Emergency Management

New Updates:

Local officials confirmed as of Wednesday (June 3) that there are five hundred and twenty-two (522) confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus in Bartholomew County.

There are a cumulative thirty-five thousand seven hundred and twelve (35,712) confirmed cases in Indiana and two thousand and thirty-two (2,032) deaths within the state (thirty-eight (38) of those residents of Bartholomew County). There have been a total of two hundred and seventy-seven thousand eight hundred and fifteen (277,815) total tests conducted within the state. We have limited the number of reporting cases to this site to those counties surrounding Bartholomew due to the number of increasing cases and counties effected. To view a full list on the ISDH map, click on the following link. This information is updated every day at 10:00 a.m. https://www.in.gov/coronavirus/

Bartholomew (522)

Brown (33)

Decatur (230)

Jackson (394)

Jennings (131)

Johnson (1120)

Shelby (398)

Monroe (170)

It is imperative that we, as a community, take whatever measures possible to prevent further spread of the COVID-19 virus. We realize that these actions pose an inconvenience to many businesses and members of our community. Difficult decisions such as this are taken with the utmost care and concern for our citizens and for our health care system as it continues to prioritize care and medical resources to best handle this situation.

COVID-19 CLOSURES/CANCELLATIONS

CLOSURES / CANCELLATIONS

Updated: June 3, 2020 1:30 P.M.

The county’s travel status has been returned to Normal.

CRH Cough/Cold Clinic Locations: Please note that CRH has consolidated these clinics down to one location.

Prompt Med on 25 St. located between Eastbrook Plaza and Fair Oaks Mall.

INFORMATION MENU LINKS

City services

Fixed transit routes for the city’s bus system are no longer running. The city will continue to offer Call-A-Bus services for people with medical needs.
Columbus Animal Care Services offices are closed but individuals may make appointments. Animal Care officers will respond to emergency situations and the city’s sheltered animals will be cared for.
The City Utilities office will continue to accept payments through the drive-in window, but the lobby is closed.
All park department buildings will be closed to the public, but staff is available by email and by phone. All outdoor playgrounds are closed.
Columbus City Hall will remain open but with limited staff. The public should email or phone prior to coming into the building if possible.

County services

Bartholomew County has closed all access to county buildings, with only county employees being allowed inside until further notice. While all county offices will be open, the public is asked to do their business electronically through phone, text, voicemail or email. Certain county offices will have drop boxes that can used for payments or documents that need to be dropped off.
All Bartholomew County parks are closed.

Township services

Columbus Township Trustee’s office is closed as all staff will be working remotely. Anyone needing assistance should call the office at 812-372-8249 and leave a message.

Facilities

Indiana Family and Social Services Administration will close its Division of Family Resources offices to the public. Visit the FSSA benefits portal — fssabenefits.in.gov.
The Bartholomew County Humane Society is closed except for appointments. Call 372-6063 to leave a message.
All local Social Security offices are closed. Online services remain available at socialsecurity.gov. Visit socialsecurity.gov/onlineservices.
FairOaks Mall is closed. This includes mall walking.
The Bartholomew County Historical Society Museum, 524 Third St., is closed. For more information, call 812-372-3541. Visit bartholomewhistory.org.
Sans Souci is open for a free donation pickup service for Bartholomew County residents. The drop-off donation option and the thrift store are still closed at this time. For help or more information, please call 812-372-3419.
Columbus Skateland is closed.
YES Cinema is closed.
Foundation for Youth is closed.
Just Friends Adult Day Services in Columbus is closed.
Bartholomew County Library branch locations in downtown Columbus and Hope will begin no-contact curbside pickup service, with Columbus beginning on May 12 and Hope on May 14. Libraries were mentioned in the state’s Back on Track Indiana plan for reopening the state from the COVID-19 pandemic, with permission given to phase in openings this month. Library patrons in Columbus may pick up items Monday through Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. In Hope, items may be picked up from noon to 6 p.m. Monday, Thursday, and Saturday. Details on how to use the library’s curbside service can be found at mybcpl.org/curbside, along with where to park. The Outreach department will begin doing porch deliveries of materials to patrons beginning the week of May 18. This is for any patron that is homebound, quarantined, or has no transportation to do curbside pickup. Please call the Bookmobile phone number, 812-379-1278, or email for more information. At this time, outreach deliveries will not be picking up returns.
The Indiana Department of Corrections has suspended all visitation at all prison facilities.
The Bartholomew County Jail has suspended all visitation.
The Atterbury-Bakalar Air Museum at 4742 Ray Boll Blvd. is closed.
kidscommons is closed.
Thrive Alliance offices are closed, for more information, call (866) 644-6407.
The ASAP Hub is closed. Call 812-418-8705 for more information.
The Columbus Area Visitors Center is closed. All architecture tours and public gatherings at the Visitors Center are postponed or canceled.
Mill Race Center (all senior programs and services) is closed.

City parks

Columbus has closed the following facilities:

The Commons
Donner Center
Hamilton Community Center and Ice Arena
Columbus Gymnastics Center
Park Operations Service Center
Lincoln Park — Softball Diamonds
Clifty Park — Softball and Baseball Diamonds
Blackwell Park — Soccer Fields
Rocky Ford Par 3 Golf Course clubhouse
Donner Park Tennis Courts
Donner Park Pickleball Courts
Harrison Ridge Tennis
Lincoln Tennis
Richards Pickleball Court
All city playgrounds and restrooms
Jolie Crider Memorial Park (skatepark)
The following amenities are not available: Basketball rims have been removed from courts, picnic tables have been removed from shelters, volleyball nets have been removed, soccer, baseball and softball fields, handball courts
Greenbelt and Par 3 golf courses are open with modifications. Greenbelt is permitting single rider golf carts. Call (812) 376-2684 for information.

Medical

Columbus Regional Hospital is resuming some elective, non-urgent surgeries and procedures. Patients with scheduled surgeries or procedures should contact their physician’s offices.
Our Hospice of South Central Indiana has cancelled all in-person visitation at the facility.
The bereavement groups meeting as Beginning Again have been temporarily suspended. Those needed help should call 812-314-8044 or email .

Churches

First Christian Church will not meet in person but will have an online service Sunday mornings at 10:30 on Facebook (facebook.com/FCCOC) and at fccoc.org/sunday/watch-now.
Columbus First Assembly is closed. Services and current information can be viewed on Facebook at facebook.com/columbusfirstassembly/ every Sunday at 10 a.m.
Salvation Army Corp. community centers across Indiana, and in Columbus, are closed. For more information, visit SalvationArmyIndiana.org.
First Presbyterian Church has canceled all in-person gatherings, including worship and the office is closed. For more information, call (812) 372-3783. Streaming of worship services is available at facebook.com/groups/56933406910/ each Sunday.
Petersville United Methodist Church has canceled all public worship services and meetings.
First Baptist Church in Columbus is closed, but will offer a live stream worship at 9:30 a.m. on Sundays.
East Columbus Christian Church will only be offering on-line services until further notice.
East Columbus United Methodist Church services and Bible studies are canceled.
Catholic Masses throughout Indiana are canceled.
North Christian Church has closed.
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, in-person activities are suspended. Sunday Eucharist is being hosted on ZOOM at 10:15 a.m. each Sunday. The First Thursday Ladies Lunch will also be on ZOOM, 11:30 a.m. May 7 (see website for ZOOM meeting ID).
Unitarian Universalist Church is closed.
Garden City Church of Christ is canceling services, weekly sermons are at gardencitychurch.com or on the church Facebook page.
First Lutheran Church has suspended all face to face gatherings including all worship services. Links to video worship services are being sent out.
Flintwood Wesleyan Church has canceled all midweek services/activities through the end of May. Sunday worship services resume May 10th.
Fairlawn Presbyterian Church’s weekly worship service will be at 9:30 a.m. Sunday via Zoom or Facebook page. Visit fairlawnpc.net, email or call 812-372-3882.
Westside Community Church’s worship services and all other public activities are suspended until further notice. Visit WCCShareJesus.com for recorded sermons, as well as Facebook for daily “Points to Ponder.”
St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Columbus has canceled all public worship services.
Sandcreek-Azalia Friends Meeting in Elizabethtown is closed until further notice.
Columbus First United Methodist Church has canceled all public worship services until further notice, but will offer a live stream worship service every Sunday at 10:00 a.m. on the church Facebook page. Services and sermons will also be posted on the church website fumccolumbus.org.
Hope Moravian Church has canceled Sunday School, worship or other church activities, until further notice. This includes Monday night meal site. Lenten Study at 6:30 p.m. Sunday will be done by ZOOM. For questions, call 812-447-9013, 812-371-9517 or church office, 812-546-4641.
Faith Lutheran Church has suspended all in-person activities. Wednesday and Sunday worship services are streaming live on Facebook, as well as times for prayer each day at 9 a.m., 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. Visit faithontheweb.org for the schedule.
Memorial Baptist Church has canceled public worship services. An online service will be on Facebook.

Events

The Columbus Farmers Market will resume June 6 in a small format in the parking lot behind Columbus City Hall.
The Bartholomew County Fair July 10-18 is canceled.
The Relay For Life of Columbus event, “Peace, Love, Relay,” is now scheduled for Saturday, September 12 at Central Middle School. The time is to be determined. Registration is available online at www.relayforlife.org/columbusin. Due to the pandemic, there will be no T-shirts for participants this year. Participants are encouraged to wear team shirts or vintage Relay shirts to the event.
The 2020 Madison Gold Cup Regatta and the third annual Roostertail Music Festival is being postponed for one year to July 1–4, 2021.
Indiana’s 102nd American Legion Annual Convention is canceled.
Hope’s 10th Annual Smoke on the Square scheduled May 15-16 has been rescheduled for Aug. 28-29.
The Republic’s Athlete of the Year Gala scheduled for June 10 is canceled.
The Columbus Philharmonic SALUTE! concert scheduled for May 22 has been canceled.
The annual Columbus and Bartholomew County Community Memorial Day service on May 25 has been canceled.
The Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Youth Academy has been canceled.
Columbus Fellowship Club on Jonesville Road has canceled all meetings.
HPW Wrestling at the Bartholomew County Fairgrounds has canceled bouts in May.
Brown County Music Center has rescheduled shows for Warrant for June 5, Kenny G for Oct. 1, Carrot Top for Dec. 9, The Price is Right for July 23, Gordon Lightfoot for July 24, Christopher Cross for Aug. 12, Michael Bolton for Aug. 16, and LeAnn Rimes for Aug. 21, shows to be rescheduled are for Willie Nelson, Martina McBride, and Melissa Etheridge.
Columbus Area Arts Council’s Live on the Plaza, BBQ Blues and Brew and the first two JCB Summer Concert dates have been canceled.
The Third Annual Columbus Pride Festival, originally scheduled for May 23, has been rescheduled tentatively for 3 to 8 p.m. Aug. 15 at Mill Race Park.
The first Hope Cruise-In scheduled for June 5 on the Hope Town Square has been postponed.
The 16th Annual Deja Vu Fine Art and Craft Show in November is canceled, but will have an online web site.
The Donner Park Variety Show June 12th has been canceled.

Athletics

All Indianapolis Indians games are postponed and all other events scheduled at Victory Field are canceled.
The Indianapolis 500 has been postponed and is scheduled for Aug. 23.
The spring sports season for Indiana high school sports is canceled.

Schools

Columbus Christian School is closed for the remainder of the semester and is continuing an eLearning schedule.
Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp. is closed.
Ethnic Expo 2020 scheduled for October is cancelled.
QMIX Musical Fireworks scheduled for July 3 is postponed to September.

Utilities

Bartholomew County REMC is temporarily suspending late fees on member accounts and non-pay service disconnects until July1. Payments may be made in the drop box at the REMC office or the drop box at Horizon Bank on Second Street in Columbus. For more information, or to pay online, visit BCREMC.com. Call 844-344-4369 to use the automated pay by phone system or call a customer service representative Monday through Friday at 812-372-2546.
Duke Energy has announced it will not disconnect any customer’s service for non-payment. The company will waive late payment fees and fees for returned payments until the national state of emergency is lifted. For residential customers, the company will also waive fees for credit and debit card payments. Customers may perform nearly all customer service functions online, through the company’s automated voice phone system or through the company’s mobile app.
Southwestern Bartholomew Water Corp. the office is closed temporarily. Payments can still be paid via the mail, credit card at paygov.us or payments dropped in the drop box at office. Emergency calls will still be handled as necessary.
Vectren will support customers who may need payment assistance, arrangements or extensions. The company has temporarily suspended natural gas and electric service disconnections for nonpayment. Customers who would like to discuss payment options should call 1-800-227-1376.

COVID-19 VIDEO UPDATES

TASK FORCE VIDEO UPDATES

Updated: June 3, 2020 1:30 P.M.

The county’s travel status has been returned to Normal.

CRH Cough/Cold Clinic Locations: Please note that CRH has consolidated these clinics down to one location.

Prompt Med on 25 St. located between Eastbrook Plaza and Fair Oaks Mall.

INFORMATION MENU LINKS

In order to provide up-to-date information to the community, the COVID-19 Community Task Force will be providing periodic video updates. The most recent are published below.

Have a question? Go to www.crh.org/covid19questions and we’ll address your questions/concerns in future video updates.

COVID-19 TASK FORCE INFO

TASK FORCE INFORMATION

Updated: June 3, 2020 1:00 P.M.

Bartholomew County is following the governor's plan without implementing additional guidelines at this time and will progress to Stage 3 today, Friday, May 22, along with the state. There is a sub-committee to the county’s COVID-19 Task Force that will evaluate, based upon local statistics using the same guidelines the governor outlined, City of Columbus and the Bartholomew County’s readiness to progress/regress between the stages outlined in the “Back on Track” plan.

The county’s travel status has been returned to Normal.

The Governor’s “Back on Track” plan Stage 3 will begin today Friday May 22, two days earlier than previously outlined. Please reference the plan for information. It can be found at https://www.backontrack.in.gov/.

CRH Cough/Cold Clinic Locations: Please note that CRH has consolidated these clinics down to one location.

Prompt Med on 25 St. located between Eastbrook Plaza and Fair Oaks Mall.

INFORMATION MENU LINKS

Bartholomew County Coronavirus (COVID-19) Task Force Information:

Local officials continue their efforts to ensure a coordinated response to COVID19 -Coronavirus in Bartholomew County. Additionally, there are several sub-committees to the task force that address different area and report back to the main body of the task force any updates.

The COVID-19 Task Force includes representatives from Columbus Regional Health, the City of Columbus Mayor’s Office, Bartholomew County Health Department, Bartholomew County Emergency Management, Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation, and Cummins Inc., Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce, Columbus Area Economic Development, and Bartholomew County Commissioners.

CRH is following protocols on active screening and response methods based on recommendations from the federal Centers for Disease Control and ISDH, including screening patients for symptoms of illness and exposure risk criteria, such as travel history.

First-responding agencies within Columbus and Bartholomew County are following a unified approach to preparedness and response to a potential COVID-19 case in our area. The procedures are aimed at not only keeping fire, law enforcement and medical personnel safe, but helping us prevent the potential spread of any germs in an effort to keep you, your loved ones and ultimately, our community, safer.

Bartholomew County Commissioners signed a local State of Emergency Declaration extending it until May 29 for the COVID-19 Coronavirus Pandemic. At that time, the declaration will be re-evaluated and extended as needed.

COVID-19 PREVENTION

PREVENTION

Updated: June 3, 2020 1:30 P.M.

The county’s travel status has been returned to Normal.

CRH Cough/Cold Clinic Locations: Please note that CRH has consolidated these clinics down to one location.

Prompt Med on 25 St. located between Eastbrook Plaza and Fair Oaks Mall.

INFORMATION MENU LINKS

Prevention

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus and follow the below recommendations for preventing the spread of respiratory diseases:

Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Practice social distancing of at least 6 feet.
- Where a mask when out in public.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If you’re unable to use soap, sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol can be used.

Here are some of the registered disinfectants from the EPA’s list that can be used against the coronavirus:

Clorox Multi Surface Cleaner + Bleach

Clorox Disinfecting Wipes

Clorox Commercial Solutions® Clorox® Disinfecting Spray

Lysol brand Heavy-Duty Cleaner Disinfectant Concentrate

Lysol Disinfectant Max Cover Mist

Lysol brand Clean & Fresh Multi-Surface Cleaner

Purell Professional Surface Disinfectant Wipes

Sani-Prime Germicidal Spray

COVID-19 LOCAL LINKS

LOCAL LINKS

Updated: June 3, 2020 1:30 P.M.

The county’s travel status has been returned to Normal.

CRH Cough/Cold Clinic Locations: Please note that CRH has consolidated these clinics down to one location.

Prompt Med on 25 St. located between Eastbrook Plaza and Fair Oaks Mall.

INFORMATION MENU LINKS

For information on the preventative measures in place by individual entities or for more information, following the below links.

Local Links:

Indiana Department of Health – Latest information from ISDH https://www.in.gov/isdh/28470.htm

Cummins Engine Company – Cummins employees can access company information HERE.

Columbus Regional Health - https://www.crh.org/news

Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation - https://www.bcscschools.org/COVID-19

City of Columbus - https://www.columbus.in.gov/covid-19-information/

Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives - https://resources.acce.org/crisismanagement

CDC – When and How to Wash Your Hands https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html

CDC - El lavado de las manos: Las manos limpias salvan vidas https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/esp/index.html

ISDH Online COVID-19 Case Tracker - https://www.in.gov/isdh/28470.htm

How to Prepare and Take Action for COVID-19 - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/index.html

Coronavirus Rumor Control - https://www.fema.gov/Coronavirus-Rumor-Control

COVID-19 BACK ON TRACK

BACK ON TRACK

Updated: June 3, 2020 1:30 P.M.

The county’s travel status has been returned to Normal.

CRH Cough/Cold Clinic Locations: Please note that CRH has consolidated these clinics down to one location.

Prompt Med on 25 St. located between Eastbrook Plaza and Fair Oaks Mall.

INFORMATION MENU LINKS

Governor Holcomb’s “Back on Track” plan (Stage 3 information beginning May 22, 2020)

backontrack

WWW.BACKONTRACK.IN.GOV

GUIDELINES FOR ALL HOOSIERS

• Hoosiers 65 and older and those with known high-risk medical conditions should limit exposure at work and in their communities

• Continue remote work when possible

• Face coverings are recommended

• Social gatherings of up to 100 people may take place following the CDC social distancing guidelines. The coronavirus is often spread among groups of people who are in close contact in a confined space for an extended period of time. This limit applies to wedding receptions, parties, and other events where people are in close physical contact for extended periods of time

• Nursing homes remain closed to visitors; nursing home guidance will continue to be evaluated• No travel restrictions.

WHAT OPENS

• Retail stores and malls may move to 75% of capacity while maintaining social distancing

• Mall common areas, such as food courts and sitting areas, are limited to 50% capacity

• Gyms and fitness centers may open with restrictions. Class sizes and equipment must be spaced to accommodate social distancing. Limited class sizes. Equipment must be cleaned after each use, and employees are required to wear face coverings

• Playgrounds, tennis courts, basketball courts, and similar facilities may open with social distancing guidelines in place

• Community pools may open according to CDC guidance

• Campgrounds may open with social distancing limitations and sanitation precautions

• Movie theaters may open at 50% capacity; some theater companies have identified specific hygiene and social distancing guidelines

• The CDC will provide guidance about day camps and overnight camps

WHAT REMAINS CLOSED

• Bars and nightclubs

• Cultural, entertainment, and sports venues

• K-12 facilities and activities

COVID-19 TESTING

COVID-19 TESTING

Updated: June 3, 2020 1:30 P.M.

The county’s travel status has been returned to Normal.

CRH Cough/Cold Clinic Locations: Please note that CRH has consolidated these clinics down to one location.

Prompt Med on 25 St. located between Eastbrook Plaza and Fair Oaks Mall.

INFORMATION MENU LINKS