WFHB Bloomington Community Radio
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Good evening. Welcome to the WFHB Local News for Friday, March 20th, 2020.
Your Local Headlines:
As of 11:59 p.m. there are 79 positive cases of coronavirus in Indiana. This comes after the number of those tested increased to over 500 people.
So far, 2 people have died from COVID-19. These numbers are courtesy of the Indiana State Department of Health.
A Bloomington Hospital Patient tested positive for coronavirus, according to an email sent from I.U. Health to the Indiana State Health Department.
It was confirmed Thursday that an Owen County resident tested positive for COVID-19. It is unclear at this time whether it’s the same case confirmed by I.U. Health.
What we do know is that the Indiana State Health Department updates its coronavirus numbers every morning at 10 a.m.
This morning, there were zero reported cases of COVID-19 in Monroe County. There was one reported case in Owen County.
The Health Department’s list is based on county of residence, according to a source at the communications director’s office in the state health department..
All Indiana schools remain closed until at least May First, according to the Indy Star.
That announcement came from Governor Eric Holcomb yesterday afternoon. He also announced standardized testing to be canceled in schools. This includes ISTEP-10 and iLearn. Indy Star reports, the state asked the U.S. Department of Education for test forgiveness, but Indiana has yet to receive it.
The Monroe County Commissioners approved Ordinance Appropriations Supporting COVID-19-related Assistance and Emergency Relief. Commission member Lee Jones described the ordinance in their March 18th meeting.
No Space for Hate has launched a COVID-19 Mutual Aid Resource for Bloomington Indiana. Their goal is to “foster a network of collective solidarity that allows us to care for the most sick and vulnerable people in our community, and find strength together in order to push back against the broader social narrative of individualistic self-reliance and preparedness”
The Indiana primary is now moved to June 2nd. Indiana has joined other states like Kentucky by pushing back its primary date from May to June. The announcement came at 11:30 a.m. today. It was given by Governor Eric Holcomb, Secretary of State Connie Lawson as well as leaders from both the Indiana Democratic and Republican parties.
All dates corresponding with the primary election will be moved back by 28 days.
Local restaurant BuffaLouie’s announced starting March 16th, it will begin a free lunch program to any Monroe County Community School Corporation student who qualifies for a free lunch.
The restaurant said it wants to help ease the burden any way they can for the county’s most vulnerable children. BuffaLouie’s will deliver these meals to the doorstep for students at no cost.
The restaurant recommends those in need should send a message on Facebook to receive a free lunch.
United Way of Monroe County and nearly 30 local organizations are partnering to launch the COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund.
Their aim is to support immediate economic sustainability and basic needs in Monroe, Owen and Greene Counties in light of the pandemic.
United Way said the fund will be launched with $250,000 committed by individual donors and key partners. Bloomington Health Foundation offered to double the impact of donations with a matching grant up to $25,000.
United Way reports all partners involved agree its top priority is to ensure capacity in the human services sector. This makes sure individuals and families in need are supported during the pandemic.
Last week, Indiana University President Michael McRobbie announced through an urgent message that face-to-face classroom teaching would be suspended for two wSeeks after IU’s Spring Break, which was scheduled from March 15th to March 22nd. Since then, Indiana University’s response has escalated, moving all classes online for the remainder of the spring semester, as well as closing all residence halls, including off-campus housing leased through IU’s Residential Programs and Services.
Your Feature Reports:
- The city of Bloomington is working to demolish the abandoned Griffey Water Treatment Plant after about 24 years of closure. Sydney Foreman has more on the demolition.
- IU Health reported it has made additional updates to temporary visitor restrictions. Beginning Sunday, March 15, 2020, no visitors will be permitted at Indiana University Health Hospitals. Kade Young interviewed Dr. Robert Stone at IU Health about coronavirus. This is Part Two of that interview.
Credits:
Headlines: Jake Jacobson, Kade Young and Sydney Foreman in partnership with CATS, Community Access Television Services.
Features: Sydney Formeman and Kade Young.
Engineers: Sydney Foreman and Kade Young.
Theme music: Mark Bingham and the Social Climbers.
