GREENSBURG, Ind. – The Decatur County Board of Commissioners, the executive body of county government, issued an Emergency Ordinance Saturday afternoon. The measure declares a two-week period, beginning Monday, March 23, at 8:00 a.m., during which all non-essential businesses should close. Below is the complete text of the ordinance, along with a statements of support from Decatur County Public Health Officer Dr. Arthur Alunday, and Greensburg Mayor Josh Marsh.
Ordinance No. 2020-____
AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE
DECATUR COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
WHEREAS, Decatur County believes its residents are immediately threatened by the Coronavirus/COVID19 and believe it is imperative to take action at this time in an effort to protect citizens and contain the spread of the virus to the greatest extent possible, and
WHEREAS, Covidl9 is a respiratory disease that can result in serious illness and death and is easily transmitted from person to person, and:
WHEREAS, on January 31, 2020 the United States Department of Health and Human Services Secretary declared a public emergency for the COVID-19, and:
WHEREAS, on March 6, 2020 Governor Eric J. Holcomb issued his Declaration of Public Health Emergency for the State of Indiana for COVID-19, and:
WHEREAS, The Board of Commissioners of Decatur County, pursuant to IC 36-8-2-4 and 5, is authorized to regulate conduct that might endanger the public health, safety or welfare and to impose restrictions to prevent the transmission of diseases, and:
WHEREAS, due to potential severity of COVID-19 and the need to take urgent action, the following is effective Monday March 23, 2020 at 8:00 am
NOW, THEREFORE, the Board of Commissioners of Decatur County, Indiana, do hereby:
- Declare that a public health emergency exists in Decatur County due to COVID-19.
- For a period of two (2) weeks, only critical or essential business should remain open. All other non-essential businesses should remain closed.
- Only those organizations providing essential services such as Community food assistance, Meals on Wheels, counseling services, transportation assistance, and the like may remain open subject to further review.
- Critical Essential businesses to remain open, include, but are not limited to:
- All health care service providers, including doctor offices, hospitals, pharmacies, and therapy establishments;
- Essential City of Greensburg and Decatur County governmental service offices;
- Grocery Stores;
- Funeral homes;
- Banks, lending institutions and all other related businesses;
- Gas stations and auto repair businesses;
- Convenience stores;
- “Dollar” stores;
- Day care facilities;
- Restaurants and bars (carry out, delivery, and drive up only;
- Utility and Trash Services
- Airport;
- Postal Services/ Delivery Services;
- Veterinarian clinics;
- Home improvement/hardware;
- Hotels/Motels;
- Laundromats;
- Public Transportation;
- Agricultural Operations;
- Legal Services;
- Social Service agencies such as the Red Cross, Salvation Army, etc.;
- It is recommended to limit travel to essential business only, such as grocery, medical, pharmacy, or work.
- There should be no public gatherings of more than ten (10) people and all residents are to attempt at all possible times to maintain a social distance of six (6) feet or more from others. The 10 person restriction does not apply to work places so long as the social distancing guidelines are followed and internal safeguards are put in place with regard to cleaning and social distancing.
- The Board of Commissioners acknowledge the hardship and sacrifice that is being imposed on the businesses and citizens of Decatur County by these closures. These restrictions will be revisited as the COVID-19 circumstances change, and are subject to revision as deemed appropriate for the health and well-being of Decatur County Citizens.
This is an ongoing and evolving public health crisis. Refusal to comply may result in suspension of permits as well as fines by order of the Decatur County Health Department and the Health Officer under IC 16-20-1-19 and IC16-20-1-21.
Read and adopted this 21st day of March, 2020.
Supporting Statement From Mayor Joshua Marsh:
As the world, United States, Indiana, and Decatur County continue to battle COVID-19, we have seen our community come together to lend a hand to one another. Both County and City Officials have worked well together over the last several weeks, and now the City of Greensburg joins the Decatur County Commissioners in supporting travel restrictions for nonessential business and personal travel. We also join the call for all nonessential businesses to close for at least the next two weeks. We will continue to work closely with each group and every major employer and service provider to keep a unified front against this outbreak. We ask that all residents join us and adhere to these restrictions to help keep Greensburg and Decatur County as safe and healthy as possible.
Supporting Statement of Decatur County Public Health Officer Dr. Arthur Alunday:
Due to the evolving situation with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Decatur County Health Department is convinced it is absolutely necessary to take more extensive measures to control this of this decision is about not only protecting our citizens but also about limiting the burden on the local healthcare system so that it is not overwhelmed and can continue to serve our entire community. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation and sacrifice to keep Decatur County safe.
