Fishers plans widespread testing, new economic recovery plan

Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness on Thursday announced his plan to lead Fishers and support the health and economic recovery of the city in response to the COVID-19 global pandemic. The $2.5 million Fishers Recovery Plan will launch COVID-19 testing for Fishers residents alongside a comprehensive tracing program and business recovery support programs.

Fadness

“For far too long municipalities and mayors have only focused on the infrastructure, public safety, and economic development of their cities,” said Fadness. “In today’s economy, it is critical we add population health to this list. Fishers has benefited by the leadership of Governor Holcomb and State Health Commissioner Dr. Box in taking this pandemic seriously from the outset. My hope is that our efforts announced today will further support their initiative while ensuring the health and safety of our residents in providing a roadmap toward health and economic recovery.”

During the announcement, Fadness unveiled his six-part plan for ensuring the long-term health and safety of residents in response to the eventual lifting of statewide stay-at-home orders.

1. Establish Fishers Health Department
2. Provide free COVID-19 testing for residents
3. Provide testing access for businesses
4. Access real-time data analytics and contact tracing capabilities
5. Deploy Rapid Response Teams to assist businesses in safety and health protocols
6. Provide extensive resources and training to the business community

“We are being tested daily by the COVID-19 disease,” said Fadness. “As Mayor, it is my job to make sure we protect the public safety, economy and infrastructure of our city. In this uncertain time, it has become abundantly clear that my administration must take clear and comprehensive action to create an environment that inspires confidence for residents, consumers, employees and employers. The launch of the Fishers Health Department goes beyond a localized approach to COVID-19 but extends into the future where we can better support our community.”

City officials say the vitality and long-term sustainability of Fishers’ local economy is dependent upon getting people back to work in a safe, efficient, effective manner. Thursday’s announcement outlined a series of economic programs tailored to help those businesses most impacted by the pandemic.

Additionally, Fadness released a comprehensive plan for supporting the vibrant business community in Fishers through new programs:

• Provide testing, tracing and data to businesses from COVID-19 test results to inform business decisions
• Launch the Start-Up and Recovery Loan (SURL) program to assist businesses in the added costs associated with re-opening operations
• Launch the Fishers Health Department’s Safe Practice Verification program which provides consulting to businesses to practice safe health protocols for employees and customers
• Establish the Business Recovery Center to provide virtual assistance to small businesses to navigate federal and local loan opportunities as well as free six-month memberships to Launch Fishers for new members
• Introduce the Launch Fishers Entrepreneurship Program that provides a free six-month membership to Launch Fishers and free mentoring services
• Continued stay in temporary signage restrictions
• Delay in quarterly commercial stormwater payments through July 20.

“These actions are in response to the eventual lifting of the current stay-at-home order so we can be prepared,” said Fadness. “It is important that residents and businesses do not interpret this as a lifting of any current stay-at-home orders but instead a proactive plan to be ready for when Governor Holcomb and Indiana State Health Commissioner Dr. Box deem it is safe for us to do so.”

To help residents and businesses navigate the programs and support of the Fishers Recovery Plan, the City of Fishers established a website with more information. Residents and businesses may visit FishersRecovery.com to learn more.

The City of Fishers recognizes Community Health Network, Qualtrics, and Mid-America Clinical Laboratories in their partnerships and support of the Fishers Recovery Plan.

The City of Fishers will hold an emergency City Council meeting on Friday, April 24 to present the Fishers Recovery Plan and seek approval for the establishment of the Fishers Health Department and funding for the program.