Today’s update discusses:

• rising number of cases
• Governor’s focus on May 1 reopening of economy
• additional benefits from Family and Social Services Administration
• secured commitments for more PPE

HEALTH

• On Sunday the Indiana State Department of Health reported 634 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, the third-highest daily total since the pandemic began, following the other highest totals taking place on Friday (656 new cases) and Saturday (718 new cases). Experts believe that the rise in cases is due primarily to increased testing across the state. The numbers bring the statewide total to over 15,000.

ECONOMY

• Indiana is focused on reopening the economy on May 1, according to Governor Holcomb’s recent press conferences. Despite Illinois’ extension of the statewide stay-at-home order, Governor Holcomb made clear that he was not considering an extension and is instead planning on gradually reopening parts of the state’s economy. An update on any changes to the order is expect to come on Friday during the Governor’s daily briefing.

STATE BENEFITS

• During Monday’s briefing, the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration announced some changes to those receiving state benefits. For example, the Administration stated that Medicaid, SNAP, and TANF recipients will not have co-payments for doctor visits through August. Additionally, the Administration announced that all families receiving SNAP benefits will receive maximum benefits now through August.

RESOURCE ALLOCATION

• Governor Holcomb announced late last week that the Indiana Economic Development Corporation has secured commitments for more than 6.3 million pieces of personal protective equipment for hospitals, first responders, long-term care facilities, and other health care providers. A large portion of these items are being made by Indiana manufacturers, with new commitments coming in from manufacturers throughout the state.