Thursday, November 12

Health

• The Elkhart County Health Department has released a new PSA about testing sites. Please find it by clicking here.

• Elkhart County added 412 new cases yesterday, but that included backlogged cases. Whatever the number of new cases yesterday, the occurrences within the community are still very, very high. There were 25 COVID-19 deaths in Elkhart County in the first 10 days of November.  Half of Elkhart General's patients are currently COVID-19 patients and the hospital had to divert ambulance traffic on Tuesday. 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.

  

• Several important documents were released by the Elkhart County Health Department:

1. The Center for Disease Control Report on COVID-19 in Elkhart County
2. A ECHD press release on the report
3. A Best Prevention Practices for COVID-19 Guide

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• The Center for Healing and Hope is providing free flu shots to those who are uninsured, or whose insurance doesn’t cover flu shots. The clinics will be held three Saturdays: Sept. 19, Oct. 10, and Nov. 14. All times will be from 10 AM to 4 PM. Bilingual staff are available. The CDC recommends flu shots for everyone over 6 months of age—especially this year with Covid-19 around. PLEASE GET YOUR FLU SHOT SOON! 

    

• Check out the new Elkhart County COAD Facebook page!

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• On June 29th, the Elkhart County Health Department issued a Face Covering Mandate effective on June 30th, 2020 (y en español). There is an FAQ available to learn more (español) and a sign is available to be posted at places of business (español).  The directive outlines how face coverings can help prevent transmission and how to use them properly. Remember, preventing the spread is not just about being responsible so that businesses and events can stay open but also protecting our more vulnerable residents.

 

• Hay información para la comunidad latina también. La Ciudad de Goshen se enorgullese de colaborar con Yolo López Pérez - Bilingual Reporter para traer este mensaje de parte de tu familia.

 

• Como usar la mascara!​

 
Need help?  ​ 

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

• Food Bank of Northern Indiana will be hosting a distribution on Tuesday, November 17 from 10 a.m. – Noon EST at Church Community Services (907 Oakland Avenue, Elkhart, IN 46515).  This distribution is funded through COVID-19 Relief Funding Round 3 by Feeding America. 

Fun

• 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.