Back on Track Guidelines – Stage 4.5
In accordance with the announcement from the Indiana Governor Wednesday to move the state to Stage 4.5 of Indiana Back on Track, the COVID-19 Community Task Force of Bartholomew County is determining the specifics of what Stage 4.5 comprises for our community. Task Force officials, although awaiting the final detailed guidelines and instructions within Stage 4.5 from the State, applaud this cautious, modified next-phase approach, which would preserve much of the capacity guidelines with respect to retail, business, [...]
City of Columbus Joins Statewide Mask-Up Hoosiers Campaign
On July 1, Governor Eric Holcomb announced the launch of a statewide effort to encourage Hoosiers to wear masks when in public places as part of the state’s continued effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the community. The effort, dubbed “Mask-Up Hoosiers”, encourages local communities to join with the state to encourage the use of masks. Even though Indiana is beginning to get back on track, we must stay vigilant and #INthistogether in order [...]
COVID-19 Testing Update: June 26, 2020
Following is an update on COVID-19 Testing. The figures reported below incorporate tests collected within Bartholomew County and run through the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) or commercial laboratories. The number of positives of Bartholomew County residents may include testing that was conducted out of county. Conversely, the number of total tests may also include submissions for non-Bartholomew County residents. The counts listed for positives and deaths below is only for Bartholomew County residents. These [...]
Traveling in the Age of Coronavirus: Tips to Keep Your Family Safe and Healthy
Summertime is typically vacation travel season, but with the onset of Coronavirus, how can you vacation without worrying about exposing yourself or others to the virus? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have offered some tips when considering a trip during these uncertain times. First, consider your mode of transportation. Air Travel Traveling by air has its pros and cons when it comes to transmitting COVID-19. While air filtering systems on airplanes make transmission of the [...]
Social Distancing Etiquette: The Do’s and Don’ts
As businesses and venues begin to open back up to the public, the emphasis remains on social distancing as the most effective tool to limit the spread and transmission of COVID-19 in our community. However, if faced with a situation where active social distancing instructions and measures aren’t in place, what do you do? Here are a few do’s and don’ts to help you practice social distancing no matter where you are. Social Distancing Do’s: Maintain 6 feet [...]
Should I Go? A Checklist for Deciding to Go Out to Public Gatherings
As businesses and entertainment venues begin to reopen, the desire to get back to “normal” is strong, but so is the fear that you may be increasing your risk of exposure to COVID-19. How can you decide if attending a public gathering, or even just going out to catch a movie, is worth the risk? While there is no way to completely eliminate your risk, there are ways to greatly minimize it. In general, the more closely you [...]
Masks Aren’t Just for Superheroes Anymore!
Update: On July 1, Governor Eric Holcomb announced the launch of a statewide effort to encourage Hoosiers to wear masks when in public places as part of the state’s continued effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the community. The effort, dubbed “Mask-Up Hoosiers”, encourages local communities to join with the state to encourage the use of masks. Resources for website and social media are available for businesses and organizations interested in joining this effort. These resources [...]
COVID-19 Testing Update: June 19, 2020
Following is an update on COVID-19 Testing. The figures reported below incorporate tests collected within Bartholomew County and run through the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) or commercial laboratories. The number of positives of Bartholomew County residents may include testing that was conducted out of county. Conversely, the number of total tests may also include submissions for non-Bartholomew County residents. The counts listed for positives and deaths below is only for Bartholomew County residents. These [...]
COVID-19 Testing Update: June 18, 2020
Following is an update on COVID-19 Testing. The figures reported below incorporate tests collected within Bartholomew County and run through the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) or commercial laboratories. The number of positives of Bartholomew County residents may include testing that was conducted out of county. Conversely, the number of total tests may also include submissions for non-Bartholomew County residents. The counts listed for positives and deaths below is only for Bartholomew County residents. These [...]
How Clean is Clean Enough?
Tips and Tricks for Cleaning and Disinfecting to Prevent COVID-19 Spread As those around us begin to slowly get back to work and more public places begin to open, we are all a little more conscious about how clean these public spaces are in light of preventing the spread of COVID-19. The virus that causes COVID-19 can be killed if you use the right products. EPA has compiled a list of disinfectant products (link: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2) that can be [...]