Officials: Bars and restaurants closing, avoid public gathering places

With the announcement of the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Bartholomew County, officials are urging you not to gather in large groups. That comes on the heels of Gov. Eric Holcomb announcing this morning that bars and restaurant dining are being locked down to fight the spread of the virus.

The first Bartholomew County victim is in stable condition in isolation at CRH. Indications are that the disease is spreading via community contact, as they did not travel recently or have contact with someone known to have the disease.

Dr. Tom Sonderman, chief medical officer at Columbus Regional Health, explains that social distancing will be key to limiting the spread of the virus in this environment.

“These decisions are being made out of a concern and caution that community spread of the virus is now at a significant level,” Sonderman said.

Holcomb is announcing that bars and dining rooms in restaurants will be closing to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Bars, nightclubs and restaurants are required to close to in-person patrons and may provide take-out and delivery services through the end of March

Hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers should cancel and/or postpone elective and non-urgent surgical procedures immediately.

Indiana will adhere to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for large events and mass gatherings. Those recommend no in-person events of more than 50 people.

Sonderman stresses that sustained social distancing is the key action to dramatically reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Columbus Mayor Jim Lienhoop says that city and county officials are strongly suggesting that you avoid, cancel or reschedule any large gatherings. He said that our community’s strongest defense is to promote social distancing.

“It is important for community members to avoid gathering, especially of moderate or large groups, in public places,” Lienhoop said. “Now, again, the current recommendations from the CDC are that for the next eight weeks that organizers cancel or postpone in person events that consist of more than 50 people. So, therefore, based on those recommendations and other proven preventative measures the city of Columbus and Bartholomew County strongly recommend that organizations and businesses consider canceling or postponing gatherings of 50 or more.