Gov. Eric Holcomb confirmed the state’s first case of coronavirus in Indiana on Friday morning.
Holcomb declared a public health emergency for the state. He said the person infected is a Marion County resident who recently traveled to Boston to attend a conference as a contractor. The case is being described as an isolated incident.
State health officials told the patient to go to Community Hospital North. He was placed in a room with negative airflow and was taken to self-quarantine where he’ll remain in isolation for two weeks.
The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) is working with the CDC, the Marion County Public Health Department and Community Hospital North to identify and monitor close contacts of the patient.
State Health Commissioner Kris Box says that the risk to the general public is low.
ISDH says these are the most common ways to spreading coronavirus:
- Coughing and sneezing;
- Close personal contact;
- Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes; and
- Rarely, fecal contamination.
ISDH recommends taking these steps to protect yourself:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- 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.
Following Friday’s press conference, the City of Noblesville released the following statement:
The City of Noblesville takes the health and safety of every individual citizen seriously and we are committed to monitoring the COVID-19 situation as it unfolds in the United States. While there are currently no known cases in the City of Noblesville, we are diligently monitoring the situation and rely on the most accurate information available from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) and the Hamilton County Health Department.
Fishers Crisis Response Team prepares for coronavirus
The City of Fishers on Friday issued the following statement after Indiana health officials announced the state’s first documented case of coronavirus:
Friday morning, Indiana health officials hosted a press conference to notify the public of coronavirus in Marion County. Immediately, our crisis response team assembled to implement our response plan in the event Fishers would need to respond to a case. Our number one priority is the continued transparency and safety of our residents and our employees.
If you are sick with COVID-19 or suspect you are infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, follow these steps to help prevent the disease from spreading to people in your home and community.
Please call the ISDH Epidemiology Resource Center at 317-233-7125 (317-233-1325 after hours) or email piresource@isdh.in.gov if you have questions or experience symptoms such as fever, cough and shortness of breath and have a recent history of travel to China or contact with someone suspected of having COVID-19.
Call ahead to a healthcare professional if you develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or difficulty breathing, and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or if you live in or have recently traveled to an area with ongoing spread. Tell your healthcare professional about your recent travel or contact. Your healthcare professional will work with your state’s public health department and CDC to determine if you need to be tested for COVID-19.
At 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, Hamilton County government officials will conduct a Facebook Live broadcast regarding coronavirus with updates on preparation of any potential coronavirus in Hamilton County.
The broadcast will feature Hamilton County Commissioner Christine Altman, Emergency Management Director Shane Booker and Hamilton County Health Department Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Chris Walker.
The broadcast will be featured on Hamilton County Government, Hamilton County Emergency Management and Hamilton County Health Department Facebook pages.