Thread by @nkellyatJG

@GovHolcomb has taken the stage.

He says he will be back tomorrow at the same place for further updates. A few today.

Dr. Jennifer Sullivan of Family and Social Services Administration is up first - talking about homeless Hoosiers being especially vulnerable to COVID.

She said many people close together in shelters makes it difficult. Announcing a location to allow for quarantine and self-care for homeless - in Indianapolis.

Don't know about other parts of the state.

Working to replicate in other cities.

State Health Commissioner Dr. Kris Box says five additional deaths - up to 12 Hoosiers who lost lives to virus. These individuals are not numbers, she says.

Family, friends and community are grieving.

She said positive cases are increasing as testing becomes more available.

Continuing to target testing to high risk individuals.

About 13 percent of tests are coming back positive. She said ISDH supports targeted testing instead of everyone who is sick.

If you are sick you should already be staying at home and isolate yourself.

Box said they are working to break down the patients by gender and age soon.

Indiana has requested more masks and gowns from the strategic national stockpile. And hoping for FEMA help

Box said working to remove barriers to retired health care workers helping in the crisis

Assessing ventilator and ICU capacity to react to surge of cases in the coming weeks, Box said.

She says we are still in the very early parts of this outbreak.

Traditional approach to contract tracing is not sustainable as number of cases rise - can't trace steps of every individual.

Box is asking for everyone to take personal responsibility for yourselves and others.

If we all take this seriously, if we all do our part we can slow the spread of this virus, Box says.

Dr. Michael Kaufman, medical director with emergency management, says working to keep EMS system operational. Direct emergency and non emergency patients to proper avenue.

He said 911 dispatchers is trying to screen some calls with additional questions to make sure resources are used efficiently.

Dr. Dan O'Donnell talking about Marion County emergency services. The county has the most patients in the state.

The time is now to stay home and take care of each other.

Steve Cox, of Indiana Department of Homeland Security, talks about call center for critical industries. Technical difficulties this morning but it was rectified. Call volume overloaded system. As of 2 p.m. received over 1,000 calls.

This is for businesses who have questions about what counts as essential services.

He refers people to the executive order online and a frequently asked question page.

Cox says this is for businesses - not employees.

There is no hotline for employees to ask questions.

Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter says "we all are going to be okay."

He said Holcomb has taken unprecedented steps to protect all of us.

He calls the stay-at-home order common sense.

Carter says he knows citizens are feeling anxiety. He said officers must and will use discretion in terms of enforcement.

He has issued guidance to all law enforcement in the state - citizens are afraid, confused and wondering about their future - just like us.

Carter said officers will help people along the way.

Carter said there is some fear-mongering going on on the Internet - one that says Indiana hospitals already short of ventilators and letting those over 60 die.

"I am disgusted."

He urges people to only go to respectable sites.

Carter said the executive order still allows mobility while protecting the citizens of the state.

We cannot let this threat define us, Carter said.

DWD Commissioner Fred Payne on unemployment. He said unprecedented number of new claims filed.

Yesterday alone fielded 38,000 phone calls asking questions on how to apply and who is eligible.

A series of webinars planned for individuals and businesses planned in next few weeks.

Payne said businesses can help the state process claims faster when they lay off a person.

Holcomb said what he did yesterday was important. Because of the why.

Says going to throw everything at COVID-19 that we have. Not just Indiana but other states arriving at same situation.

Hunker down Hoosiers is to make sure we get through this storm as fast as humanly possible.

Holcomb said Hoosiers are stepping forward in numerous and various ways. In times of adversity you see true character revealed.

He said we get to compile acts and spirit of cooperation.

Holcomb said someone dropped off 150 masks yesterday at ISDH. Didn't want money or recognition.

He's talking about community partnerships.

Lilly Endowment gave a $5 million commitment - using to help the homeless.

*I really hope we get to questions soon.

Holcomb said his parents said their house has never looked cleaner.

Holcomb said he is hopeful to get back to business as usual as fast as we can. Set into motion the two-week timeline and will measure every day.

He is going to be solely focused on steps Indiana can take in the next 14 days.

*I asked specifically about President Trump.

He said numbers are multiplying in Marion County. People who are asymptomatic are spreading it. That's why we have to isolate.
Or else we are going to find ourselves in a situation like Italy.

Holcomb said it is past time. Americans need help right now and he is hopeful Congress will put aside political gains and get help here now .

Games, not gains. Games.

Holcomb said we are going to continue to lose people and seeing how other states are being impacted aided in his decision to issue the stay at home order.

The governor said trying to replicate partnership of hospitals in Marion County in other areas of the state.

This is about not wasting time and space or spilling resources.

Holcomb takes a question from an Indianapolis Star reporter who refused to go to the microphone.

Asked if he is practicing what he is preaching with more than 10 people gathered today for this event. He said we have six feet between one another.

Holcomb said watching other setups from other governors - a more virtual approach. He doesn't want to restrict the Fourth Estate from having access and asking questions.

He said we have tried to spread out.

For the time being asked people to assemble here.

Box said major metropolitan areas typically suffer worst from outbreaks. That's why Marion County numbers aren't necessarily a surprise.

She said testing is available in all parts of the state - reaching out to help pick up specimens to run through labs here in 24 hour period.

Box said no surge of patients right now in hospitals. A decline in admissions with postponing of elective procedures. Uptick in flu-like illnesses. Preparing for the surge.

Box says Indiana is hoping federal government will help with supplies but also working on local decisions.

Holcomb said he still is considering a few bills on his desk.

Thankfully we have that, Holcomb says of reserves. He said other states will be at the mercy of federal government to get through.

Holcomb says businesses who are non essential shouldn't be operating. Trying to be blunt about that.

He said law enforcement agencies are there to assist, serve and protect. They aren't going to pull people over going to work. If someone flaunting law will address case by case.

Box mentioned GM helping with making ventilators - no specific timeframe but have access to other ventilators sitting in empty surgery centers right now since elective procedures canceled.

When can everyone get tested?

Box said other states are moving to targeted testing as Indiana has been doing all along. If high risk or get ill enough to go to emergency room.

As more and more people infected more people sick in all age groups. Severity worse for those over 60.

Box said no one should feel invincible. Also could be infecting someone else who isn't.

Holcomb says it might not knock you down but you will run into someone that it will knock down.

Box doesn't have percentage of people hospitalized and what percentage are health care workers. Information could come in the future.