It was announced Wednesday that Starke County, Marshall County and Pulaski County fall under different color-coded areas on a map that focuses on community spread of COVID-19. All were in blue at one point, but community spread has increased. The map is updated by the Department of Health each week so local officials can make plans on how to slow the spread of COVID-19 in each community.
Indiana State Department of Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Lindsay Weaver took time Wednesday during the governor’s press conference to explain what those color codes mean.
Pulaski County is a blue county on the map.
Dr. Weaver stated, “If your county is in blue, spread is minimal. Keep doing what you have been doing, but don’t become complacent.
Marshall County is yellow on the map.
Dr. Weaver continued, “If your county is in yellow, county health and other elected officials, health providers, school and other key stakeholders should meet regularly to discuss conditions. You should evaluate the source of positive tests and undertake targeted testing, quarantine and isolation. Your county should consider restrictions on the size of gatherings, employers should restrict common areas in workplaces, school officials should review plans for face coverings and social distancing for all extra-curricular activities and assemblies.”
Starke County is shaded orange on the map.
“If your county is in orange, the State Department of Health will convene the County Health Department, health providers, schools, elected officials, and other key stakeholders to discuss conditions and actions. The size of social gatherings should be restricted. Employers should restrict common areas in workplaces. Additional local monitoring and social distancing requirements at all events and venues should occur. The county should evaluate the source of positive tests and undertake targeted testing, quarantine and isolation. County health officials and schools should place attendance restrictions on K-12 extra-curricular activities and sports events. Participants should only meet if they are able to socially distance and wear face coverings.”
Only one county in the state, Fountain County, is at a red level which is high community spread.
Dr. Weaver stressed that these are issued for guidance and expectations. State health officials are in contact with local health officials to determine how to slow the spread of COVID-19.
