary precautions,” said the release.
Here is the entire release:
BLOOMINGTON – Although Monroe County has not yet had a confirmed case, the possibility is high. The Monroe County Health Department supports the actions taken today by Governor Eric Holcomb and is recommending county businesses increase prevention efforts to minimize the transmission of coronavirus.
Penny Caudill, Monroe County Health Department administrator, says the department is recommending county businesses implement higher level prevention strategies, such as the recent state-wide directive of short-term closures of bars, restaurants and nightclubs by Governor Eric Holcomb. (Delivery and carry-out services are allowed) https://calendar.in.gov/site/gov/event/gov-holcomb-announces-more-steps-to-slow-the-spread-of-covid-19/.
Businesses should consider their clients, their location and possible risks using applicable guidance from CDC when making their decisions.
The goal of increased prevention actions is to minimize morbidity and mortality and the social and economic impact of COVID-19, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and elected officials. These actions include:
- Introduce social distancing (6 feet) between customers or staff.
- Stagger work schedules
- Encourage staff to telework (if feasible), particularly individuals at increased risk of severe illness
- Increase physical space between workers
- Decrease social contacts in workplace (limit in-person meetings, meeting for lunch in break room, etc.)
- Create a supportive sick leave policy
- Limit non-essential travel
- Avoid social gatherings in groups of more than 10
- Monitor staff for symptoms and visitors, if feasible
- Consider short-term closures as needed
The Indiana State Department of Health has received more testing materials from the CDC but testing ability is still limited to those most at risk. Those with symptoms or concerns who want tested should look for a medical care provider who uses a commercial lab that performs the tests. Because of these limits, some patients with symptoms may be told that they can’t be tested but to treat the illness as if they have coronavirus and to take necessary precautions.
Information on the coronavirus outbreak continues to change rapidly. The Monroe County Health Department will share local information related to COVID-19 and press releases on its Facebook page and on the county website at www.co.monroe.in.us.
For more information:
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
Implementation of Mitigation Strategies for Communities with Local COVID-19 Transmission https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/community-mitigation-strategy.pdf
Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 (OSHA) https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3990.pdf
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