State officials again refused to say how many ventilators or intensive-care unit beds hospitals have, citing confidentiality agreements with hospitals and vendors. Some hospitals expect their supplies to run short in coming weeks.
Government must have the means to react quickly and decisively to contain a catastrophic disease outbreak—actions that might infringe on individual freedoms.
A big challenge has been that some fundamental assistance—like providing food to low-income or aging individuals and families—doesn’t easily transition to a work-from-home model.
As Indiana state health commissioner, Dr. Kristina Box finds herself in the spotlight as the highest-ranking public health official in the state during the pandemic, which threatens to overwhelm hospitals.
State and federal authorities have expanded the eligibility for unemployment benefits significantly, meaning if you’re out of work and didn’t qualify under the old rules, you likely will now.
With revenue down because of banned dine-in services, some eateries are taking advantage of the governor’s order allowing more restaurants and breweries to temporarily offer carryout and delivery of alcohol.
Indiana’s unemployment rate held steady in February, just before a wave of job losses and unemployment applications in March due to the coronavirus pandemic that threaten to send the rate much higher.
Cris Johnston, director of the Office of Management and Budget, said agencies have been told to look for places where they can eliminate spending. But he said there are no plans to cut funding for schools, even though it’s the state’s largest expenditure.
This week, Indianapolis tech firm Selfless.ly partnered with Serve Indiana—the state commission on volunteerism and service—to launch an initiative to identify a cadre of ready volunteers and match them with volunteer opportunities that can be accomplished while social distancing.
The Indiana Pharmacists Association is among groups nationally that say pharmacists are reporting medication hoarding, inappropriate prescribing and limited prescriber availability of two drugs touted as possible treatments for COVID-19.
BWI Group—also known as BeijingWest Industries Co.—said the layoffs are necessary because Gov. Eric Holcomb ordered all non-essential businesses closed and because the Ford plants it supplies have shut down their production lines.
In addition, the GMR Grand Prix—typically run as part of May’s Indy 500 festivities—will move to July 4 on the IMS road course and be conducted in conjunction with the Brickyard 400.
The Indiana Election Commission on Wednesday morning voted to make casting a ballot by mail an option for all voters, along with approving several other updates to reflect the new June 2 primary election date.
Top Indiana officials warned Tuesday that the state’s jump in coronavirus illnesses is likely just the beginning and that obeying a new stay-at-home order is necessary.
The county ordered liquor stores, banks and insurance companies to cease normal operations and shift to offering only drive-thru, delivery and curbside services.
Indiana Family and Social Services Administration Secretary Jennifer Sullivan said during Tuesday’s press conference that organizers have secured a location to quarantine those experiencing the virus and homelessness.
