Tippecanoe County Health Department giving its weekly update on local response to coronavirus. I'll pick up a few highlights.
Here's a look at today's numbers for Tippecanoe County and surrounding counties. jconline.com/story/news/202…
Dr. Jeremy Adler, county's health officer, says county expects a surge this week or next in Tippecanoe County and Indiana.
With Gov. Holcomb's easing of stay-at-home restrictions in the past week, "It may be tempting to think" COVID-19 is behind us. "It is not," Adler says.
"We don't want to let our guard down now," Adler said.
He said the county will monitor cases and might issue local restrictions later. But not today, it sounds like.
He said the county will monitor cases and might issue local restrictions later. But not today, it sounds like.
Adler says the county will change local rules on community events, day camps, etc., to sync with govenor's rules.
Here's the order Adler made in early April. jconline.com/story/news/202…
Dr. Jim Bien of IU Health Arnett says the Lafayette hospital has 10 COVID cases and another 10 that are possible. Says hospital is in "stage 2" of a five-stage response at the hospital.
West Lafayette Mayor John Dennis said just because you can, doesn't mean you should. Says the community is a long way from back to normal. Will be even longer if people get careless on social distancing, etc.
Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski says a second city employee tested positive for coronavirus. Says first employee has recovered.
Roswarski says the mayors and Adler had a conference call with businesses to get a sense of reopening plans. Said businesses are working on social distancing.
The mayor makes a call on people to wear masks as more people go out. Calls it a compassionate act.
The mayor makes a call on people to wear masks as more people go out. Calls it a compassionate act.
Roswarski says the cities and county don't want to tighten restrictions locally. But he said that will depend on how well Greater Lafayette does as businesses, employees get edgy about getting back to work.
Dr. Bien and Dr. Dan Wickert, from Franciscan Health, say the two Lafayette hospitals are talking and tracking cases to find ways to share the load, before, as Bien said, one hospital shifts into "heroic" mode.
Would Laf/WL impose tighter stay-at-home restrictions? WL Mayor John Dennis says WL is optimistic people will comply and make that unnecessary.
Commissioner Tracy Brown says county will watch caseload, but aiming at July 4 full reopening date.
Commissioner Tracy Brown says county will watch caseload, but aiming at July 4 full reopening date.
Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski: "We're trying to stay in line. ... We control our own destinies. ... If we remain vigilant, we'll be fine."
What metrics would make Dr. Adler tap the brakes, especially with an expected increase in cases with increased testing?
Adler: Looking at %age of cases positive. State=18.1% positive. TippCo = 6%. Will watch if that gap tightens.
Also looking at hospital bed use, deaths, more.
Adler: Looking at %age of cases positive. State=18.1% positive. TippCo = 6%. Will watch if that gap tightens.
Also looking at hospital bed use, deaths, more.
Adler said any new restriction would be driven by data and in consultation with mayors, commissioners, other elected officials.
Why no required masks, Adler is asked.
Adler e says governor's Back on Track recommends masks, doesn't require them. County will stick to that guideline.
Mayor Dennis says city giving masks to WL employees ... for safety and "to send a message" to community about importance.
Adler e says governor's Back on Track recommends masks, doesn't require them. County will stick to that guideline.
Mayor Dennis says city giving masks to WL employees ... for safety and "to send a message" to community about importance.
How many of the 197 cases in Tippecanoe County have recovered?
"It's more difficult than we thought" to gauge when someone is considered recovered, Adler said. He said CDC changing self-isolation guidance, as well as 2nd waves.
The def of recovery isn't clear, he says.
"It's more difficult than we thought" to gauge when someone is considered recovered, Adler said. He said CDC changing self-isolation guidance, as well as 2nd waves.
The def of recovery isn't clear, he says.
What's the plan for cordoned off playgrounds, etc.?
Governor says May 24. Lafayette and WL mayors says basketball hoops will go back up, playgrounds will open on that day.
Governor says May 24. Lafayette and WL mayors says basketball hoops will go back up, playgrounds will open on that day.
How can retailers know how many people can come in at 50% capacity? Lafayette Fire Department has a formula people can plug in, Mayor Roswarski says.
How about restaurants? Adler says each restaurant needs to come up with a plan to deal with people waiting for tables, whether having people wait in their cars or outside.
How about 25 people gathering for parties, etc.? WL Mayor John Dennis says that's been an everyday call for him, esp. near Purdue. He says WL police have been asking people to move along. He says they haven't had pushback on those requests ... "yet."
What about handling a surge when Purdue students return?
Adler said county has been meeting with university officials as Purdue comes up with a plan for the fall.
WL Mayor Dennis says Purdue plan will include prep and expectations for social distancing and for masks.
Adler said county has been meeting with university officials as Purdue comes up with a plan for the fall.
WL Mayor Dennis says Purdue plan will include prep and expectations for social distancing and for masks.
When can rec leagues start practicing?
Gov's plan says games start June 14. Adler says county interprets that to mean practices, too.
Gov's plan says games start June 14. Adler says county interprets that to mean practices, too.
How about congregations as "control group" for governor's Back on Track plan. Adler says he wasn't familiar with that and wasn't ready to comment.
For reference, in today's J&C, referencing Gov. Holcomb's comments Monday: jconline.com/story/news/202…
For reference, in today's J&C, referencing Gov. Holcomb's comments Monday: jconline.com/story/news/202…
Also, here's the Lafayette Fire Department site discussing how to determine capacity. lafayette.in.gov/264/Fire-Depar…
