Fulton County COVID-19 Daily Brief

Fulton County COVID-19 Daily Brief by the Authority of Fulton County Health Officer Dr.Kevin Reyburn and Fulton County Health Nurse Rhonda Barnett RN

**All information is subject to change**

ISDH Case Numbers for Fulton County:

Total Positive Tests – 3

Total Tests - 37

**REMINDER**

IF YOU HAVE BEEN TESTED FOR COVID-19 YOU MUST GO HOME AND SELF-ISOLATE IMMEDIATELY TILL RESULTS ARE CONFIRMED. CONTACT A FRIEND OR LOVED ONE TO DO ANY ESSENTIAL ERRANDS YOU MAY NEED DURING THIS PERIOD. FOLLOW THE RECOMMED SELF-DISTANCING PROCEDURES.

ER Open for Emergency’s

Surgeries - Case by Case decided by your Doctor

Visitation - No visitation with limited exceptions

Message from Fulton County Economic Development

Fulton County Manufacturers are Essential Businesses and Operations

We know now how essential our restaurants and grocery and supply stores are. Essential Businesses don’t just stop here however. For the purposes of Indiana Executive Order 20-08,

Essential Business and Operations means to include those manufacturing companies, distributors and supply chain companies producing and supplying essential products and services in and for industries such as healthcare, pharmaceutical, technology, biotechnology, chemicals and sanitization, agriculture, waste pickup and disposal, food and beverage, transportation, energy, steel and steel products, petroleum, fuel, mining, construction, national defense, communications and products used by other Essential Businesses and Operations.

For any businesses with questions regarding what IS and IS NOT considered Essential Business please contact the Critical Industries Hotline.

This center is reachable by calling 877-820-0890 or by emailing covidresponse@iedc.in.gov, is for business and industry questions only.

Fulton County Health Department

125 E 9^th St. Rochester, IN 46975 (574) 223-2881

David Kevin Reyburn M.D. Health Officer Fax (574) 223-2335

April 7, 2020

* WASH YOUR HANDS FREQUENTLY, MINIMUM 20 SECONDS

* AVOID TOUCHING YOUR EYES, NOSE, AND MOUTH WITH UNWASHED HANDS

* CLEAN AND DISINFECT FREQUENTLY TOUCHED OBJECTS AND UNWASHED HANDS

If you are out of wipes a simple solution of bleach and water can be used.

Example: 1 Cup of Bleach to 1 Gallon of Water

* SELF ISOLATION/QUARANTINE: YOU MUST STAY HOME. YOU ARE NOT TO LEAVE YOUR HOME. YOU MUST HAVE A PERSON OUTSIDE YOUR HOME GET YOUR ESSENTIALS FOR 14 DAYS.

* THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE BEEN RANDOMLY TESTED (NO SYMPTOMS) FOR COVID -19 YOU MUST SELF ISOLATE/QAURANTINE UNTIL YOU GET YOUR TEST RESULTS BEFORE YOU CAN RETURN TO WORK

* IF YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19 SELF ISOLATE FOR 14 DAYS AND 72 HRS SYMPTOM FREE WITHOUT FEVER REDUCER.

* OBSERVE AND ADHERE TO GOVERNORS "STAY AT HOME" ORDER (EO 20-08)

* ANY PERSON COMING BACK FROM A VACATION OR COMING FROM AN INFECTED AREA IS REQUIRED TO SELF QUARANTINE FOR 14 DAYS. PLAN PROPER ARRANGMENTS FOR NECESSITIES FOR 14 DAYS.

* MAINTAIN APPROPRIATE SOCIAL DISTANCING AS IDENTIFIED BY THE CDC AND ISDH AS IT PERTAINS TO COVID-19 (6ft) APART

* NON-ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES SHALL BE CLOSED / FOOD SERVICES DRIVE-THROUGH, DELIVERY, CURB SIDE PICK UP ONLY

* ESSENTIAL TRAVEL ONLY - 1 PERSON PER HOUSEHOLD FOR ESSENTIAL IN STORE PURCHASES

* COVID-19 SYMPTOMS: CHILLS, DIFFICULTY BREATHING OR SHORTNESS OF BREATH, PERSISTENT COUGH, ANY NEW RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS, FATIGUE, BODY ACHES, LOSS OF TASTE AND SMELL OR A FEVER

* PLAYGROUNDS ARE CLOSED. DO NOT CONGREGATE WHEN GOING ON OUTDOOR WALKS.

* DUE TO COVID-19 LOCAL GOVERNMENT HAS ORDERED ONLY (1) ONE SHOPPER PER HOUSEHOLD.

* ESSENTIAL PURCHASES ONLY PLEASE.

FULTON COUNTY GOVERNMENT EMERGENCY ORDINANCE

EMERGENCY ORDIANCNE NO. _____ _________

OF THE FULTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Whereas, Fulton County, along with many other counties and all fifty (50) states, has experienced confirmed cases of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and;

Whereas, COVID-19 is a respiratory virus that can result in serious illness and death and is easily transmitted from person to person, and;

Whereas, on January 31, 2020 the United States Department of Public Health and Human Services Secretary declared a public emergency for COVID-19, and;

Whereas, on March 6, 2020 Governor Eric J. Holcomb issued his Declaration of Public Health Emergency for the State of Indiana for COVID-19, and;

Whereas, despite mitigation steps being taken in Indiana, this virus remains a serious threat to the health, safety, and welfare of the residents of Fulton County, and further efforts are needed to address, control, and reduce the evolving threat posed by COVID-19;

Whereas, in consultation with and concurrence with the Fulton County Health Department Health Officer, the Fulton County Commissioners have rendered a decision that aggressive social distancing and other measures must be employed and followed by all in Fulton County to slow and contain the spread of COVID-19;

Whereas, the Board of Commissioners of Fulton County, pursuant to IC 36-8-2-4 and IC 36-8-2-5, has the authority to regulate conduct that might endanger public health, safety or welfare and to impose restrictions to prevent the transmission of diseases;

Whereas, due to the potential severity of COVID-19 and the need to take urgent action, the following is effective as of 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8, 2020 until 11:59 p.m. Monday, April 20, 2020.

NOW, THEREFORE, the Board of Commissioners of Fulton County, do hereby:

1. Declare that a public health emergency exists in Fulton County due to COVID-19.

2. Order that Fulton County pursuant to IC 10-14-3-29.5 be placed under a “YELLOW” travel alert, which means that routine travel or activities may be restricted in areas because of a hazardous situation, and individuals should use caution or avoid those areas.

3. Extend the Governor’s Executive Order to Stay-At-Home until 11:59 p.m. Monday, April 20, 2020.

4. Order only essential governmental functions and essential businesses, as defined in Executive Order 20-18, can remain open. All other, non-essential businesses, shall remain closed.

5. Prohibits all public and private gathering of any kind of more than ten (10) people.

6. Requires all employers, regardless of type, to continue to comply with the Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration (IOSHA) standards for safety and health as established and enforce by IOSAH.

7. All persons leaving their homes or residences in Fulton County must do so, only for essential activities.

8. All places of public amusement in Fulton County, whether indoors or outdoors, including locations with amusement rides, carnivals, amusement parks, water parks, aquariums, zoos, museums, arcades, fairs, children’s play centers, playgrounds, funplexes, theme parks, bowling alleys, golf courses, movie and other theaters, concert and music halls, and country clubs or social clubs, shall be closed.

9. All persons in Fulton County must all times and as reasonably possible, maintain social distancing of at least six (6) feet from any other person, with the exception of family of household members.

10. Essential retail business establishments include grocery stores, supermarkets, supercenters or mass merchandizers (provided they have a sizable food/grocery section ), specialty food stores, certified farmer’s markets, farm and produce stands, convenience stores and gas stations, pharmacies, auto sales, auto supply, auto maintenance and repair, farm equipment, construction equipment, bicycle shops, hardware and supply stores, office supply stores, pet supply stores, club stores (provided they have a sizable food/grocery section), building material and supply stores may remain open as long as the following items are adhered to:

a. Limit the number of customers in establishment at any given time;

b. Implement hours for elderly and other vulnerable populations, as well as limit hours of operation to restock and clean the establishment;

c. Comply with all mitigation measures to protect employees and the public;

d. Maintain six (6) feet separation distance between customers, and customers and store employees;

e. Enforce six (6) feet separation distances at places where lines of customers tend to form;

f. Make hand sanitizer or disinfecting wipes readily available to employees and customers.

11. When conducting essential purchases in Fulton County individuals are required to adhere to the following:

a. All individuals in Fulton County should postpone making in-person purchases of goods and services;

b. All individuals in Fulton County shall use online or call-in ordering of goods and services with either delivery or curbside pickup to the greatest extent practicable;

c. All professional services should be conducted virtually or by telephone;

d. In instances where an individual must visit a retail business, an individual should limit the number and frequency of retail businesses visited to purchase goods and services;

e. All individuals in Fulton County should limit the number of household members who travel to and enter a store(s) to one (1) person per household;

f. In instances where an individual must visit a retail business only necessity items shall be purchased.

12. All campgrounds within Fulton County will be closed, except to persons residing in recreational vehicles (RVs) or cabins at the campground year-round.

13. A knowing violation of Executive 20-18 issued pursuant to Indiana’s Emergency Disaster Law is a class B misdemeanor, punishable up to 180 days incarceration and a fine of up to $1000.

14. A violation of this Ordinance is punishable of a fine up to $1000.

The Board of Commissioners acknowledge the hardship and sacrifice that is being imposed on the businesses and citizens of Fulton County by these closures. These restrictions will be revisited as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves and changes, and are subject to revision as deemed appropriate for the health and safety of the citizens of Fulton County.

This Ordinance goes into effect 11:59 p.m., Wednesday, April 8, 2020.

FULTON COUNTY COMMISIONERS

Medication (Pharmacy):

Kroger (574) 223-6347

Drive-through & Walk up window Open

Monday - Friday 9AM – 9PM

Saturday 9AM – 6PM

Sunday 11AM – 6PM

CVS (574) 224-4304

Drive-through

Monday – Friday 9AM – 8PM

Saturday & Sunday 10AM – 5PM

Walgreens (574) 223-3249

Drive-through & Some shopping if needed

Seniors

Tuesday Morning Only 8AM – 9AM

Monday – Friday 9AM – 7PM

Saturday 9AM – 6PM

Sunday 10AM – 6PM

Walmart (574) 223-9482

Drive-through only “side by hotels”

Monday, Wednesday - Saturday 9AM – 8:30PM

Seniors and at-risk shoppers

Tuesday Morning Only 6AM – 7AM

Tuesday 7AM – 7PM

Saturday 9AM – 3PM

Sunday 10AM – 6PM

Webb’s (Akron) (574) 893-4413

Curbside pick-up only/ Deliveries on extreme cases

Monday – Friday 9AM – 6PM

Saturday 9AM – 1PM

Closed Sunday

Webb’s (Rochester) (574) 223-2216

Curbside pick-up & delivery / Drive through / Front Door is locked

Monday – Friday 9AM – 7PM

Saturday 9AM – 3PM

Closed Sunday

Grocery Store Hours:

Kroger (574) 223-3881

Seniors and at-risk shoppers 7AM – 8AM

Daily 8AM – 9PM

Save-A-Lot (574) 224-3434

Daily Seniors and at-risk shoppers 9AM – 10AM

Daily 10AM – 6PM

Dollar General (Akron) (574) 353-0168

Seniors and at-risk shoppers 8AM – 9AM

Daily 9AM – 9PM

Dollar General (Rochester) (765) 319-8775

Seniors and at-risk shoppers 8AM – 9AM

Daily 9AM – 9PM

Viking Foods (574) 893-4563

Monday – Saturday 7AM – 6PM

Sunday 11AM – 4PM

Walmart (574) 223-9481

Seniors and at-risk shoppers

Tuesday Morning Only 6AM – 7AM

Daily 7AM - 8:30PM

Food:

School Meals

PDF files of Rochester, Akron & Caston School Lunch

On County and School Websites.

Church Meals / Food Banks

Grace United Methodist Church Cancelled Free Meals on Wednesday

The Cross (574) 223-3107

“Matthew’s Market” 100 West 3^rd Street, Rochester

Monday, Friday 11:30AM – 1:30PM

Mobile Pantry Second Thurs of the Month 4PM – 6PM

*Gatherings will be kept to a limit due to social distancing*

Kewanna Food Pantry (574) 653-9052

114 South Toner St, Kewanna

Serving Aubbeenaubbee, Union, and Wayne Townships

Thursday 8:30AM – 10:30AM

UWS Ministries of Akron (574) 893-4121

301 S West St, Akron

Serving Henry and Newcastle Townships by Appointment Only

Thursday Pickup 2PM – 4PM

Area Special Announcements:

For Information Regarding Federal Aid Contact Terry Lee at Fulton County Economic Development. Phone: 574-223-3326
Daily Meetings are being held with Community Leaders.
All County Buildings are still officially closed to the public
Rochester City building is closed to the public/drive-through only
Limited Travel advisory per Governor Holcomb (limitations stated at https://www.in.gov/gov/) Information Websites listed above
All non-essential businesses are closed (example: gym, salons, barbershops, nail, tattoo, country clubs, service clubs, bowling alley)

Updates and Closures: 03/26/20

04/07/20 – Fulton County Government

Due to the ongoing effort to keep everyone safe during this Covid-19 emergency we will be requiring anyone from the public who has to enter the Annex, Court House, Highway Dept., Sheriffs administration building and the jail to wear a mask covering their nose and mouth. If any departments have any public in on a regular basis, could you please reach out to them and give them a heads up on wearing a mask as we will NOT be providing the masks.

Respectfully,

Bryan W. Lewis

Pres. Commissioners

04/07/20

NEWS RELEASE

Fulton County Property Tax Statements

Fulton County’s 2019 payable 2020 tax statements will be mailed April 14^th. You will see that the tax bills will look different this year. You will need to use the appropriate spring or fall coupon when making your payments. If you are paying for the whole year at once, you can pay with one check but please send us both the spring and fall coupons and make sure your check totals both the spring and fall coupons.

The County Annex building is currently closed to the public until further notice. Please look for updates from the County Commissioners.

Property tax due dates are May 11^th for the spring installment and November 10^th for the fall installment. Due dates have not changed. Please make every effort to pay on-time. We are aware that the Governor has indicated late penalties will be delayed until July 10^th. We have not received final details on this from the state yet. There are many questions and concerns that have not been finalized relating to the penalty delay.

It is understood that this is a difficult time for everyone, every household, every business and every government entity. Your property taxes provide funding for many government and public entities that must continue to have proper funding to provide the public services that are needed for all of us. Paying on-time is important.

As we exercise caution in dealing with the current health situation relating to the COVID-19 Virus, we are requesting the public NOT come to the Fulton County Annex building to pay your property taxes, unless it is absolutely necessary.

Please follow the guidelines listed below:

Please limit your exposure to public places. Be extremely cautious if you have any underlying health concern that may further compromise your health if exposed to this or other viruses.

If you feel ill, or have any symptoms of illness, please DO NOT come to the annex building.

If you have been around anyone who has been ill, please DO NOT come to the annex building.

If you have questions about your taxes – CALL US 574-223-2913. We will be happy to answer your questions over the phone or email me treasurer@co.fulton.in.us.

There are multiple PAYMENT OPTIONS that are available to you:

Pay by MAIL. Your envelope must be postmarked by the due date to be consider on-time. Send a self-addressed/stamped envelope if you want a return receipt(s). Check or money order is accepted. DO NOT SEND CASH.

ON-LINE BILL PAY with YOUR bank. There is typically no charge by your bank for this service. Use your Parcel Number or your Duplicate Number as your account number when paying by this method.

Pay by DEBIT or CREDIT CARD with a service fee of 2.50% (charged by the service provider) of the total you are paying. Go to www.co.fulton.in.us under the Treasurer’s page and follow the links.

DROP BOX outside the Annex Building. We are providing a drop box outside the Annex building by the south doors. We will be checking this drop box several times a day. Please have your payment in an envelope or we have an envelope box on the side of the drop box. Please place your check and payment coupon in the envelope. If you want a receipt, please provide a self-addressed/stamped envelope. Check or Money Order Only – NO CASH in the drop box.

Local Banks – Lake City Bank and Community State Bank in Kewanna will be taking payments. Please have your coupon and pay exact amount only.

Partial payments are always accepted anytime throughout the year. If you have any questions, please contact the appropriate office –

Tax Payments – Treasurer’s Office at 574-223-2913
Exemptions – Auditor’s Office at 574-223-2912
Assessed Values – Assessor’s Office at 574-223-2801
Drainage Assessments – Surveyor’s Office at 574-223-3317

Thank you for your time and understanding and I appreciate your cooperation.

Please, if you have any questions, call us at 574-223-2913.

Kathy Easterday

Fulton County Treasurer

125 E 9^th Street Ste 112

Rochester, IN 46975

treasurer@co.fulton.in.us

574-223-2913

04/02/20 – Rochester Community Schools

Beginning Friday, March 20, Rochester Community Schools will provide food routes and pick-up locations for our families. The meal packages are intended to cover five days per student. Cafeteria staff will develop meals for all free and reduced lunch students. If you would like this free service provided and are NOT on free/reduced meals, please email kathy.wilkinson@zebras.net or call 574-223-2159 ext. 5004 by noon on Thursday, March 19 so staff knows to package food for your student. This FREE FOR ALL service will last the entirety of school not in session.

Pick up locations are on Fridays from 11:00 am to 12:30 at:
- Heart to Heart Church of the Nazarene (1987 Southway 31)
- Grace United Methodist Church (201 West 7th Street)
- Faith Outreach Church (1125 East 9th Street)
- Mill Creek Church (1136 North State Road 25)
- Safe Harbor Church (1944 Sweetgum Road)

Food cannot be consumed on site.

Meals will be delivered on Fridays from to students who ride busses:

- 4 (Brad Smiley)
- 14 (Stacy Ingram)
- 19 (Ion Tamer)
- 21 (Mary James)
- 27 (Kevin Wallskog)

Someone must be home to pick up the food package. If you are not able to be home during that time, please contact Mrs. Wilkinson to arrange for church pick-up or another form of delivery

Respectfully

Jana K. Vance, Ed.S

Superintendent

04/02/20 – The Outlet

THE OUTLET - DRIVE THRU

Come and grab a snack bag for

the children in your home!

Every Wednesday 4 to 5pm

602 Main Street

Rochester, IN 46975

To comply with social distancing please only 1 or 2 people from each family to pick up and stay 6 ft from others.

04/02/20 – Caston Schools

Dear Caston Family:

We're happy to inform you that Caston’s Food Service Department will be providing free sack
breakfasts & lunches for all students every Monday and Tuesday, behind the school, located at Door 9 from 11-1:00..
There are three options that we are giving our community at this time (subject to change as we have
opportunities to evaluate the program).

Option 1: Email Alysha Marrs (marrsa@caston.k12.in.us) by 9:00 a.m. to inform her you will be driving through to pick up
bagged meals at the back drive by the football field at door #9 (right by the loading dock) between
11:00 AM & 1:00 PM Monday or Tuesday. Your email needs to include the number of children in your
household needing meals (anyone 18 & under). You can then conveniently pull up to that area and the bags of meals will
be delivered to your automobile -- no need to get out of the car!

Option 2: If you have no means of picking up meals during the pick-up time stated above, please
contact Alysha Marrs (marrsa@caston.k12.in.us) to setup for delivery. We will get back to you and do our best to deliver
meals to convenient locations for families on Mondays ONLY.

We love our young Comets and want to help during these trying times, so we are encouraging our community to pick up a weeks worth of meals, on Mondays or Tuesdays, to limit public exposure and do our part to do essential traveling. This service, we are providing, is FREE to ALL, regardless if you recieve assistance or not. If there is anything further we can assist you with to make these coming weeks easier, please let us know. Thanks!

03/27/20 – City of Rochester

Rochester, March 23, 2020:

In accordance to Governor Holcomb’s Executive Order 20-08, Stay at Home Order. The City of Rochester has implemented these additional measures:

City Offices will be closed to the public beginning at 12:00pm on March 24, 2020. Local Government is an essential operation and staff will remain in the office during regular business hours (7:30am – 4:00pm). Please call City Hall at 574-223-2510 during these hours for city business related needs.
Utility payments will still be accepted by any of these methods:
1. Online, by phone, drop box, or drive up window.
All city parks will be closed to all activities, this includes the Round Barn Golf Club and Course.

Please visit the Fulton County webpage at www.co.fulton.in.us for the most current information for our county and for links to State and Federal updates and resources.

Thank you.

Mayor Denton

03/26/20 – Town of Fulton

Effective Tuesday, March 24^th, the Fulton Town Hall will be closed to in-person services and payments until further notice. Also, our curbside recycling is suspending until further notice. Any questions: Call office phone at (574) 857-3162 or email us at townoffulton@hotmail.com

03/26/20 – Town of Akron

Per the guidance of Indiana Governor Holcomb, all Pike Memorial Park playground equipment and the basketball courts are now closed until further notice. Open park spaces and trails may still be utilized within the COVID-19 safety guidelines.

The Akron Municipal Utilities Billing / Customer Service Office will be Temporarily Suspending Both IN-PERSON Services and IN-Person Utility Payments until Further Notice.

English Statement from Town of Akron

https://www.co.fulton.in.us/egov/documents/1585054284_53699.jpg

Spanish Statement from Town of Akron

https://www.co.fulton.in.us/egov/documents/1585054335_53993.jpg

03/26/20 – Guidance for Funeral Homes

The Fulton County Health Officer, Dr. David K. Reyburn MD declares the following guidance for funeral homes in Fulton County, Indiana, beginning immediately and remaining in effect until April 7, 2020. The order may be extended to comply with Governor Holcomb’s Executive Orders for the State of Indiana.

Funeral and graveside services shall be no larger than 10 persons. This should be immediate family only. The 10 person maximum also includes the staff associated with and working with the funeral home.
Alternatives to rule out number 1 for funeral services may include the following:
1. Hold the body until ban is lifted.
2. Use technology such as live streaming for funeral service.
No visitation. Friends of the family may provide their condolences by utilizing the funeral homes website.

This order is given in conjunction with the Executive Orders released by Governor Holcomb for the safety of our state and local community.

03/25/20 – No New Updates at this time

03/24/20 – Fulton County Courthouse

At this time there are no plans to close the courts due to the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic. However, effective Wednesday, March 25, 2020 the Fulton County Courthouse doors will be locked and only media, litigants and their attorney (s) with scheduled hearings shall be allowed in the courthouse. “Social distancing” will be required inside the courthouse. Please file a motion to continue your case if you are sick. Non-essential hearings as determined by the courts may be continued on the court’s own motion.

Please contact the court that your case is filed if you have any questions:

Circuit Court: (574) 223-4339

Superior Court (574) 223-3506

The Fulton County Clerk’s Office is open by appointment only. Please call (574) 223-2911 for specific needs. These measures are being taken to protect the health of the courthouse employees and shall be in effect until further order.

03/23/20

Fulton County Solid Waste/Recycling is closed until further notice

Informational Websites:

Approved Formula for Bleach Disinfectant

https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/bleach.html

https://www.co.fulton.in.us/department/index.php?structureid=87

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

https://www.in.gov/coronavirus/

https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus#tab=tab_1

https://www.coronavirus.gov/

Questions? Please Call (574) 223-2819