Posted on March 9th, 2020 in Coronavirus, Featured, General News, News

MARION COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT

Prevent. Promote. Protect.

3838 North Rural Street | Indianapolis, IN 46205 | PH 3172212000
www.marionhealth.org 

March 9, 2020 

Dear Parents, Guardians and Staff,

On
Friday, March 6, the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) announced a presumptive positive case of the novel coronavirus, COVID19, the first in Marion County and the state of Indiana. On Sunday, March 8, two additional presumptive positives cases were identified by ISDH in Hendricks County

This news might cause additional concern in the community, especially among parents or guardians with schoolaged children. The Marion County Public Health Department is working closely with ISDH and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to respond and issue guidance related to the local case. The vast majority of COVID19 cases have been mild in individuals without underlying medical conditions

This morning, I hosted a discussion with superintendents and administrators for schools in Marion County to provide an update regarding the COVID19 case and offer assurances that protecting the public and our children is always our top priority

At this time, the risk of becoming infected with COVID19 in Marion County is low. Based on the detailed investigation of this case by ISDH, CDC, and the Marion County Public Health Department, we believe the person who tested positive was infected outside of Indiana and not from local transmission. Additional measures have been put in place to prevent additional spread of the virus from this case

Anyone traveling for spring break to a country included in CDC‘s Level 2 or Level 3 Travel Health Notice (CDC.org/COVID19) should selfquarantine for 14 days and contact the Marion County Public Health Department. For more information about this, or to ask other questions about COVID19, please contact our call center at (317) 2215500

Schools are reminded to take recommended steps for cleaning and disinfecting frequentlyused surfaces in areas such as restrooms, the cafeteria, classrooms and locker rooms, using products approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Schools must also reinforce good hygiene among students and staff

Wash hands using soap and water for 20 seconds. Or, use hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water arent available. Cover all coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve, not your hand. Stay home when feeling sick and dont return to school until symptomfree for 24 hours. Stay away from others who are sick. Limit personal contact, such as hugging or kissing, shaking hands and highfives

In collaboration with the Mayors office and ISDH, I will continue to communicate with school administrators to offer any updated specific guidance and answer questions about COVID19. Our priority is to safeguard your children. Also, if you or your child seeks medical care for flulike symptoms including cough, fever and shortness of breath, please call your doctor or provider ahead of time before visiting. They can make arrangements that will minimize any potential exposure to other visitors of their facility

Answers to frequently asked questions about COVID19 are available at Marion Health.org. Updated information is also available at CDC.org/COVID19

Sincerely,
Virginia A. Caine MD
Director and Chief Medical Officer Marion County Public Health Department 

A DIVISION OF THE HEALTH & HOSPITAL CORPORATION OF MARION COUNTY

 

COVID-19 MCPHD SCHOOL LETTER