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Coronavirus

2020 500 Festival Mini-Marathon Canceled; Other Events through May 9th Canceled

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The 500 Festival is suspending all planned, in-person events scheduled through May 9, 2020. The suspension of these events is in accordance with the CDC’s updated guidance to cancel, postpone or provide virtual options for all large events for the next 8 weeks in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). The 500 Festival is doing everything possible to minimize the economic impact and ramifications that will be experienced as a result of canceling these in-person events.

The following 500 Festival in-person events will need to be conducted as virtual events, rescheduled or canceled:

  • OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K (May 2) – All 2020 Indy Mini events will move to virtual races. Individuals registered for this year’s races will receive details on how to participate virtually and still earn their 2020 shirt and medal. Other options, including lending a hand in support of the 500 Festival’s free programs for kids or rolling registration over to next year, will be communicated to participants in the coming days. The in-person events will NOT take place.
  • 500 Festival Kick-Off to May, presented by STAR Bank (April 29) – The in-person event will NOT take place. There will be an announcement soon regarding ways the community can participate virtually.
  • Salesforce & JPMorgan Chase 500 Festival Kids’ Day and Rookie Run (May 9) – The in-person event will NOT take place. We will reschedule this event for another date as guidance related to public events is provided.
  • 500 Festival Mini-Marathon Expo (April 30 & May 1) – The in-person event will NOT take place. Virtual goodie bags will be sent to participants.
  • All 500 Festival & Indianapolis 500 Education Program Study Trips at IMS (April 2020) – All in-person events will NOT take place. Schools will be mailed some additional materials.
  • This list is in addition to the other 500 Festival event cancelations that were announced last week

“The 500 Festival recognizes the unique and challenging times that we are all facing together. May will certainly look different than the last 60+ years but with options to participate virtually or to reschedule some events to a future date we are confident that the future looks bright and the things we hold dearly will continue albeit in a different form,” said Bob Bryant, president and CEO of the 500 Festival. “As a community nonprofit organization, the 500 Festival looks forward to providing events and programs that enrich lives, foster positive community impact and celebrate the Indy 500. To our participants, volunteers, interns, corporate and civic partners – Thank you for your support!”

To the registered participants of the 2020 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon and Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K, we know that many of you have logged countless hours of training and have made numerous commitments to experience the thrill of crossing the finish line. We don’t take your commitments lightly and want you to know that we have exhausted all possible solutions to provide the Indy Mini experience that you’ve come to expect over the last 43 years. We have also been cognizant of the resources that help us produce this community event which includes thousands of volunteers, medical personnel, IMPD, the Indiana National Guard, Homeland Security, Indianapolis Motor Speedway staff, corporate partners and many others. Given our current situation and out of respect for the ever-changing needs of those resource partners as well as the health and safety of our participants, it has become clear that moving our 2020 races to virtual runs is the best possible choice. In addition to the participant options, we are also committed to providing you with an on-track running and walking experience at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway at a to-be-determined date later this year.

Regarding 500 Festival events for the remainder of May, please be patient as we respond to new health-related guidance and develop alternate plans as necessary. Any additional measures or announcements will be communicated to impacted participants, ticketholders, and volunteers via email. It will also be shared on our social media, websites (www.500festival.com and www.indymini.com) and to the media, as they occur.

Indianapolis COVID-19 Establishment + Travel Restrictions as of March 16, 2020

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INDIANAPOLIS – Following today’s announcement by Governor Eric Holcomb, Mayor Joe Hogsett and Dr. Virginia Caine of the Marion County Public Health Department issued a series of orders for Marion County prohibiting all public gatherings of 50 or more people; closing Indianapolis bars and nightclubs that do not serve food, as well as movie theaters, entertainment venues, gyms, and fitness facilities. In alignment with Governor Holcomb’s directives, restaurants, bars, and retail food facilities will not be allowed to serve food for dine-in consumption but may continue to offer food for delivery, carry-out, or drive-thru.

“These new restrictions come at a heavy cost for our community, but guidance from public-health experts makes clear they are necessary to reduce the spread of the coronavirus,” said Mayor Hogsett. “As we work to put in place protections for affected businesses and employees at a local level, I urge our partners at the state and federal level to continue to move swiftly to enact unemployment policies and small-business-assistance programs that can provide immediate assistance to Indianapolis residents.”

This afternoon Mayor Hogsett issued an executive order declaring a local disaster emergency in Marion County and issuing a watch-level local travel advisory, which advises against travel except when essential, in circumstances such as to and from work, in emergency situations, or to purchase groceries and pick-up prescriptions or food. Marion County’s Emergency Operations Center has also been operationalized with around the clock staffing, convening public health and safety professionals to monitor the developing situation.

Additionally, Mayor Joe Hogsett announced today the launch of a new tool on the city’s Indy.gov website that connects individuals, students, and families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic with community resources. By simplifying the information and distilling details from dozens of different sources, the easy to navigate tool seeks to make this difficult time easier for Indianapolis residents. Resources will be posted in real-time and organized by topic, gathering in one place programming made available by government agencies, service providers, community partners, and school districts.

“Indianapolis is lucky to have a wide variety of support systems in place for residents with dedicated service providers spread out across Marion County. But it’s clear that as more programs and resources become available, residents may find it difficult to easily connect with critical services. By launching this new resource guide on the Indy.gov website, we can quickly help people understand what programming is available, based on the unique needs of students, families, businesses, and more,” said Mayor Joe Hogsett. “We must all do our part – as one city – to support each other during this difficult time.”

“It is imperative that we work together as a community to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and keep our neighbors safe. The restrictions I am ordering today follow the efforts cities around the world have taken to ensure adequate social distancing that curbs the impact of this virus in their communities – efforts that are proving effective,” said Marion County Health Department Director Dr. Virginia Caine. “The Marion County Public Health Department remains dedicated to providing timely and accurate information to our community and taking the unprecedented steps that are necessary during this crisis. It is critical that residents practice social distancing, take care of vulnerable neighbors, and wash hands frequently.”

The Marion County Public Health Department’s Order states that the following establishments will be temporarily closed to the public as soon as possible but no later than 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 17:

  • Bars and nightclubs that do not serve food;
  • Movie theaters and entertainment venues;
  • Gyms and fitness facilities.

The following restrictions will also apply, and should be implemented as soon as possible but no later than 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 17:

  • All restaurants will be prohibited from serving food to dine-in customers but may continue to prepare and offer food via carry-out, delivery, or drive-thru. Additionally, food pantries/food banks may continue to work with restaurants and kitchens as necessary for the distribution of overflow food items.
  • Gatherings of more than 50 people must be canceled or postponed, in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations. This does not apply to schools, universities, or businesses.
  • Houses of worship are urged to limit large gatherings on their premises and to explore and implement ways to practice their respective faiths while observing social-distancing practices.
  • Residents should adhere to the watch-level local travel advisory, minimizing travel except to and from work, in emergency situations, or to purchase groceries and pick-up prescriptions or food.

The following establishments will continue to operate as usual:

  • Grocery stores will remain open;
  • And cafeterias within hospitals, nursing homes, and similar healthcare facilities will continue operations.

The above restrictions will take effect at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 17 and will remain in place for at least the next seven days. Mayor Hogsett intends to seek City-County Council approval at tonight’s council meeting to extend the order through at least April 5, 2020.

The COVID-19 resource guide, which can be viewed at indy.gov/covid, provides contact information and basic program details in order to address a wide variety of resident needs. Indy.Gov is mobile-friendly, allowing those who primarily use their smartphone for connectivity to easily access the COVID-19 Resource Topics. Spanish speaking residents can view the Resource Guide here. Individuals who are unable to navigate the city’s website can call 317-327-4MAC between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to talk to a customer service representative.

2020 Indy 500 Update as of March 16th

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Joint statement from INDYCAR and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway

“We are aware of the CDC’s interim guidance suggesting the postponement of events involving more than 50 people over the next eight weeks. Our priority is to do our part in protecting the public health while still conducting the 104th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge as scheduled on May 24. This continues to be a dynamic situation in which we are monitoring constantly in coordination with federal, state, local and public health officials. We are planning for all contingencies and will be prepared to run the GMR Grand Prix and Indy 500 as the COVID-19 situation permits.”

First COVID-19 Death in Indiana

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INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb and the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) today announced the first Indiana death from COVID-19. The patient is a Marion County adult.

“A family today is suffering the ultimate loss due to COVID-19, and this sadly underscores how severe the virus can be – especially for some high-risk Hoosiers,” Gov. Holcomb said. “The state is taking unprecedented actions to slow the spread of COVID-19, and every Hoosier should follow the precautionary measures.”

The adult from Marion County died at a Community Health Network hospital on Monday morning. The person, who was over age 60, had been hospitalized as a COVID-19 patient and also suffered from underlying medical conditions. No further information will be released about the patient or the case.

“I cannot stress this enough – if you are ill, stay home. If you need to seek medical care, call ahead so that your healthcare provider can take steps to protect others from exposure to COVID-19,” said State Health Commissioner Kris Box, M.D., FACOG. “We all have a role to play to protect Hoosiers from this illness, and the time to act is now.”

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a novel, or new, coronavirus that has not been previously identified. It is not the same as the type of coronavirus that causes the common cold. To date, 24 Hoosiers across 13 counties have received presumptive positive tests for COVID-19. All but one are adults.

Human coronaviruses most commonly spread from an infected person to others through:

  • Respiratory droplets released into the air by coughing and sneezing;
  • Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands;
  • Touching an object or surface with the virus on it and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands; and
  • Rarely, fecal contamination.

Many people who acquire COVID-19 will have mild symptoms, can self-isolate and do not need to be tested. Older individuals and those with underlying medical conditions are at higher risk for severe illness.

The best ways to protect yourself are to wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, avoid touching your face with unwashed hands, avoid close contact with people who are sick, stay home when you’re sick, cover your cough or sneeze and clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

The CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19. You should only wear a mask if a healthcare professional recommends it. A facemask should be used by people who have COVID-19 and are showing symptoms to protect others from the risk of infection.

For a list of counties with positive cases, visit ISDH’s online dashboard at www.in.gov/coronavirus. The dashboard will be updated daily at 10 a.m. and will reflect results received through midnight. The website also includes guidance and a list of frequently asked questions.

SOURCE: Indiana Family and Social Services Administration

2020 INDYCAR Races Canceled Through April

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“After careful consideration, including regular communication with our event promoters, health officials, and the city administrations in our respective race markets regarding COVID-19, we have made the decision to cancel all NTT INDYCAR Series events through April. This begins with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg which was to begin today and run through Sunday, March 15 and continues through the AutoNation INDYCAR Challenge at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas which was to take place April 24-26. Although we are disappointed to delay the start to this INDYCAR season and will miss our incredible fans who support us each year in St. Petersburg, Birmingham, Long Beach, and Austin, the safety of our fans, participants, staff, partners, and media will always remain our top priority. We will continue to coordinate with public health experts and government officials as we determine the appropriate plans for resuming our schedule.”

 

Fred Hoiberg Leaves Big Ten Tournament Game With Illness

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Indianapolis — Former Indiana Pacer Fred Hoiberg left the Big Ten tournament game against Indiana University and was taken directly to the hospital.

According to Andy Katz, “Nebraska men’s basketball team is not leaving Bankers Life Arena. They were brought their food outside the locker room.”

There has been no confirmation if this is COVID-19 related or not, and it should be noted that Hoiberg has a known heart condition.

Ball State University Suspends In-Person Classes due to COVID-19

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March 11, 2020

I write to inform you of additional steps our University is taking to respond to COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. We are not currently aware of any reported cases of COVID-19 at Ball State, but it is likely the virus will spread to our community. As we continue to monitor the rapidly evolving situation, I recommend that we take the following steps to help protect all members of our campus community.

Classes

Beginning Monday, March 16, we will suspend all in-person classes for the duration of the Spring semester. In-person classes will be replaced with virtual instruction and other alternative learning options.

Susana Rivera-Mills, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, will soon provide additional information to the academic deans about the virtual instruction and alternative learning options. Deans, department chairs, and faculty instructors will also communicate specific information about their courses to our students.

At this time, we are not directing students to leave campus, and University services and offices will remain open.

Events

From March 16 until April 30, we are suspending all University-sponsored/funded events of 100 people or more.

Event organizers should consider conducting events via alternative technologies. If an event organizer believes that a particular event is essential to fulfilling our mission, that organizer can request an exception from the appropriate Vice President. Vice Presidents will carefully consider whether to grant exceptions based on the best interests of our campus community. It is my expectation that exceptions will only be granted in rare circumstances.

At this point, we hope to host Commencement ceremonies, but we will make a final decision at a later date.

For events that are presently scheduled to be held on our campus and that are not University-sponsored/funded, we will consult with outside organizations to determine whether we will permit them to use Ball State facilities for their events, and if so, under what conditions.

We will continue to monitor athletic activities, practices, and competitions in coordination with the Commissioner of the Mid-American Conference, the NCAA, and other member institutions.

Meetings

While the University remains open, I encourage every member of the campus community to conduct meetings virtually whenever possible.

For Faculty, Staff, and Operations

Our employees are essential to ensuring the University is able to maintain operations in a safe and responsible manner. We will continue to monitor conditions and make decisions about alternative work arrangements for our faculty and staff as needed.

Travel

International Travel

We have suspended all University-sponsored/funded international travel until further notice.  An employee can request an exception from the appropriate Vice President. I expect that exceptions will only be granted in rare circumstances.

Domestic Travel

Until further notice, we are suspending University-sponsored/funded domestic travel for faculty, staff, and students, including travel throughout the state of Indiana, unless a Vice President or Dean approves of an exception. When making a decision about travel, our Vice Presidents and Deans will consider the destination, reason, duration of travel, and how important it is to our University’s mission.

I provide this guidance to our campus community in order to help slow and mitigate the spread of COVID-19. We understand these steps will cause significant disruption, but we must act in a responsible manner consistent with our University values.

I appreciate your understanding, patience, and flexibility during this time. Together, we will manage the challenges posed by COVID-19.

Sincerely,

Geoffrey S. Mearns
President
Ball State University

NBA Suspends 2019-20 Season Due to COVID-19

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March 11, 2020

NEW YORK — The NBA announced that a player on the Utah Jazz has preliminarily tested positive for COVID-19.  The test result was reported shortly prior to the tip-off of Wednesday’s game between the Jazz and Oklahoma City Thunder at Chesapeake Energy Arena.  At that time, Wednesday’s game was canceled.  The affected player was not in the arena.

The NBA is suspending game play following the conclusion of Wednesday’s schedule of games until further notice.  The NBA will use this hiatus to determine next steps for moving forward in regard to the coronavirus pandemic.

Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School Indianapolis Coronavirus Update

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The following was sent to Brebeuf families on March 2, 2020.

Dear Brebeuf Jesuit Families,

We are taking proactive measures in preparation for potential impacts of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), should that be necessary in our community.

The most important thing that all of our community members should be doing at this time, is the practice of good health hygiene to prevent the spread of any illness, including:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick, and for a 24-hour period following a fever.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
  • Our facilities staff applies regular disinfectant treatment in our school, and as conditions warrant, we will be prepared to take extra cleaning measures.

Again, if you are sick, please stay home to avoid spreading illness. Learn about the symptoms of COVID-19 using public health resources such as:

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

The Indiana State Department of Health

Self-assess, see your doctor if you are unsure, and make sure you are healthy before returning to school.

We are currently evaluating all upcoming school-sponsored student trips. If you are a participant on one of these trips, you can expect to receive regular updates from your staff coordinator, who will keep you apprised should it become necessary to cancel.

In the event that school would need to close, we would expect to implement our E-Learning protocols for teachers and students and would send detailed information at that time.

Thank you,

Greg VanSlambrook
Principal

SOURCE: brebeuf.org/novel-coronavirus-update/