U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) today released the following statement after the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) announced the first case of coronavirus in Indiana:
“The first case of coronavirus in Indiana is something our public health authorities have been preparing for, and I’m confident they are doing everything possible to keep Hoosiers healthy and safe. Fortunately, because the patient and health care providers did everything right, the health risk in our communities remains low. I have been in contact with numerous state and local officials and will continue working to ensure they have the resources and information they need to fight coronavirus.
“I encourage all Hoosiers to continue taking simple but important precautions: wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, and stay home if you are sick.”
BACKGROUND
The latest updates and information about coronavirus can be found at walorski.house.gov/coronavirus.
State officials today announced the first presumptive positive case of coronavirus in Indiana. A Marion County resident with a recent history of travel to Boston tested positive for COVID-19 at the ISDH Laboratories. Samples will be sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for final confirmation. In response to the development, Governor Eric Holcomb declared a public health emergency in order to ensure coordination among all levels of government.
State Health Commissioner Kris Box, M.D., FACOG, briefed Congresswoman Walorski and other members of the Indiana congressional delegation. According to Dr. Box, the patient has been in quarantine since returning to Indianapolis, and the risk to the general public remains low. The patient will remain in home isolation for at least 14 days.
Earlier today, President Trump signed H.R. 6074, the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, which provides $7.8 billion in emergency funding for federal, state, and local efforts to fight coronavirus. Walorski voted for the bipartisan legislation when the House passed it on Wednesday.
ISDH released the following information regarding coronavirus and what Hoosiers can do to protect themselves from viral respiratory illnesses, including coronavirus and the flu:
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, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands; and
· Rarely, fecal contamination.
The best way to protect yourself from any respiratory illness, including the flu, is to:
· Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
· Stay home when you are sick.
· Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
· 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.
Walorski represents the 2nd Congressional District of Indiana, serving as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.
