Jefferson County Health Officials Hold Briefing On Coronavirus

Tuesday, April 7, 2020 at 1:31 PM

By Kacie Jackson

Testing in the county is still being done, and the speed of getting the testing results back still varies.

File Photo

(Jefferson County, Ind.) - Jefferson County Health Department officials along with government officials gave an update on the county’s response to the ongoing pandemic.

During this meeting, EMA Director Tory Morgan stated the operation center is still currently at a level 4, this establishes daily operations and extended hours.

John Hossler, M.D. Jefferson County Health Department Health Officer, stated that social distancing still needs to be taken seriously.

"If we are not compliant with these rules then the numbers will go up again," said Hossler.

He also stated that next in the next meeting they are hoping that school administrators will join in on the next meeting to give insight on how the schools are working through the coronavirus.

Jefferson County Commissioner, David Bramer stated that the county will be implementing a program much like the cities where they are giving out green and red cards for county residents to put in their windows if they need assistance with essential items.

These signs will be sent in the mail and can also be picked up at the courthouse, by appointment only, so they can be delivered to neighbors in need.

Mayor Courtney shared during the meeting that the city is still handing out signs to those who need assistance. He also stated that the city has established a new Community Outreach number, this number is for those who need assistance with essential items.

If you need assistance at any time you can dial 812-274-0777, you can also place your card in the front window of your home.

Mayor Courtney also stated that the city has closed the basketball courts over the weekend, and also touched on the two new executive orders that Governor Holcomb put into place.

One extended the public health emergency until May 5 and the other extended the stay at home order until April 20.

"It is an urgent matter to maintain social distancing and not go into the community unless needed," said Mayor Courtney.

As of now, there are not any travel restriction on the city or the county, but Sheriff Dave Thomas stated that deputies will be going around the county and checking if the business that remain open are following the rules of social distancing and are following the rules and guidelines of the CDC.

"At this point, with the positive cases, the contacts have been easy to track down due to the fact that some are not employed, and others had preexisting conditions and were already quarantining," said Blythe Couch Jefferson County Public Health Coordinator.

Testing in the county is still being done, and the speed of getting the testing results back still varies.

If you would like to watch the meeting you can do so here.