Thursday, October 8

10/8/2020

Health

Dr. Lydia Mertz has released a new PSA about the rising case numbers across Elkhart County. 131 new cases were reported yesterday. Elkhart General Hospital is at capacity. The rise cuts across ages and areas in the county so it cannot be contributed to schools reopening. Please take a look at the PSA here.

On Saturday, September 26, Indiana moved to stage 5 of Gov. Holcomb's reopening plan. You can find more details by clicking here. Please note that the mandate for face coverings remains in effect.

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!

Dr. Lydia Mertz released a statement encouraging anyone with symptoms, even mild symptoms, to please get tested. Goshen Hospital's chief medical officer and infectious disease specialist, Dr. Dan Nafziger, has also expressed concern about the decrease in testing and has said cases and hospitalizations are starting to tick back up. You can read Dr. Mertz's statement here! Please get tested!

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.