Health Board recommendations regarding COVID-19

The Greene County Health Department is communicating closely with the Greene County Emergency Director, Greene County General Hospital & Clinics, local governance and local emergency personnel to monitor the situation, protect public health and safety and coordinate our preventive and mitigating of the spread of COVID-19.

In compliance with the directives form Governor Holcomb on more steps to slow the spread of COVID-19, Greene County will adhere to the following:

▪ Greene County will adhere to will adhere to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for large events and mass gatherings. The guidance recommends no in-person events of more than 50 people. Here is a link to the guidance: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/large-events/mass-gatherings...

▪ Under the current guidance for schools, 273 public school districts are closed, using e-learning days, or on spring break and have announced a future closure. The Department of Education is working with the remaining 16 school corporations to determine their next steps and needs

▪ Hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers should cancel and/or postpone elective and non-urgent surgical procedures immediately. This action will help the healthcare system conserve resources and personnel necessary to meet emerging health needs

▪ Physicians should continue to perform critical procedures necessary to prevent short-term and/or long-term adverse effects to their patients’ overall health

▪ 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.

▪ Communities are encouraged to work together to provide childcare 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

Health Administrator, Shari Lewis, recommends the following practices to employers and individuals within the community:

▪ Employers should encourage telecommuting where possible. Consider temporary

changes to sick leave and/or hardship policies to address employee needs; as well as implementing a contingency staffing plans that will include flexible scheduling as well as temporary changes and exceptions to leave policies, in order to allow employees to take care of themselves or family members.

▪ Employers should encourage the cancellation of discretionary professional and personal travel at this time.

▪ Organizations should cancel or post pone non-essential large gatherings. Consider the use of virtual meetings.

▪ Follow the CDC guidelines to protect yourself and others from illness, including the following:

▪ Clean your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds

▪ Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth

▪ Avoid handshakes, hugs or engaging in non-essential physical contact

▪ Cover coughs and sneezes

▪ Stay home when you are sick and/or have a fever

▪ Wear a facemask if you are sick

▪ Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces

▪ Avoid close contact with others, especially people who are sick

▪ Don't just walk in, call your health care provider

▪ Practice 6 feet of social distancing

▪ In an effort to align with social distancing guidelines, all Greene County Health Department services including vaccinations, birth certificates, death certifications, septic and food services will be conducted by appointment only through March 30, 2020. Please contact the health department at 812-384-4496 to schedule.

The CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask protect and themselves from respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19. A facemask should be used by people who have COVID-19 and are showing symptoms to protect others rom the risk of infection or if recommended by your healthcare provider.

If you experience symptoms such as fever, cough, or have difficulty breathing, and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19, or if you have recently traveled from an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), call your medical provider immediately.

General questions from the public or inquires from health care provider about COVID-19 may be directed to the ISDH COVID-19 Call Center at the toll-free number 877-826-0011 (available 24/7) or email epiresource@isdh.in.gov.

For questions regarding COVID-19, most recent updates and resources, visit the Indiana Department of Health (ISDH) website at www.IN.GOV/ISDH and the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.