As of March 25, no Spencer County residents have tested positive for COVID-19.
The Spencer County Health Department is asking for everyone’s assistance in protecting the community by following the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Indiana State Department of Health.
• COVID-19 has no vaccine and no specific treatment.
• COVID-19 is a new virus, everyone is susceptible to the disease.
Disruption of normal activities must take place to slow the transmission of COVID-19.
In accordance with the “Stay At Home” Executive Order signed by the Governor of Indiana on March 23, the Spencer County Emergency Management Agency and Spencer County Health Department, following the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH), recommend the residents of Spencer County follow the guidelines and recommendations listed below:
Individuals of Spencer County (while remaining calm and living a healthy lifestyle) should:
• Stay home and limit contact with groups of people. No groups greater than 10 people. Avoid in-home visits unless necessary to provide care.
• Practice social distancing; stay six feet apart. COVID-19 remains airborne for up to three hours.
• Mass gatherings should be postponed. People may be infected with COVID-19 and show no symptoms.
• Avoid unnecessary travel, shopping and social visits.
• Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds; if hand washing is unavailable, use hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol).
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue; then throw in trash after one use. Do not use reusable handkerchiefs.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Sanitize surfaces and objects frequently. COVID-19 lives on cardboard for 24 hours, and stainless steel and plastic 2-3 days.
• Avoid handshakes and “high-fives” to prevent the transmission of COVID-19.
• Persons age 60 and older with a serious health condition (heart or lung disease) or persons with immune problems are considered at higher risk. Check on your elderly neighbors and family without in-home visits.
• Many Spencer County restaurants are open for take-out.
• Foreign travel: Call Spencer County Health Department at 812-649-4441 if you have recently returned from a foreign country.
• COVID-19 Testing: Call Spencer County Health Department at 812-649-4441 if you have been tested for COVID-19 and are waiting for results.
If you are sick (whether you suspect COVID-19 or not):
• STAY HOME unless you require medical attention; not everyone will be tested for COVID-19. Respiratory viruses are contagious by respiratory droplets.
• If you must seek medical attention, CALL your physician or the Health Care Facility before you visit the office.
• Distance yourself away from your family in another room of your home.
• Be prepared to self-quarantine for 14 days as directed.
For the most up-to-date information, follow the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) websites, cdc.gov and Isdh.in.gov.
