Indiana is making more changes to protect Hoosiers as the state’s confirmed cases grow – including an executive order from Gov. Eric Holcomb to help get groceries and medical supplies to the state.
Indiana Health Commissioner: Thousands Of Hoosiers Likely Have COVID-19
Indiana likely has tens of thousands of people infected with COVID-19, even though the limited number of available tests have only confirmed 24 such cases, according to State Health Commissioner Kris Box, who spoke with reporters Friday.
There still aren’t enough tests available for everyone who might need one – though Box says Indiana has received more from the federal government and expects more soon.
READ MORE: What Do You Need To Know About Coronavirus? We’ve Got Answers.
Medical professionals urge people to take precautions seriously.
Dr. Ramarao Yeleti is the chief physician executive of Community Health Network and says the state’s precautions help limit contact with other people. He says that kind of social distance is important even if you are not part of a high-risk group.
“So the reason why we are telling everyone to be cautious is, it’s highly contagious,” Yeleti says. "And even if it’s not going to change your life, it can impact somebody else simply because you unintentionally infected someone who is at the high risk.”
IU Health and other hospital systems are restricting visitor access across the state.
State Testing Postponed, Schools Move To E-Learning
More than three dozen school districts across Indiana are moving to e-learning in response to the spread of COVID-19. And the Indiana Department of Education is making moves to postpone or cancel state tests for this year.
In a memo sent to superintendents late Friday, the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) announced Indiana would seek "forgiveness" for required state tests, including the IREAD-3 and ILEARN.
Fort Wayne Community Schools and Vigo County School Corporation announced Friday their plans to close starting next week through the end of regularly scheduled spring break days. They join more than three dozen school districts across the state that had announced similar closuresbefore the weekend. Many plan to offer remote learning options using online tools or paper packets sent home with students.
Gov. Eric Holcomb says he isn't planning to force a statewide closure of schools. A handful of states, including Ohio, have closed K-12 schools statewide.
Holcomb Executive Order Lifts Trucking Restrictions
Gov. Eric Holcomb signed anexecutive order Friday meant to help get groceries and medical supplies to Hoosiers during the coronavirus outbreak. It lifts restrictions on the number of hours commercial truckers can drive.
Truck drivers can usually work up to 14 hours a day with a mandatory 10-hour rest. Now, they can complete a delivery of food, consumer goods and emergency supplies no matter how long it takes. The governor's executive order mirrors a move by the federal government to lift regulations.
Gaming Commission Closes State Casinos
The Indiana Gaming Commission ordered the state’s casinos to close, effective Monday morning at 6 a.m.
The closure begins Monday and runs for at least two weeks, though Gov. Eric Holcomb urged people last Thursday to halt gatherings of more than 250 people. It applies to all gaming and horse-racing operations, which includes off-track betting sites.
Indianapolis 500 Still On, IndyCar Cancels Races Through April
IndyCar announced Friday it is canceling all races through April, including Sunday’s scheduled season opener in Florida. Organizers say they are still planning to run the Indianapolis 500 in May.
IndyCar President and CEO Mark Miles says he will continue to evaluate the situation daily and discuss with teams and parts suppliers the next best steps. As of now, he says May racing is still on.
“You have to know that we’ll do everything possible to have the Indianapolis 500 mile race and the Grand Prix before it in May,” says Miles. “If somehow that ends up not being feasible, we’ll be looking at all the other possibilities.”
Grocery Stores Begin To Restrict Hours
Kroger is restricting hours at all its locations in the Midwest including Indiana. Beginning immediately, stores will be open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
In a statement, Kroger said this will allow staff to restock and sanitize stores.
"Our supply chain teams are working tirelessly to ensure that food, medicine and cleaning supplies reach our customers as quickly as possible," the statement said. "The change will also allow even greater attention to cleaning our stores."
Contact Lauren at lchapman@wfyi.org or follow her on Twitter at @laurenechapman_.
This is a rapidly evolving story, and we are working hard to bring you the most up-to-date information. However, we recommend checking the websites of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the Indiana State Department of Health for the most recent numbers of COVID-19 cases.
