Today’s update discusses:
- reopening camping and other outdoor activities
- multiple confirmed cases of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome
- appropriations for the upcoming fiscal year
- false contact tracing calls
SOCIAL LIFE
- The Indiana Department of Natural Resources has released information regarding the opening of campgrounds, parks, and beaches under Step Three of the state’s reopening plan, which it entered today. Outdoor activities like camping, boating, and horseback riding are open “because there’s more than corn in Indiana.” However, parts of the park, such as the property offices, playgrounds, drinking fountains, and enclosed picnic areas, remain closed. The DNR has also stressed the importance of continued social distancing and maintaining good hygiene practices while participating in these activities.
HEALTH
- Indiana University Health has now confirmed multiple cases of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome. Experts, who believe this syndrome is related to coronavirus, say that the syndrome may occur in children and symptoms include stomach pain, vomiting, fever, and possibly a rash. The Center for Disease Control has warned parents and pediatricians to treat promptly any children with these symptoms, including any trouble breathing.
ECONOMY
- Governor Holcomb has asked the State Budget Agency, who has already initiated reductions in spending for this year, to reduce appropriations by 15% for the upcoming fiscal year due to decreased state revenues. In an effort to prepare for an “uncertain economic picture,” the Governor announced delaying “several capital projects,” “Next Level Trails grants” and “deferred maintenance projects, including. . . for state parks.”
RESOURCES
- As contact tracing has started across the state, the Indiana State Department of Health is warning residents about fake calls from people claiming to be contact tracing. The ISDH said that true contact tracers will only ask about possible symptoms and who you might have been in contact with. Fake callers claiming to be contact tracers are asking questions beyond that scope. If a resident is concerned about a call or message they received, they should call ISDH.