(UNDATED) – According to both Lawrence and Monroe County Health Officials, there are no confirmed cases of Coronavirus in either county.
The following is a statement from the Lawrence County Health Department:
We currently have no known cases in Lawrence County. We have issued a statement asking large group events to cancel. We know that people attending large group events are more at risk, especially those with chronic health conditions & those over 60.
I would like to thank Dr. Mungle & Dr. Wilcox from North Lawrence & Mitchell Community schools for their cooperation & all of those who have graciously complied with Governor Holcomb’s directive & the Lawrence County Health Dept. recommendation.
Please continue hand washing & the use of alcohol gel if unable to wash hands.
If you have Respiratory symptoms DO NOT go to the ER without calling first to be evaluated by your risks & symptoms.
Today I have spoken frequently with Emergency Preparedness Partners, Hospitals, Health Officers, School Officials, and many event planners. We are constantly monitoring the situation & have plans for when & if we have a case in Lawrence County.
In Monroe County, health officials say there are not any coronavirus cases in their county.
In a statement released last night, Monroe County Health Department Administrator Penny Caudill noted the limited ability to test for the virus. Caudill says tests have been assigned for those at the highest risk.
“We understand that there is concern about the limited ability to test for the coronavirus at the Indiana State Department of Health Laboratory,” says Caudill. “We are hopeful this situation will be resolved soon and testing will become more readily available.”
The state health department releases updated COVID 19 cases each morning at 10 a.m. The latest numbers from Thursday are 12 positive cases and 64 tests administered statewide.
Caudill says the Monroe County Health Department is evaluating changes by the hour.
Monroe County Community Schools are closed today through March 27 after families reported they may have been exposed to others displaying symptoms of the virus.
The district said in a statement Thursday night:
The need to add additional days/weeks of closure may be forthcoming as we continue to work with the Monroe County Health Department and Indiana Department of Education.
