(INDIANAPOLIS) – In Governor’s Eric Holcomb press conference Wednesday afternoon he announced the #INthistogether campaign which continues to encourage social distancing to help flatten the curve for COVID-19 in Indiana.
The campaign is a statewide coalition of Governor Holcomb, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett, and a coalition of business partners including the Eli Lilly Company, Indiana Pacers, Indiana Fever, and Indianapolis Colts.
“Social distancing is the most important and effective tool we have to defeat COVID-19,” said Governor Holcomb. “If we act now, we can save lives and then re-open our state for business, group activities, sports, and other things, we enjoy doing together as Hoosiers.”
The governor urged fellow Hoosiers to do their part, “We are truly in this together.”
A wide range of resources can be found at INthistogethercampaign.com.
“It’s clear that social distancing works. And while restrictions have been presented challenges for businesses, families, and workers, the health and safety of Hoosiers have continued to be our top priority. In order to meaningfully address this public health crisis, we must ensure people understand that their actions impact the wellbeing of their neighbors. We really are in this together,” Governor Holcomb added.
The governor was asked whether any further executive orders will be issued. He replied that more action may be coming soon, as the number of new cases and deaths rise in the state. Noting that 83 counties now have cases of COVID-19, and 65 deaths in the state.
“We can fight back, slow the spread down, and flatten the curve,” Holcomb noted.
Eli Company CEO David Ricks said that his company is supplying COVID-19 tests and necessary medications. Plants are running full time to make sure medicine remains available such as insulin.
Also, Eli Lilly has been providing testing to emergency responders, health care workers, and now will be expanding to frontline employees such as pharmacists and grocery workers. They are no plans yet, to include the public.
State Health Commissioner Dr. Kristina Box said Indiana testing capacity has increased thanks to partnerships with Lilly and other private labs throughout the state.
There still remains a finite supply of tests, Box added, but the state released new testing guidelines to include people who are sick but not in the hospital. She also said pregnant women and those with high blood pressure are considered at risk.
The state has distributed more than 3,000 testing kits to nine hospital systems around Indiana and is working to distribute additional resources delivered by the Strategic National Stockpile.
Personal protective equipment is still needed for first responders and healthcare workers. Governor Holcomb noting that several Indiana businesses have shared these needed supplies to emergency personnel around the state. When asked what kind of masks are needed she stated that any kind of masks will be accepted.
Box did not provide mortality rates because there still is not enough information available.
