Thread by @nkellyatJG

Here for @GovHolcomb presser. Follow along. I will try to keep tweets threaded.

Holcomb is flanked by a dozen or more state agency heads and doctors.

Holcomb says were are here under somewhat somber circumstance - health and safety of every citizen of the state is of paramount importance.

Indiana has had first #COVID19 death.

Holcomb extends condolences to the family. Patient passed away earlier today.

He said this underscores how important and timely social distancing is to stop the spread of #coronavirus.

Patient died at Community Health Network.

Dr. Ram Yeleti of Community Health comes to microphone - was in high risk category over 60.

The daughter of the patient who died is also infected.

Yeleti cautions those older than 60 and those with underlying health conditions to self-quarantine themselves.

says those who are younger might not get sick but you can get someone else sick.

Yeleti said some health care workers are also being quarantined.

We don't have enough beds, Yeleti says. That is why people need to stay home and stop the spread.

We have no treatment. We have no vaccine, said Yeleti.

Paramount to isolate self and practice social distancing.

State Health Commissioner Dr. Kris Box says Marion County is seeing community spread - can't be traced back to travel.

Box said it's imperative to stay home; avoid gatherings of over 50 people but mostly stay home.

"this is what you can do to protect the vulnerable population," she said.

Box said she understand access to testing is a big concern and ISDH is working diligently. Expecting more tests this week. LabCorp is testing and sending results to state.

She said most have mild symptoms and should stay home!!!

She said unless someone becomes ill enough to need to go to the hospital not everyone needs to be tested.

Box says health care workers "are our heroes and need our support."

Marion County Health Director Virgina Caine says to stay home and don't hoard resources.

Holcomb back at the microphone - he references guidelines from this morning. Raised emergency operations center; banned gatherings of 50 or more; shut down restaurants and bars except for takeout and delivery.

Directed all state employees who can work from home if they can; accommodations being handled per agency. Indiana State Museum closed; postponed global economic summit.

Holcomb appreciates offers of help from citizens, philanthrophic groups etc.

Holcomb: "To those who think we may be overreacting I can assure you we are not."

"We are... make no mistake about it...at war with COVID-19."

He says increase hygiene standards, check in with neighbors.

Jennifer McCormick, state superintendent of public instruction, says it's a very very difficult time. "This is about the well-being of our students."

She said a lot of issues like day care and meals and academics going into decisions.

273 districts are closed. 16 left - many are on spring break and could be announcing closures soon. 95 percent charters are closed. About 70 percent of private schools closed.

Closed means doors closed but many are running elearning days .

McCormick said receiving enormous amount of questions about day care due to hardship on families. She says schools are trying to find solutions.

Questions now. Starting with workers who can't work right now.

Holcomb says DWD is being flexible on showing up in person to request unemployment benefits. Also in close communication with federal government on full economic cost.

Everything is on the table - Holcomb said.

Holcomb said no one has crystal ball when asked if Indiana has enough beds. That is one reason to postpone elective procedures. Making room for increased traffic in hospitals.

We are aware of the economic hardships this is causing. The more we do now the better we will be down the line, Holcomb says about decisions such as shutting bars and restaurants.

Holcomb said National Guard is part of discussions on COVID should makeshift hospitals be necessary in the future.

Holcomb said restaurants/bars should be winding down today. He is trying not to think about penalties if they don't comply.

He said will put out guidelines on a daily or hourly basis to protect

Dr. Box said some Hoosiers with covid-19 in process of recovering - not completely out of isolation yet.

She also said doesn't have any information on whether Indiana will receive tests that Roche Diagnostics has.

Box said testing today could show negative but in two days have it so testing could give false sense of security. Again, this is why to distance yourself.

Community Health has 40 people who were exposed by one patient.

Box doesn't recommend testing unless extremely ill. 80 percent of those can stay home and recover on their own.

A reporter asked about pets. I am not kidding.

Box said jail populations are vulnerable.

Box said so far no shortage of ICU beds or ventilators.

Holcomb said he asks private clubs like VFW's, Legions to also follow guidance on gatherings over 50.

Holcomb said Mayor Hogsett also shuttered gyms and theaters etc - because of community spread found in Marion County

Hoosiers should expect limitations to last into April.

Holcomb said the state will be very transparent about how much tax revenues are expected to fall. Said will dip into surplus is need be.
"This is going to be a big hit."

Holcomb doesn't want to go into contingency plans for hospital beds quite yet. We have resources available currently, he said.

Holcomb said there will be more public updates. Folks need to take extra precautions, he said.

The press conference has ended.