WFHB Bloomington Community Radio
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 29:56 — 41.2MB)
Good afternoon. Welcome to the WFHB Local News for Wednesday, April 8th, 2020.
First up, your local headlines:
As of April 7th at 11:59 p.m. there are nearly 6,000 positive cases of Covid-19 in Indiana. The death toll rises to over 200 people. This is out of over 30,000 people tested.
The largest age demographic for contracting the virus includes 50-59 year olds who make up over 20 percent of all positive cases.
For those who died from coronavirus, the 80+ age demographic makes up almost 40 percent of deaths.
The Indiana State Department of Health today announced that 439 additional Hoosiers have been diagnosed with Covid-19 through testing at ISDH, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and private laboratories.
Marion County had the most cases, at 151 people. Other counties with more than 10 new cases include Bartholomew, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Johnson, Lake and St. Joseph Counties.
Monroe County has 60 positive tests, with zero deaths. This is out of 409 people tested.
A second employee from the City of Bloomington staff tested positive for COVID-19.
The employee works in the Parks and Recreation Department and according to a city press release was placed on leave Monday, March 30th. The positive test was received Thursday April 2nd.
The city is following all control and prevention protocols and is working to identify and inform any colleges the infected employee would have been in direct contact within the past week. This follows the city’s first positive case of a firefighter reported on March 28th.
The city press release reads, “The City’s Human Resources Department has apprised all employees of the options for paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave available as of April 1 through the new federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act.”
These provisions are effective for employees through December 31st, 2020.
Monroe County Health Department and the Monroe County Commissioners said they recommend residents to follow the CDC’s new directive to wear face coverings in public settings where social distancing is difficult. This includes grocery stores and pharmacies.
Last week, the CDC released guidance after research showed a significant number of people with coronavirus do not show symptoms. It went on to add that the people who don’t show symptoms can transmit the virus several days before symptoms begin. This means the virus can spread when people are interacting in close proximity with each other – talking, sneezing or coughing – even though no one is showing symptoms.
CDC says that wearing a cover for the face helps protect against the spread of the virus. It also will help people who may be carrying the virus and aren’t aware of it. Cloth face coverings can be made from household items, such as a scarf or can be made from other common items found on the CDC’s website.
The CDC says it does does recommend surgical face masks for the general public, as they are more necessary for health care workers.
According to a county press release, wearing a face-covering mask does not replace the need to maintain 6 feet apart. Social distancing remains the number one strategy used to slow the transmission of the virus.
Effective Monday April, 6th Bloomington Transit is offering Saturday bus route schedules. The schedules will NOT be exactly the same as weekday routes and riders can find the Saturday schedules at www.BloomingtonTransit.com.
According to a city press release, Ridership has declined about 90 percent compared to a typical weekday in April. However, Bloomington Transit will continue to offer free fare rides on all fixed routes and rear bus entering and exiting for passengers . Rear access allows for a safer working environment for BT drivers.
Yet, any person using a mobility aid can still enter and exit using the front entrance for ease.
The CDC says to stay at home if you are sick or showing symptoms unless it’s for medical treatment. CDC says most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and are able to recover at home without medical care. Do not leave your home, except to get medical care. The Center said to not visit public areas.
It also recommends staying in touch with your doctor. Call before you get medical care. Be sure to get care if you have trouble breathing, or have any other emergency warning signs, or if you think it is an emergency.
Furthermore, the CDC recommends you avoid using public transportation, ride sharing or taxis.
It also hunkered down on ‘social distancing’ even in your own homes. Maintaining a healthy distance from those you live with is called “home isolation.”
If you are sick or feeling symptoms, as much as possible, stay away from others. You should stay in a specific “sick room” if possible, and away from other people and pets in your home. Use a separate bathroom, if available.
And now, with 7 local headlines, we turn to Alex Dederer as she delivers a run-down on the latest local news from home.
The Monroe County Commissioners discussed a tax abatement for a new Ernest Health structure during their April eighth meeting. County Attorney Jeff Cockerill said
Cockerill said the projected final approval for the project is in June of 2020. He said before construction could begin the tax abatement must be completed. Council member Lee Johns asked Cockerill about potential groundbreaking delays.
Commissioner Penny Githens said she was hesitant to approve the abetment before approval from the Planning Commissioners. Cockerill said the Planning Commissioners approval is not required before County Commissioner approval and a Memorandum of Understanding would be drafted to regulate the project.
The County Commissioners continued the discussion until their next meeting on April 15th.
Up next, Governor Eric Holcomb orders closure of Brown County campgrounds. WFHB Junior Correspondent Katrine Bruner has more on the story.
Monroe County Health Administrator Penny Caudill said some businesses are non-compliant With Indiana Governor Holcomb’s stay at home orders during COVID-19 Press Conference on Friday April third. She said and reported complaints of non-compliance are being looked into. She said essential activities should be done alone.
Monroe County Emergency Management Director Allison Moore said homemade masks are being collected for county use. Donation drop off locations can be found at co DOT Monroe DOT in DOT us. President of Indiana University Health Brian Shockney said construction will continue for the new IU Hospital.
Shockney said the construction completion is on time. IU Hospital staff is provided surge up training and feels the hospital is very prepared. He said the Hospital could receive re-sterilized face masks through a partnership with COOK Medical.
Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton said large group meetings should be reported and the police will engage. Indiana University Associate Vice President for Public Safety Ben Hunter said the IU Stay Away from Campus Order is independent from Governor Holcomb’s order. He said IU is on the Stay Away order until further notice.
Feature Reports:
Next up, WFHB News Director Kade Young talked to Levi Combs, President of the Bloomington American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees about protecting city workers during the Covid-19 pandemic.
And finally, our consumer watchdog program, Better Beware, hosted by Richard Fish.
Credits:
Headlines: Kade Young and Sydney Foreman in partnership with CATS.
Features: Kade Young, Richard Fish, Katrine Bruner, Alex Dederer
Executive Producer: Kade Young
Theme Music: Mark Bingham & the Social Climbers
