Beginning on March 14, 2020, Indy Midtown Magazine has been posting regular updates about the response to the public health emergency by the City of Indianapolis as well as Midtown-related organizations. This post archives all April, 2020 updates.
UPDATED APRIL 30. The public health emergency has caused problems for the Broad Ripple winter and summer farmers markets. When Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) announced in mid-April it was not going to allow the summer market to use the Broad Ripple High School parking lot, the Broad Ripple Village Association (BRVA) had to find a new location in a hurry to meet the May 2 opening day.
After some rapid negotiations with Kite Realty Group, BRVA executive director Colleen Fanning reported that the market’s new temporary home will be a parking lot at 6179 N. Rural Ave., the first street east of Keystone Ave. on the east border of the Glendale Town Center that contains Target and Lowe’s.
Because of social distancing requirements and other COVID-19 safety measures mandated by the Marion County Health Department, [PDF] Fanning said the market will be radically different: “No dogs. Grab and go bags of produce. No food prepared on site. No vendor samples.” She said the disruption has caused the market to turn away vendors and issue refunds to vendors who had already paid. “For our vendors, the farmers market is the lifeline that pays their bills and keeps them and their families afloat,” she said. Fanning added that IPS has expressed a willingness to let the market return once Governor Holcomb’s social distancing order expires.
April 29 update
To address the disparities in the impact of COVID-19 among African-American residents and those of older age groups, the Marion County Public Health Department and the City of Indianapolis announced plans to expand COVID-19 testing. Eastern Star Church, 5750 E. 30th St. will serve as the testing site for this expanded service, beginning Thursday, April 30.
After May 1, testing will occur Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The site included both drive-through and walk-up testing options. Law enforcement will direct car and pedestrian traffic to the designated testing area at the site.
All COVID-19 testing at Eastern Star Church will be conducted by appointment only. Residents who develop symptoms of the Coronavirus or meet testing criteria can visit this registration page or call 317-221-5515. Residents will need to complete the registration and health screening to receive an appointment before visiting the testing location.
In a statement, Dr. Virginia A. Caine, director and chief medical officer of the Marion County Public Health Department said, “The magnitude of the disparities in COVID-19 outcomes faced by African-Americans and vulnerable populations throughout Marion County underscores not just the importance of testing, but also the obligation for all us to continue working to flatten the curve.”
Tthe Marion County Health Department’s most recent weekly update [PDF] found that “The subpopulations with the highest death rate from COVID-19 in Indiana have been males (7.8 per 100,000 population), ages 80 and older (69.1 per 100,000 population), African American or Black (13.9 per 100,000 population), and non-Hispanic or Latino (4.1 per 100,000 population). There is a large amount ethnicity information missing.”
In a statement, City-County Council President Vop Osili said, “The demographic data of COVID-19’s impact and targeting testing to those most at risk is sound science and sound policy.”
April 28 update
The Marion County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) today released an update on COVID-19-positive first responders and the status of local emergency services: Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD), Indianapolis Fire Department (IFD), and Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services (IEMS)
As of April 28:
IMPD: In total, 31 officers have tested positive for COVID-19. Nineteen have subsequently recovered from the virus, been cleared by a medical professional, and returned to work.
IFD: In total, 28 firefighters have tested positive for COVID-19. Twenty-three have subsequently recovered from the virus, been cleared by a medical professional, and returned to work.
IEMS: In total, 8 providers have tested positive for COVID-19. Seven have subsequently recovered from the virus, been cleared by a medical professional, and returned to work.
Indianapolis first responders who test positive for COVID-19 are self-quarantined at home and monitored for any progression of symptoms. Those individuals will return to work only after being medically cleared by a doctor. Firefighters, police officers, and IEMS providers who have worked in close proximity to someone infected with COVID-19 follow the State of Indiana Emergency Operations Center procedure with regard to notification, testing, and self-quarantine. These protocols aim to reduce transmission of the virus between first responders as well as to community members they interact with.
Residents are also encouraged to continue doing their part to stop the spread of the disease. Anyone in the community calling 9-1-1 is asked to be forthright with the dispatcher about any flu-like symptoms they, or any member of their family, may be experiencing—even if the dispatcher does not ask specifically. Residents should try to meet responders at the door or on the front porch if physically capable. This allows for a quick assessment in an open area and helps reduce risk of unnecessary exposure. Residents not currently experiencing an emergency but who have questions about COVID-19 are asked to call 877-826-0011.
April 20 update
The Marion County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) today released an update on COVID-19-positive first responders and the status of local emergency services: Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD), Indianapolis Fire Department (IFD), and Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services (IEMS)
As of April 20:
IMPD: In total, 25 officers have tested positive for COVID-19. Sixteen have subsequently recovered from the virus, been cleared by a medical professional, and returned to work.
IFD: In total, 27 firefighters have tested positive for COVID-19. Nineteen have subsequently recovered from the virus, been cleared by a medical professional, and returned to work.
IEMS: In total, 8 providers have tested positive for COVID-19. Six have subsequently recovered from the virus, been cleared by a medical professional, and returned to work.
Indianapolis first responders who test positive for COVID-19 are self-quarantined at home and monitored for any progression of symptoms. Those individuals will return to work only after being medically cleared by a doctor. Firefighters, police officers, and IEMS providers who have worked in close proximity to someone infected with COVID-19 follow the State of Indiana Emergency Operations Center procedure with regard to notification, testing, and self-quarantine. These protocols aim to reduce transmission of the virus between first responders as well as to community members they interact with.
Residents are also encouraged to continue doing their part to stop the spread of the disease. Anyone in the community calling 9-1-1 is asked to be forthright with the dispatcher about any flu-like symptoms they, or any member of their family, may be experiencing—even if the dispatcher does not ask specifically. Residents should try to meet responders at the door or on the front porch if physically capable. This allows for a quick assessment in an open area and helps reduce risk of unnecessary exposure. Residents not currently experiencing an emergency but who have questions about COVID-19 are asked to call 877-826-0011.
April 17 update
The Broad Ripple Village Association reports that Indianapolis Public Schools will not allow the Broad Ripple Farmers Market to use the Broad Ripple High School parking lot until the Governor relaxes restrictions on social distancing.
On March 16, Governor Holcomb issued a series of directives to insure that Indiana would adhere to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for large events and mass gatherings. The guidance recommends no in-person events of more than 50 people. His March 23 Executive Order 20-08 [PDF] – the Stay-at-Home order – includes farmer’s markets in the list of essential businesses however the order prohibits gatherings of more than 10 people.
BRVA reports that IPS has expressed a willingness to host the Farmers Market again once restrictions are lifted. In the meantime, the organization is seeking an alternate location in time for to the planned May 2 opening date. Wherever of the temporary location is, BRVA said it will be comply with the Marion County Health Department’s COVID-19 restrictions for farmers markets. Thus, BRVA has developed new protocols with the goal of maintaining social distance and preventing transmission of COVID-19:
- No eating or drinking at the market. That means no ready-to-eat food, beverages, or vendor product samples.
- Single entrance/exit. To permit safe social distancing between customers, the number of persons allowed into the Market at one time will be limited.
- Pre-orders on vendor websites is encouraged. This minimizes wait times for all customers and has proven to be a popular strategy at the Winter Farmers Market.
- No dogs. This helps meet the necessary social distancing and safety requirements.
- Personal protective equipment. Everyone attending the Market should wear a face mask.
April 15 update
According to Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears, social distancing requirements have affected the criminal justice system’s operations in the following ways:
Criminal cases
The Indiana Supreme Court has authorized that all criminal jury trials be continued until May 4 if the rights of the defendant will not be violated. All essential hearings and hearings for individuals held in custody are being heard remotely in a limited number of courts. All non-essential hearings are being rescheduled for May 4 or later. Prior to appearing for a hearing, please check for case information here or contact the Criminal Courts Division at 317-327-1447.
Traffic cases
All traffic court cases are being continued by the Court until May 4 or later. April court dates will be rescheduled after Traffic Court reopens. Check for updated case information here.
Child support
All child support hearings will be continued until May 6 or later. The Prosecutor’s Office continues to make child support services available by phone at 317-327-1800 or email at familyadvocate@indy.gov.
Modification of placement for individuals in Marion County Jail and Community Corrections
The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office is working in cooperation with the Marion County Superior Courts, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Marion County Public Defender Agency and Marion County Community Corrections to review jail and community correction sentences of non-violent inmates and juveniles and consider modifying placement.
General Questions
Walk-in assistance at all locations unavailable until further notice. General questions or requests for assistance in contacting the appropriate Deputy Prosecutor should be directed to mcpo@indy.gov.
April 14 update
The Indianapolis City-County Council passed Prop 137 [PDF] that increases funding for the Marion County Election Board (MCEB) to conduct the Primary Election now set for June 2. The Council allocated $1,455,500 to mail absentee ballots to all registered voters and to rent additional Express Vote machines to use at polling places.
The proposal also appropriated an additional $633,955 to MCEB to obtain the necessary equipment to run the 2020 Marion County elections.
April 13 update
The Marion County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) today released an update on COVID-19-positive first responders and the status of local emergency services: Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD), Indianapolis Fire Department (IFD), and Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services (IEMS)
As of April 13:
IMPD: In total, 23 officers have tested positive for COVID-19. Three have subsequently recovered from the virus, been cleared by a medical professional, and returned to work.
IFD: In total, 23 firefighters have tested positive for COVID-19. Fourteen have subsequently recovered from the virus, been cleared by a medical professional, and returned to work.
IEMS: In total, 7 providers have tested positive for COVID-19. Five have subsequently recovered from the virus, been cleared by a medical professional, and returned to work.
April 10 update
With dine-in hot meal locations temporarily closed during the current public health crisis, food pantries and community service organizations have stepped up to meet the increased demand and serve those in need. Acting rapidly, food pantries have adjusted their services to meet the evolving guidelines of the CDC and Indiana State Board of Health to ensure people are not without food.
April 9 update
In order to understand the community prevalence of asymptomatic individuals, Eli Lilly & Company has begun a research study. The company is offering one-time drive-through testing for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Qualified participants from the general public must be asymptomatic, i.e., no recent fever, no cough, no shortness of breath, no prior positive COVID-19 test or pending test.) No physician order is required; however, testing is by appointment only. Individuals may register Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. by calling 877-393-8504.
Since demand is likely to be high, Lilly asks callers to the Lilly COVID-19 Testing Call Center to be patient as substantial wait times are anticipated before callers can speak with a testing program volunteer. Additional details are online, including a link to research study forms individuals need to review prior to calling.
April 8 update
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City-County Council has approved Mayor Joe Hogsett’s request to extend the local disaster emergency declaration to May 1, 2020. [PDF]
April 7 update
Local first responders Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD), Indianapolis Fire Department (IFD), and Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services (IEMS) put their lives on the line for this city every day. During the current public health emergency they remain committed to serving residents while also helping to slow the spread of the virus. Firefighters, IEMS providers, and police officers are trained to practice social distancing when possible, wash or sanitize their hands frequently, and wear the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) appropriate for each run.
Indianapolis first responders who test positive for COVID-19 are self-quarantined at home and monitored for any progression of symptoms. Those individuals will return to work only after being medically cleared by a doctor. Firefighters, police officers, and IEMS providers who have worked in close proximity to someone infected with COVID-19 follow the State of Indiana Emergency Operations Center procedure with regard to notification, testing, and self-quarantine. These protocols aim to reduce transmission of the virus between first responders as well as to community members they interact with.
More than 1,600 IMPD officers work in 78 beats across Indianapolis. More than 1,200 IFD firefighters serve neighborhoods from 43 fire stations. More than 350 emergency medical technicians and paramedics make up the IEMS workforce. As of April 7, Indianapolis first responders have reported the following incidents of COVID-19 in their respective ranks.
IMPD: In total, 20 officers have tested positive for COVID-19. One has subsequently recovered from the virus, been cleared by a medical professional, and returned to work.
IFD: In total, 21 firefighters have tested positive for COVID-19. Five have subsequently recovered from the virus, been cleared by a medical professional, and returned to work.
IEMS: In total, 7 providers have tested positive for COVID-19. Two have subsequently recovered from the virus, been cleared by a medical professional, and returned to work.
Residents are also encouraged to continue doing their part to stop the spread of the disease. Anyone in the community calling 9-1-1 is asked to be forthright with the dispatcher about any flu-like symptoms they, or any member of their family, may be experiencing—even if the dispatcher does not ask specifically. Residents should try to meet responders at the door or on the front porch if physically capable. This allows for a quick assessment in an open area and helps reduce risk of unnecessary exposure. Residents not currently experiencing an emergency but who have questions about COVID-19 are asked to call 877-826-0011.
April 6 update
In a joint announcement, The Indianapolis Colts and Pacers Sports & Entertainment (PSE) today issued a challenge to funders. The goal is to raise a total of $200,000 for 12 community centers in Indianapolis. Midtown’s MLK Center is one of the potential beneficiaries selected because they are on the front lines of feeding, supporting and caring for vulnerable residents during the current COVID-19 health emergency.
If $200,000 is raised by 12 noon on Thursday, April 9, the Colts and PSE will join together to donate an additional $420,000 to the effort, which would mean that each center would receive $35,000. One hundred percent of the money raised by the public through this effort will be divided equally among the 12 centers.
The United Way of Central Indiana has established a portal for online donations.
In response to Governor Holcomb’s extension of his Stay-At-Home order, the Department of Public Works (DPW) will suspend heavy trash pick-up for the month of April to offset additional disposal volume – and for the safety of workers with Republic Services and Waste Management that collect heavy trash by hand. Solid waste crews will also continue work as scheduled on Friday despite Good Friday, which is a city-county holiday.
April 3 update
Firefighters, IEMS providers, and police officers are instructed to practice social distancing when possible, wash or sanitize their hands frequently, and wear the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) appropriate for each run. Agency leaders are actively monitoring the health of first responders and act swiftly when known exposure occurs or symptoms of the virus are exhibited. First responders are sent for free COVID-19 testing offered by Eli Lilly & Co. following an exposure protocol developed by IEMS, which is run through the Marion County Emergency Operations Center.
IMPD has more than 1,600 police officers who serve in 78 beats across Indianapolis. IFD is made up of more than 1,200 firefighters who serve neighborhoods from 43 fire stations. IEMS’ workforce is made up of more than 350 EMTs and paramedics.
As of April 3:
IMPD: In total, 17 officers have tested positive for COVID-19.
IFD: In total, 14 firefighters have tested positive for COVID-19. Two have subsequently recovered from the virus, been cleared by a medical professional, and returned to work.
IEMS: In total, 6 providers have tested positive for COVID-19. Two have subsequently recovered from the virus, been cleared by a medical professional, and returned to work.
Police officers, firefighters, and IEMS providers remain committed to serving residents while also helping to slow the spread of the virus. They have been instructed to practice social distancing when possible, wash or sanitize their hands frequently, and wear the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) appropriate for each run.
April 2 update
Effective Friday, April 3, Indianapolis EMS (IEMS) first responders will begin following upgraded status protocols for emergency medical responses to help combat the COVID-19 pandemic. The upgraded status means paramedics will use their training and expertise, in accordance with established protocols, to begin an early triage process on-scene, determining which patients could be best served by being treated and remaining at home. Read more.
April 1 update
Mayor Joe Hogsett and Dr. Virginia Caine, director of the Marion County Public Health Department, (MCPHD) issued a joint announcement extending Marion County’s “stay at home” orders and closure of all non-essential businesses through May 1. The orders had been set to expire on Monday, April 6, 2020. Mayor Hogsett has requested that the City-County Council consent to the extension [PDF] and the Council is anticipated to take up the matter at an April 6 meeting.
Additionally, Dr. Caine has ordered the closure of all golf courses in Marion County beginning April 3. [PDF] The City has announced the cancellation of all Indy Parks programming for the month of April.
Mayor Hogsett and Dr. Caine also released a letter to all essential businesses [PDF], reminding them of social distancing guidelines and reinforcing the need to make changes in the workplace in order to create distance between employees performing essential functions. The letter indicates that essential businesses failing to implement guidelines risk the revocation of their essential status and right to remain open.
Indianapolis Public Schools Superintendent Aleesia Johnson today announced that the district will pay all active employees through the school closures due to COVID-19. Those closures are currently scheduled to last until May 1, under orders issued by the state, but may be extended. The district will pay all active certified and classified IPS staff at their normal rate, including support personnel, transportation workers and custodians, who work their regularly scheduled workdays. According to IPS communications manager Carrie Cline Black, the district employs 3,500 workers. She said all employees will be paid whether they can work remotely or not. “Supervisors are working to provide projects and tasks to those employees to help keep everyone working.”
