Emergency Management

https://www.in.gov/gov/files/Executive%20Order%2020-37%20Face%20Covering%20Requirement.pdf

New Updates:

Local officials confirmed as of Thursday (September 10) that there are one thousand and ninety-eight (1098) confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus in Bartholomew County.

There are a cumulative one hundred and two thousand two hundred and forty-three (102,243) confirmed cases in Indiana and three thousand one hundred and eighty-six (3,186) deaths within the state (fifty-six (56) of those residents of Bartholomew County). There have been a total of one million thirty-four thousand seven hundred and forty-six (1,034,746) total tests conducted within the state; thirteen thousand three hundred and eighteen (13,318) of those tested have been Bartholomew County residents. We have limited the number of reporting cases to this site to those counties surrounding Bartholomew due to the number of increasing cases and counties effected. To view a full list on the ISDH map, click on the following link. This information is updated every day at 12:00 noon. https://www.in.gov/coronavirus/

Bartholomew (1098)

Brown (91)

Decatur (433)

Jackson (718)

Jennings (293)

Johnson (2115)

Shelby (639)

Monroe (1596)

It is imperative that we, as a community, take whatever measures possible to prevent further spread of the COVID-19 virus. We realize that these actions pose an inconvenience to many businesses and members of our community. Difficult decisions such as this are taken with the utmost care and concern for our citizens and for our health care system as it continues to prioritize care and medical resources to best handle this situation.

Recommendations:

Under the direction of Dr. Brian Niedbalski, Bartholomew County Public Health Officer, and Columbus Regional Health, we are preparing to respond quickly to any emerging situation, leveraging the considerable insights gained from observations of other communities across the nation. This is a proactive measure to act early and assertively in an effort to reduce not only the number of potential cased of COVID-19 our community sees, but to also significantly reduce the flow and mitigate as much as possible a swell of cases occurring in our area.

The COVID -19 Task Force is collectively recommending the following actions, effective immediately for our community:

Non-essential gatherings must be limited to no more than 250 people. This includes any event or gathering of people who are in one room or a single space at the same time, such as cafeterias, churches, stadiums, meeting and conference rooms, auditoriums and the like. This guidance applies to professional, social, community and similar other gatherings.

Child care and adult day care facilities should institute social distancing and minimize large gatherings. Temporary suspension of operations should be done in consultation with the Family and Social Services and ISDH in the instance of documented community spread.

Individuals over 60 years of age or those with a known underlying health issue such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes or chronic respiratory disease should limit public exposure. Whenever possible, friends and family should arrange to provide food and other essential items.

Those who run senior centers and congregate meal services should consider suspending congregate meal services and arrange for home delivery.

Business should consider utilizing telework policies, if available.

COVID-19 CLOSURES/CANCELLATIONS

CLOSURES / CANCELLATIONS

Updated: September 10, 2020 1:00 P.M.

MASK UP HOOSIERS – A statewide mask mandate issued by Governor Holcomb is in effect beginning July 27 until further notice. A copy of the Executive Order can be found at the link below.

https://www.coronavirus.in.gov/maskuphoosiers/index.htm

INFORMATION MENU LINKS

https://www.in.gov/gov/files/Executive%20Order%2020-37%20Face%20Covering%20Requirement.pdf

City services

Fixed transit routes for the city’s bus system are no longer running. The city will continue to offer Call-A-Bus services for people with medical needs.
Columbus Animal Care Services offices are closed but individuals may make appointments. Animal Care officers will respond to emergency situations and the city’s sheltered animals will be cared for.
The City Utilities office will continue to accept payments through the drive-in window, but the lobby is closed.
All park department buildings will be closed to the public, but staff is available by email and by phone. All outdoor playgrounds are closed.
Columbus City Hall will remain open but with limited staff. The public should email or phone prior to coming into the building if possible.

County services

Bartholomew County has closed access to county buildings, with only county employees being allowed inside until further notice. While all county offices will be open, the public is asked to do their business electronically through phone, text, voicemail or email. Certain county offices will have drop boxes that can used for payments or documents that need to be dropped off.

Events

The Columbus Farmers Market resumed June 6 in a small format in the parking lot behind Columbus City Hall.
The Relay For Life of Columbus event, “Peace, Love, Relay,” is now scheduled for Saturday, September 12 at Central Middle School. The time is to be determined. Registration is available online at www.relayforlife.org/columbusin. Due to the pandemic, there will be no T-shirts for participants this year. Participants are encouraged to wear team shirts or vintage Relay shirts to the event.
The 2020 Madison Gold Cup Regatta and the third annual Roostertail Music Festival is being postponed for one year to July 1–4, 2021.
Columbus Fellowship Club on Jonesville Road has canceled all meetings.
HPW Wrestling at the Bartholomew County Fairgrounds has canceled bouts in May.
Brown County Music Center has rescheduled shows for Kenny G for Oct. 1, Carrot Top for Dec. 9, Christopher Cross for Aug. 12, Michael Bolton for Aug. 16, and LeAnn Rimes for Aug. 21, shows to be rescheduled are for Willie Nelson, Martina McBride, and Melissa Etheridge.
Columbus Area Arts Council’s Live on the Plaza, BBQ Blues and Brew and the first two JCB Summer Concert dates have been canceled.
The Third Annual Columbus Pride Festival, originally scheduled for May 23, has been rescheduled tentatively for 3 to 8 p.m. Aug. 15 at Mill Race Park.
The first Hope Cruise-In scheduled for June 5 on the Hope Town Square has been postponed.
The 16th Annual Deja Vu Fine Art and Craft Show in November is canceled, but will have an online web site.

QMIX Musical Fireworks scheduled for July 3 has been cancelled.

Schools

You can find information on Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporations re-opening plan at https://www.bcscschools.org/?fbclid=IwAR2Bg76UHRh12tJ7yZAnIKSpWSHgTJNegisdq7lTCOH8w7HjtXw48nrEzEU
You can find information on Flat Rock-Hawcreek School Corporation re-opening plan at http://www.flatrock.k12.in.us/?fbclid=IwAR3EgqRk_W6SUQqrZZQnNBRNiEe6P0yTOIeUtnsFW_MUM6vH6aAYQV4DWW4

COVID-19 VIDEO UPDATES

TASK FORCE VIDEO UPDATES

Updated: September 10, 2020 1:00 P.M.

MASK UP HOOSIERS – A statewide mask mandate issued by Governor Holcomb is in effect beginning July 27 until further notice. A copy of the Executive Order can be found at the link below.

https://www.coronavirus.in.gov/maskuphoosiers/index.htm

INFORMATION MENU LINKS

https://www.in.gov/gov/files/Executive%20Order%2020-37%20Face%20Covering%20Requirement.pdf

In order to provide up-to-date information to the community, the COVID-19 Community Task Force will be providing periodic video updates. The most recent are published below.

Have a question? Go to www.crh.org/covid19questions and we’ll address your questions/concerns in future video updates.

COVID-19 TASK FORCE INFO

TASK FORCE INFORMATION

Updated: August 27, 2020 1:00 P.M.

MASK UP HOOSIERS – A statewide mask mandate issued by Governor Holcomb is in effect beginning July 27 until further notice. A copy of the Executive Order can be found at the link below.

https://www.coronavirus.in.gov/maskuphoosiers/index.htm

INFORMATION MENU LINKS

https://www.in.gov/gov/files/Executive%20Order%2020-37%20Face%20Covering%20Requirement.pdf

Bartholomew County Coronavirus (COVID-19) Task Force Information:

Local officials continue their efforts to ensure a coordinated response to COVID19 -Coronavirus in Bartholomew County. Additionally, there are several sub-committees to the task force that address different area and report back to the main body of the task force any updates.

The COVID-19 Task Force includes representatives from Columbus Regional Health, the City of Columbus Mayor’s Office, Bartholomew County Health Department, Bartholomew County Emergency Management, Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation, and Cummins Inc., Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce, Columbus Area Economic Development, and Bartholomew County Commissioners.

CRH is following protocols on active screening and response methods based on recommendations from the federal Centers for Disease Control and ISDH, including screening patients for symptoms of illness and exposure risk criteria, such as travel history.

First-responding agencies within Columbus and Bartholomew County are following a unified approach to preparedness and response to a potential COVID-19 case in our area. The procedures are aimed at not only keeping fire, law enforcement and medical personnel safe, but helping us prevent the potential spread of any germs in an effort to keep you, your loved ones and ultimately, our community, safer.

Bartholomew County Commissioners signed a local State of Emergency Declaration extending it until May 29 for the COVID-19 Coronavirus Pandemic. At that time, the declaration will be re-evaluated and extended as needed.

COVID-19 PREVENTION

PREVENTION

Updated: September 10, 2020 1:00 P.M.

MASK UP HOOSIERS – A statewide mask mandate issued by Governor Holcomb is in effect beginning July 27 until further notice. A copy of the Executive Order can be found at the link below.

https://www.coronavirus.in.gov/maskuphoosiers/index.htm

INFORMATION MENU LINKS

https://www.in.gov/gov/files/Executive%20Order%2020-37%20Face%20Covering%20Requirement.pdf

Prevention

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus and follow the below recommendations for preventing the spread of respiratory diseases:

Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Practice social distancing of at least 6 feet.
- Where a mask when out in public.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If you’re unable to use soap, sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol can be used.

Here are some of the registered disinfectants from the EPA’s list that can be used against the coronavirus:

Clorox Multi Surface Cleaner + Bleach

Clorox Disinfecting Wipes

Clorox Commercial Solutions® Clorox® Disinfecting Spray

Lysol brand Heavy-Duty Cleaner Disinfectant Concentrate

Lysol Disinfectant Max Cover Mist

Lysol brand Clean & Fresh Multi-Surface Cleaner

Purell Professional Surface Disinfectant Wipes

Sani-Prime Germicidal Spray

COVID-19 LOCAL LINKS

LOCAL LINKS

Updated: September 10, 2020 1:00 P.M.

MASK UP HOOSIERS – A statewide mask mandate issued by Governor Holcomb is in effect beginning July 27 until further notice. A copy of the Executive Order can be found at the link below.

https://www.coronavirus.in.gov/maskuphoosiers/index.htm

INFORMATION MENU LINKS

https://www.in.gov/gov/files/Executive%20Order%2020-37%20Face%20Covering%20Requirement.pdf

For information on the preventative measures in place by individual entities or for more information, following the below links.

Local Links:

Indiana Department of Health – Latest information from ISDH https://www.in.gov/isdh/28470.htm

Cummins Engine Company – Cummins employees can access company information HERE.

Columbus Regional Health - https://www.crh.org/news

Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation - https://www.bcscschools.org/COVID-19

City of Columbus - https://www.columbus.in.gov/covid-19-information/

Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives - https://resources.acce.org/crisismanagement

CDC – When and How to Wash Your Hands https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html

CDC - El lavado de las manos: Las manos limpias salvan vidas https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/esp/index.html

ISDH Online COVID-19 Case Tracker - https://www.in.gov/isdh/28470.htm

How to Prepare and Take Action for COVID-19 - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/index.html

Coronavirus Rumor Control - https://www.fema.gov/Coronavirus-Rumor-Control

COVID-19 BACK ON TRACK

BACK ON TRACK

Updated: September 10, 2020 1:00 P.M.

MASK UP HOOSIERS – A statewide mask mandate issued by Governor Holcomb is in effect beginning July 27 until further notice. A copy of the Executive Order can be found at the link below.

https://www.coronavirus.in.gov/maskuphoosiers/index.htm

INFORMATION MENU LINKS

https://www.in.gov/gov/files/Executive%20Order%2020-37%20Face%20Covering%20Requirement.pdf

Governor Holcomb’s “Back on Track” plan (Stage 3 information beginning May 22, 2020)

backontrack

WWW.BACKONTRACK.IN.GOV

GUIDELINES FOR ALL HOOSIERS

• Hoosiers 65 and older and those with known high-risk medical conditions should adhere to social distancing guidelines and remain cautious at work and in their communities

•Continue remote work as needed

•Face coverings are highly recommended

•Social gatherings of up to 250 people may take place following the CDC social distancing guidelines. The coronavirus is often spread among groups of people who are in close contact in a confined space for an extended period of time. This limit applies to wedding receptions, parties, and other events where people are in close physical contact for extended periods of time, particularly in indoor locations

•Outdoor visitation has resumed at assisted living facilities and nursing homes, in accordance with ISDH visitation guidelines

•Indoor nursing home and assisted living

facilities must have a plan for indoor visitation

• Hospital visitations encouraged with precautions

STAGE 4 RESTRICTIONS THAT CONTINUE

•State government building access available by appointment. State employees are required to wear masks in public areas, with exceptions

•Dining room food service may operate at up to75% capacity as long as social distancing is observed

•Bar seating in restaurants may operate at50% capacity as long as social distancing is observed

•Bars and nightclubs may operate at 50%capacity adhering to social distancing guidelines

•Cultural, entertainment, and tourism sites may operate at 50% capacity. This includes museums, zoos, aquariums, and like facilities

•Movie theaters, bowling alleys, and similar facilities may operate at 50% capacity, adhering to social distancing guidelines

•Raceways may operate at 50% grandstand capacity

•Venues may operate at a 50% capacity with adherence to social distancing guidelines

•Amusement parks, water parks, and like facilities may operate at 50% capacity; reservations are encouraged to limit the number of customers at any one time

•Personal services continue operations with restrictions

•Gyms, fitness centers and other workout facilities continue operations with restrictions

WHAT OPENS IN STAGE 4.5

•K-12 school operations may begin the 2020-21academic year on July 1; extra-curricular, co-curricular activities may resume July 6

•Pari-mutuel horse racing and county and state fair racing may begin with 50% spectator capacity

•Youth overnight camps may open. See guidance

•Fairs, festivals and other similar outdoor events may open and conventions may resume. Updated requirements for gatherings and events are below

Requirements for Events

SOCIAL GATHERINGS AND MEETINGS ARE LIMITED TO NO MORE THAN 250 ATTENDEES

• A “social gathering” or meeting is an event, assembly, or convening that brings together multiple people, individually or from separate households, in a single space, indoors or outdoors, at the same time and in a coordinated fashion where a significant purpose is to interact with others — like a wedding, family reunion, party, barbecue, picnic, club, banquet, or conference.

• Social gatherings and meetings are limited to no more than 250 people.

SPECIAL OR SEASONAL EVENTS

• A special or seasonal event is an event, assembly, or convening of multiple people from separate households in a single space, indoors or outdoors, at the same time but where the significant purpose is not necessarily for the purpose of individuals interacting with others outside of one’s household – like weekly summer concerts or movies-in-the-park, fairs, festivals, carnivals, parades, graduation ceremonies, community holiday celebrations, conventions, fundraisers, sport or racing competitions, outdoor shows, and other outdoor entertainment events.

• Special or Seasonal Events scheduled to occur on or after July 23, 2020, and where the total attendance will be in excess of 250 individuals (according to capacity limits in Stages 4 and 4.5),must have an event plan approved by local health officials before proceeding.

OTHER EVENTS NOT COVERED

• This guidance does not apply to, school classrooms; areas where people may be in transit such as an airport; settings in which people are in the same general space at the same time but doing separate activities, like medical offices, hospitals, or business environments such as offices, internal meetings solely among employees of a single business, retail stores, and restaurants where people may be working, shopping, or eating in the same general area but are not gathering together in an organized fashion. Religious services are excluded. The activities of these events are subject to separate requirements and guidance.

GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS

• The more people an individual interacts with at an event and the longer that interaction lasts, the higher the potential risk of becoming infected with COVID-19 and COVID-19 spreading

• Additionally, the higher the level of community transmission in the area that the gathering or event is being held, the higher the risk of COVID-19 spreading

• COVID-19 transmission may occur more easily indoors than outdoors

• Health Departments and event organizers should continue to assess, based on current conditions, whether to significantly reduce the number of attendees for gatherings, or even postpone or cancel the event

• Per the CDC, the highest risk events are large in-person gatherings where it is difficult for individuals to remain spaced at least 6 feet apart and attendees travel from outside the local area

EVENT PLANS

The following requirements apply to special or seasonal events where there will be more than 250 people in total attendance, and where the event is scheduled to occur on or after July 23, 2020:
Event organizers must develop and submit to the local health department a written plan outlining the steps to be taken to mitigate against COVID-19. Each plan must address the following issues:

• Capacity Limits – outline steps that will be taken to ensure the overall capacity does not exceed allowable limits set out in Stage 4 or 4.5 and social distancing can be achieved. For example, outdoor concert venues are limited to 50% of capacity. Event organizers should consider whether to stagger or cap attendance, limit the number of people present at any given time, issue tickets with staggered start times, limit attendance duration

•Guest Information – provide appropriate information to guests to stay home if sick or part of a vulnerable population, engage in social distancing, increase handwashing, etc. Use signage and other tools to make guests aware of COVID precautions

• Staff & Volunteer Screening – identify measures that will be taken to appropriately screen staff and volunteers for COVID-19 symptoms. Use questionnaires, take temperatures, or both

•Social Distancing Measures – identify measures that will be employed to ensure attendees engage in social distancing such as one-way flow of attendees, ground markings, seat markings, etc. Allow space for seating between vehicles

• Increased Sanitation – provide steps that will be taken to ensure the event space is appropriately cleaned and sanitized, that high touch areas have increased cleaning; and additional handwashing or hand sanitizing is available. Examples are no food samples, drink refill stations or communal condiment areas; touchless payment; water fountains used to refill bottles only; increase ventilation

• Face Coverings – face coverings are highly recommended, if not required by the event organizer

•Compliance – identify event staff or volunteers who will monitor and ensure compliance with the approved plan. Examples: Use staff to direct the flow or attendees, have a COVID-19 point of contact for all staff/volunteers

b. Monitoring & Enforcement – event planners must have sufficient event staff or volunteers present during the event to monitor and ensure compliance with the approved plan and other Executive Order directives.

c. Plan Submission Timeline

• For events scheduled to occur between July 23 & 26, 2020, plans must be submitted as soon as practicable but at least 72 hours in advance

•For events occurring on or after July 27, 2020, plans must be submitted at least 7 days in advance of the event

d. Local health departments must review and approve or disapprove event plans.

COVID-19 TESTING

COVID-19 TESTING

Updated: September 10, 2020 1:00 P.M.

Bartholomew County is following the governor's plan without implementing additional guidelines at this time and will remain at Stage 4.5 through July 31, along with the state. There is a sub-committee to the county’s COVID-19 Task Force that will evaluate, based upon local statistics using the same guidelines the governor outlined, City of Columbus and the Bartholomew County’s readiness to progress/regress between the stages outlined in the “Back on Track” plan.

The Governor’s “Back on Track” plan Stage 4.5 began Wednesday, July 1 and has been extended until August 27. Please reference the plan for information. It can be found at https://www.backontrack.in.gov/.

MASK UP HOOSIERS – A statewide mask mandate issued by Governor Holcomb is in effect beginning July 27 until further notice. A copy of the Executive Order can be found at the link below.

https://www.coronavirus.in.gov/maskuphoosiers/index.htm

The state (run by Optum) COVID-19 testing site (in Bartholomew County) will be moving location and will now be located Fair Oaks Mall. You can Call 888-634-1116 or visit lhi.care/covidtesting to register and schedule a COVID-19 test.

INFORMATION MENU LINKS