We are living in unprecedented times. COVID-19 has brought nearly the entire world to a standstill. Countries around the world are closing down and enacting social distancing measures. In the United States, it is the states’ responsibility to handle the coronavirus. 

In Indiana, Gov. Holcomb has had a strong handle on it since the start. The first confirmed case in Indiana occured on March 6 2020 and the same day Holcomb issued an executive order declaring a public health emergency in Indiana. 

Since then the state government has upped their response to the coronavirus. On March 12, Holcomb issued a 20 day waiver for school closure to all Indiana schools and just a few days later on March 19, he issued another executive order which closed all schools until May 1. Since then, Holcomb issued another executive order on April 2 ordering that all Indiana schools be closed for the remainder of the school year. The order states that schools must do remote learning for either 160 school days or 20 days after the issuing of the executive order. 

Indiana’s response to the virus has not just been attentive when it comes to schools. On March 23, Holcomb issued a stay at home order. This originally lasted until April 6 and encouraged Hoosiers to stay at home unless leaving for determined essential reasons, such as taking care of others, going to an essential job, or for necessary supplies. Since then the order has only grown, with Holcomb banning dining-in on the 31, and limiting the businesses allowed to stay open and ordering the ones that do to follow the CDC’s six feet apart rule on April 6. On April 6, Holcomb also lengthened the stay at home order to April 20.

Overall, Indiana has had a strong handle on coronavirus. The state has veered on the side of safety, putting the health of its citizens above all else and it has paid off. As of April 12, there were 7,928 cases in Indiana, compared to 24,244 in Michigan, 12,452 in Georgia, and 20,852 in Illinois. As the virus continues to spread, it is incredibly important to adhere to the states’ laws and social distancing guidelines. All we have to do to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 is stay home. 

For more updates on COVID-19 in Indiana, go to https://www.coronavirus.in.gov/. 

To learn more about the importance of social distancing and staying home, go to https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html