The Hamilton County Health Department is urging residents to follow the State Department of Health’s recommendation that all Hoosiers over the age of two wear masks in public indoor spaces, including school buildings. The recommendation follows the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s announcement earlier this week.
LeMaster
“We have shared this guidance with the school districts in Hamilton County and are encouraging them to modify their operational plans for a safe return to in-person learning,” said Jason LeMaster, the health department administrator. “Local school boards are responsible for implementing their own restrictions to address the impact and spread of COVID-19 in their buildings, facilities, and grounds, except as required by federal or state authority.”
At this time, there are no additional local orders beyond what the State Health Department has recommended. Below are the latest recommendations:
Unvaccinated staff and students:
- Masks recommended indoors (except when eating)
- Keep social distance of at least three feet if all (unvaccinated) individuals are masked
- Keep social distance of at least six feet in all other areas of the school or if unmasked
- Quarantine is required if individual has had close contact with someone who tested positive
Vaccinated staff and students:
- Masks are not necessary
- Use good judgment regarding social distancing
- No quarantine needed if identified as a close contact as long as individual has no symptoms
“The delta variant has thrown a wrench in to our plans,” LeMaster said. “The longer it takes us to get people vaccinated, the more time the virus has to mutate and become more transmissible. We need to do all we can to protect those at highest risk. Our best protection is vaccination.”
To make an appointment for a vaccine, go to ourshot.in.gov or call 2-1-1.
The Hamilton County Health Department is also administering vaccines at its offices from 4 to 7 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays, and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Fridays.
Residents can also get a vaccine at Colts Training Camp at Grand Park in Westfield. Walk-ups are welcome. Click here for days and hours.