Thursday, December 3

• The Elkhart County Health Department has released new COVID-19 data and statistics.

• 308 new cases and 1 death were reported yesterday. County officials have set penalties for COVID-19 safety violations that will begin on December 17th. Repeated violations could lead to fines of up to $5,000 per day.

• Elkhart County has now been moved back to level orange, which is an indication that we can do things to help control the spread! And that was after 43% of all of the county's COVID-19 cases were recorded in November. The PSA from the ECHD can be found here. The new mask mandate requires everyone to wear a face covering over their nose and mouth in an indoor area open to the public. There are additional restrictions on gatherings of over 25 people. The ECHD has reopened its call center (574)-523-2106 (9 am - 4 pm, M-F) to address any questions about policy changes and testing sites. They have have also set up a form for reporting concerns regarding COVID-19 precautions at Elkhart County businesses, restaurants, nightclubs, and bars. You can find the form here.

• Recursos en español aqui.

 

• Goshen Hospital is asking community members with medical training to help out since current workers are exhausted and/or overburdened with increased cases. You can read about the experience of local medical workers here. Local medical facilities continue to plead with people to exercise precautions to slow the spread. Dr. Mertz has released a new PSA identifying the steps necessary to slow the spread and what the goals are. There is a PSA from Dr. Lydia Mertz encouraging people to voice their support for schools and healthcare workers and to challenge businesses and others who are resisting the measures proven to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Please understand that exercising the proper precautions helps to prevent our local health care system from being overwhelmed and protects vulnerable citizens. Wear a mask, wash your hands, stay at home if you are sick, practice social distancing, and do not hesitate to get tested.

 

• The public is invited to help shape the future of Lundquist Bicentennial Park at three virtual meetings in early December on Dec. 2, 3, and 6. Check out the details here.

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• Check out the Elkhart County COAD Facebook page!

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• Como usar la mascara!​

 
Need help?  ​ 

• The State of Indiana's rental assistance program has reopened. The application can be found here.

• Mask giveaway by Goshen Home Medical and DK Promotions planned for this Friday:
  • Lakeland Youth Center, 101 W. Chicago St., S.R. 13, Syracuse, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Goshen Home Medical, 501 S. Main St., Goshen, 2 to 4 p.m.

• Stanger Trees will be hosting a Christmas tree sale for those in need on a "pay what you can" basis. The trees will be offered from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Dec. 12 at the landscape retail yard, 15670 C.R. 42, Goshen. The business is one mile east of the Goshen airport.

Fun

• Shop in downtown Goshen and get a free coffee or hot chocolate from the always delicious Electric Brew!

 

• The Wellfield Botanic Gardens will host the Winter Wonderland Holiday Lights 2020 beginning on Nov. 27. The Winter Wonderland Holiday Lights (presented by Welch Packaging) transports you to a magical setting of lights, sound and beauty, perfect for families to enjoy out of doors during the holiday season. Live music, 1-mile of trails, fire pits, concessions from Navarre Catering, and MORE LIGHTS than ever! Advanced, discount tickets through Thanksgiving Day! Tickets are limited each night.