The Board of Commissioners of Howard County released restrictions due to the Coronavirus/COVID-19 Monday afternoon.
Whereas Howard County and its citizens have been impacted by and are immediately threatened by the Coronavirus/COVID-19 and believe it is imperative to take action at this time in an effort to protect citizens and contain the spread of the virus to the greatest extent possible, and
Whereas Howard County, pursuant to IC 36-8-2-4, is authorized to regulate conduct that might endanger the public health, safety or welfare, an ORDER is hereby made as follows:
(1) For a period of sixty (60) days, effective immediately, there shall be no public or private gatherings of more than ten (10) people and all citizens are to attempt at all possible times to maintain a social distance of six (6) feet or more from others. The 10 person restriction does not apply to work places so long as the social distancing guidelines are followed and internal safeguards are put in place with regard to cleaning and social distancing.
(2) All school buildings and school facilities are to remain closed through April 19, 2020. School facilities may remain open in order to provide emergency meals on a take-out basis.
(3) The Kokomo Family YMCA and all other gyms or workout facilities located in Howard County are to remain closed through April 19, 2020.
(4) All branches of the Kokomo-Howard County Public Library and the Greentown Public Library are to remain closed until April 19, 2020.
(5) The Howard County Museum shall remain closed through April 19, 2020.
(6) All entertainment or recreation establishments, including but not limited to bowling alleys, movie theaters, trampoline facilities, all ballparks, and golf courses, are to remain closed through April 19, 2020.
(7) Only those organizations providing essential services such as the Kokomo Rescue Mission, Bona Vista, CAM and the like may remain open subject to further order.
(8) Howard County is hereby placed on “YELLOW” travel alert. The Commissioners reserve the right to increase the alert to ”ORANGE”, permitting travel to and from work, to the store and other essential travel only, if deemed necessary at a later time. Regardless, motorists are requested to stay off the roads unless necessary for such essential travel.
This is an ongoing and evolving public health crisis. There may be further restrictions.
The Howard County Commissioners ask that all citizens of the County personally maximize and observe all safety precautions and comply with the social distancing guideline at all gatherings, whether formal or informal, public or private.
This Order is effective at 8 a.m. on March 17, 2020.
Supporting statement of City of Kokomo, Mayor Tyler Moore
In light of the heightened situation regarding the COVID-19 outbreak, The City of Kokomo joins Howard County Government leadership and Howard County Health Department officials in taking the strong and necessary precautions we feel are most appropriate to protect our citizens and aggressively mitigate the potential spread of the virus. We will continue to work closely with each group and every major employer and service provider to keep a unified front against this outbreak. We respectfully request that all residents join us and adhere to these restrictions to help keep Kokomo and Howard County as safe and healthy as possible.
Supporting statement Howard County Health Department, Dr. Don Zent
Indiana is currently experiencing a public health emergency. At this time, it appears Howard County has a community-acquired illness. The measures being instituted may seem difficult and excessive, but they are necessary to help limit the spread of COVID-19 within our community.
This effort will require the participation of all Howard County citizens and we sincerely appreciate all the sacrifices that will be made. The Howard County Health Department applauds the tremendous effort of our healthcare partners during this extraordinary time. Collaboration between community partners including, city and county government, first responder agencies, schools, and many other local organizations has been exemplary.