Keeping You Safe and Informed
For the most up-to-date information from the Elkhart County Health Department, visit their Facebook page or check out the list of ECHD updates here.
Gov. Holcomb announced that on Monday, July 27th, face coverings will be mandatory across Indiana. The Executive Order can be viewed by clicking here. Anyone age 8 or older will be required to wear a face mask in indoor public spaces, commercial entities, transportation services, or in outside public spaces where social distancing is not possible. As Elkhart County's Dr. Mertz has repeatedly emphasized, the following precautions can also help reduce transmissions:
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. When soap is not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Keep social distancing of 6 feet both indoors and outdoors.
- Stay home if you are sick!
- Clean frequently touched surfaces often.
State of Indiana Orders and Updates:
On November 13, Gov. Eric Holcomb released an Executive Order 20-48 regarding impact measures and the spread of COVID-19. The stage system of the Indiana Back on Track Program has been rescinded and a color coded status per county will be implemented. Click here to read the order.
How to Protect Yourself and Others:
Preventing the spread of COVID-19 is not just about protecting yourself but also about protecting those who are more vulnerable to the virus. Practicing the following helps to protect yourself and those who are sick, elderly, or otherwise vulnerable to COVID-19:
- One of the best ways to help stop the spread of COVID-19 is keeping away from others. As the Elkhart County Health Department likes to remind everyone, "nothing beats six feet." Keeping at least 6 feet away from others (excluding your immediate household) at all times is one of the best ways to help slow the spread of COVID-19. If you need to go to work or the store, ensure that you keep your distance and encourage others to as well.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others. You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick. Everyone should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store or to pick up other necessities. Here's information about how to properly wear and clean your mask. [Source: ProjectProtect. Additional source: USA Today].
- Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with 60% or higher alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Practice social distancing (no group functions such as book clubs, meetings, and or congregations of 10 or more)
- Stay home unless it is essential for you to go somewhere.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
The CDC has also released information about slowing the spread of the disease in public spaces like workplaces, schools, and churches. These mitigation strategies include:
- Making sure to have personal protective measures in place. These include providing education and resources for regular hand washing, cough etiquette, and face coverings. These things should be used at home or while in community settings in order to prevent the spread.
- Continuing to practice social distancing. While reopening the economy will increase contact with others, it is important to maintain physical distance between persons in community settings and staying at home as much as possible.
- Regular environmental surface cleaning at home and in community settings, such as schools or workplaces.
Please take a look at the information available on the CDC's website in the Other Important Links Section of this site.
574-335-8560
Indiana COVID-19 call center
General questions from the public or healthcare provider inquiries about COVID-19 may be directed to the Indiana State Department of Health COVID-19 call center at877-826-0011 (open 24/7).
