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This is the operational update from the Emergency Operations Center for today Wednesday March 18, 2020

The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) today reported nine new positive cases of COVID-19, bringing to 39 the number of Hoosiers diagnosed through ISDH, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and private laboratories. Two Hoosiers have died.

The new cases involve residents of Clark (1), Fayette (1), Hamilton (1), Hendricks (1), Jennings (1), Lake (1), Madison (1) and Marion (2) counties.

Today local elected officials participated with several briefings from the state and federal governments. Preparations for response from the federal government started back in January and I am pleased to make the following announcements. With Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) having been declared as a federal emergency by the President, it has eliminated a few required steps from the standard disaster declarations. However, the Stafford act has been enacted and every FEMA office is actively responding.

Governor Eric Holcomb signed executive order 20-04 outlining further orders and directive in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 epidemic. This can be viewed at at DCEMA.COM COVID-19 HUB.

It outlines the activation of the National Guard, public meetings and open door laws, Price Gouging and many other important topics.

The state of Indiana has activated the EMResource to help the state evaluate needs and allocate resources effectively. EMResource will be the primary method to receive requests and distribute resources as the COVID-19 response develops. Local emergency service departments have been encouraged to participate from the State.

Locally we have activated the COAD group, which is Community Organizations Active in Disaster to establish mass points of distribution or PODs. We have also appointed a POD manager to organize those efforts. If you or your organization are willing to participate please visit the COVID-19 HUB, our social media sites, or call our office at 747-7719 to become a registered as a COAD group member.

PODs are being established and there will be several locations in Delaware County to receive food in the near future. These sites are 100% dependent on people volunteering to help. Training and PPE will be provided at no cost. As those details are being confirmed now, we believe that these PODS will be starting next week.

Student provided meals are being organized by each of the school districts and if you have questions when and where meals are being made available for children please contact your school corporations.
We will post the meal availability from the schools on our COVI-19 HUB as it becomes available.

If you are not receiving our text alerts sign up now by texting the letters DCEMA to 888-777

Do not fall victim to fraud, you should only donate to locally established relief groups, we are hearing rumors of cell phone calls, email, and text fraud ongoing.

Now is the time to be vigilant.

Tomorrows briefing will be specifically for medical personnel, long term care facilities, and those who care for the most at risk population.

The emergency operations center is engaging with the elected officials at all levels, hospitals, health officials, and the coroner. This is a 50 state effort and every city, town, and county will be affected.

We have activated the Comprehensive EM Plan and established our Emergency Support Functions. All these process take time and are necessary for overall operational success.
This is your local government and private partners working together.

If you are well take care of your family, your neighbors, and this community. Donate Blood, BABYSIT, OR Volunteer, do your part to be the solution!

If you are sick or at high risk STAY HOME.

The most difficult times are still ahead of us so be patient and be informed. That is all for today’s update. Thank you

Instructions:

Please review new documents at the COVID-19 HUB. @ WWW.DCEMA.COM