“The most important message we want to communicate to the public is that if you are feeling sick, and you have traveled to an area impacted by COVID-19 or have been in contact with someone who has, is to call the hospital or your primary care provider before arriving at either location,” said PMH CEO Tom Barry. “Using CDC guidelines, we have developed a process to screen patients who are exhibiting signs of the virus, and will be better prepared to treat them if we know they are coming.”

In an interview with PulaskiPost, Barry said the hospital does have a supply of coronavirus testing kits, but at the present time will only administer a test according to CDC/state protocol. He confirmed that PMH does have isolation rooms available should they become necessary. Barry added that the hospital staff trains frequently on protocol for handling contagious disease emergencies.On March 9, staff from PMH met with local emergency agencies, nursing homes, school officials, and area businesses to share information about the disease, and direct everyone to follow CDC guidelines for self-protection and patient treatment.

“We are using the CDC and the ISDH for guidance on handling the outbreak,” said Vicki White, associate health nurse, “as a novel (new) coronavirus, information is changing daily, if not sooner, so we are directing everyone to the CDC website for the most up to date information.”

Health leaders want to remind the public that while COVID-19 is a different kind of virus then the flu, many of the symptoms are the same. “That is why calling ahead is so important,” White said, “if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, our screening questions can help the physicians and staff determine the best way to treat you.”

The hospital is also taking additional steps to protect their patients, families, and staff by implementing visitor restrictions. Starting late last Friday, the hospital began limiting all inpatient visitors to two people per patient, and no children under the age of 18 may visit patients. Additionally, anyone exhibiting signs of COVID-19 will be screened.

For more information about the Coronavirus outbreak, please visit: www.pmhnet.com/coronavirus-2019 or www.cdc.gov/covid19

Other county entities:

Pulaski County Human Services

Pulaski County Human Services is implementing the following, effective Monday, March 16, regarding the Food Pantry and the Von Tobel and Westside senior centers.

In light of COVID-19, Pulaski County Human Services will continue to ensure that its clients have access to food throughout this time. PCHS is continuing to monitor the spread of COVID-19 throughout its service area. The agency knows that in times of crisis and hardship, when schools close, and when individuals are unable to work, it may cause financial difficulty for its clients.

In the midst of this threat, Pulaski County Human Services offices will remain open and render whatever services it can by appointment.

PCHS will continue to operate the Food Pantry throughout this time; however, it will  transition to a "drive-through" model beginning Tuesday (March 17) to eliminate face-to-face contact for the safety of staff, volunteers, and clients.

Both the Von Tobel and Westside Centers will be closed for 3-4 weeks. Senior Nutrition participants will be provided with alternative meals during this time. Seniors enrolled in the nutrition program will be contacted regarding this option.

The Food Pantry will be closed on Monday (March 16) as staff prepare for the new distribution method. Next week, Food Pantry will be open on the following dates:

• Tuesday, March 17 – 9:30-11:30 a.m.
• Closed Wednesday
• Thursday, March 19 – 9:30-11:30 a.m.
• Friday, March 20 – 9:30-11:30 a.m.
• If you are not able to come during these times, call 946-6500 to make arrangements.

Arrowhead Country Transit will continue operate at this time.

Clients, staff and volunteers are reminded to:
• Wash hands frequently.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Routinely clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces such as doorknobs, keyboards, remote controls, desks, telephones, etc.
• Encourage clients to use a proxy for the food pantry if they are sick.

PCHS will revisit requirements as the situation unfolds.

Indiana's COVID-19 information page is available here: https://www.in.gov/isdh/28470.htm

Please see the Indiana State Department of Health's suggestions above to reduce the spread of infectious disease. If you have any questions, as always, please contact Pulaski County Human Services, Inc at 946-6500 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Pulaski County Circuit and Superior Courts

Updated (March 20)

Superior Court Judge Crystal Kocher and Circuit Court Judge Mary Welker have issued the following statement:

In response to concerns about COVID-19, the Pulaski County courts are working with local emergency management, are monitoring the situation with guidance from health officials, remain open for operations, and are enacting continuity of operations, which will change how we operate.

For questions about a specific hearing, you should contact that court directly.

The Indiana State Department of Health, which is Indiana’s lead agency on COVID-19, has the latest information about the virus. The best approach is to use fundamental healthy practices, such as washing your hands, covering your mouth with your arm or a tissue rather than your hand, and staying home when you are ill.

Maintaining required court operations is important. The health and safety of our employees and community are equally important. Therefore, Pulaski County Courts will operate using their developed continuity of operations plans and will continue to keep the community informed regarding procedures.

In Pulaski County, the Pulaski County Commissioners closed county buildings to the public, effective Monday, March 23. Court offices will remain open for telephone calls and e-filing, but the public will not be admitted unless directly ordered to do so.

Courthouse Employees

All staff of the Pulaski County courts should continue to report to work, using sick time if feeling ill; remain in contact with their Judge for instruction; and work remotely if they have been instructed to do so by their presiding judge.

Jury Duty

Individuals who have received a jury summons should contact the court by telephone directly for instruction. No jury trials will occur in Pulaski County until after May 4, 2020 based upon the authority of the Indiana Supreme Court the order granted under Administrative Rule 17.

Litigants/Parties to a Case

Individuals who are scheduled to come to court for a hearing in a criminal matter or problem-solving court matter prior to April 6, 2020, should contact their attorney directly if they have not received notice in the mail specifically regarding that hearing. This is a constantly evolving situation and you should know the Judges are watching it closely.

Individuals who are scheduled to appear for a juvenile or Child in Need of Services (CHINS) matter before April 17, should contact their attorney or Circuit Court if they are unrepresented, before any scheduled Court date.

Individuals who are scheduled to appear in court for a civil matter prior to April 6 should contact their attorney directly by telephone.

If represented, litigants should be in contact with their attorney to receive the advice of counsel.

If you have been exposed to the COVID 19 virus, are not healthy, or need special consideration contact your attorney or the court by phone as soon as possible and prior to your scheduled hearing date. The Court will attempt to make arrangements for you to appear by phone or electronically, if appropriate.

Attorneys

Lawyers who are scheduled to appear prior to April 6, 2020 should follow the guidelines provided them directly by the courts in previous communications. Any questions should be directed to the courts by telephone.

E-filing and Odyssey I

Pulaski County transitioned to the statewide case management system, Odyssey, on Monday, March 16, after a year of preparing to do so. This transition will allow the courts to continue to operate, even if staff must work remotely to handle filings. Cases and documents can continue to be filed through the statewide system. No filings will be accepted in person and should be mailed if an unrepresented litigant finds it necessary to do so. Please call the courts directly with questions regarding the same.

Litigants, attorneys, press, and public can continue to view case information on mycase.in.gov.

Jail

The Pulaski County courts are working with the Pulaski County Sheriff to ensure public safety. Anyone arrested or defendants already in jail will continue to be seen by each Judicial Officer as required under existing laws. The courts will maintain each individual’s right to due process, even considering these difficult times. Each court has established video conferencing ability with the jail to hold essential hearings as necessary for any inmate.

All questions regarding jail operations and visitation should be directed to the Pulaski County Sheriff’s office at 574-946-6655.

Juvenile Facility

Pulaski County does not have a juvenile facility. Each juvenile facility will have their own requirements.

Please contact your child’s Probation Officer if you do not have contact information for that facility.

Please call a facility before you travel.

Pulaski Circuit Court will make necessary arrangements for counsel to meet with clients if necessary.

Probation and Court Ordered Services

Pulaski County courts run the Pulaski County probation department/court ordered services. All individuals on probation should continue to be in contact with their Probation Officer and are expected to continue to appear in person or as directed by their probation officer. Probation Department: 574-946-6558. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Special Volunteers

Volunteers, such as CASA or VASIA, who have cases before the court scheduled through April 17, 2020 should contact Pulaski Circuit Court at 574-946-3851 for updates as to whether each hearing will be held or continued. If you have been exposed to the COVID 19 virus, are not healthy, or need special consideration, please contact the Court by phone as soon as possible and prior to your scheduled hearing date. The Court will attempt to make arrangements for you to appear by phone or electronically.

Administrative Rule 17

Administrative Rule 17 describes the Indiana Supreme Court’s ability to oversee the local administration of trial courts in the event of any unanticipated work interruption. Trial courts can utilize the rule by petitioning the Supreme Court for emergency relief, if needed, based on local circumstances. Pulaski County Superior and Circuit Courts have filed a petition for emergency relief and it has been granted under 20S-CB-00160. A copy of the order is available upon request from either court or online.

The Pulaski County courts are working with local emergency management and health departments to ensure we are taking the necessary steps in response to the virus, while maintaining community safety.

County Nursing Homes

The county’s three nursing homes, Hickory Creek, Pulaski Health Care Center and Parkview Haven have developed plans of action to deal with any local coronavirus outbreak, including resident visitation policies. They are coordinating with the hospital, health department and county emergency services. (More details will be released soon)

Parkview Haven, Francesville

Statement from Parkview Haven:  "At this time, due to the Coronavirus (Covid-19) Parkview Haven has been directed to restrict ALL VISITORS in an effort to keep its residents, your loved ones, and our employees as healthy as possible. We want to keep everyone as safe as possible and limit any exposure.

"We are following guidelines per the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Surgeon General, and CDC. Updates will be posted on the Parkview Haven Facebook page. We appreciate all your cooperation and patience during this time."

If you have any questions please call and ask for the supervisor and/or the administrator 219-567-9149.

Hickory Creek, Winamac

Statement from Hickory Creek: “The health and safety of our residents, staff, and ultimately the community that we serve, is our highest priority. The Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have provided actionable guidance for infection control and prevention of COVID-19 in nursing homes, and we are utilizing this guidance to take appropriate steps within our home.

“To ensure the safest possible environment for our residents, who are the highest risk demographic, we are restricting all visitors until further notice from the Department of Health. While this is certainly not ideal, the health and safety of the people entrusted to our care is our utmost priority. We are acting with diligence and enforcing the highest health standards required to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 while maintaining our person-centered care approach; communicating compassionately and effectively to our residents and their family, and maintaining an environment that feels calm, comfortable and home-like.”

For more information or resources regarding COVID-19 in long-term care, please visit CMS.gov and CDC.gov.

Pulaski Health Care Center, Winamac

Statement from PHCC: “We know some of you may be concerned about the spread of COVID-19 (the new coronavirus) being reported in the media and how it may impact Pulaski Health Care Center. Ensuring residents are cared for in a safe and healthy environment is our greatest concern. At this time, we don’t have any cases in our facility. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Indiana Department of Health have recommended a variety of steps that we are implementing to help reduce the potential for the virus to enter our building.

“At this time, we request that you do not visit the center if you have travelled internationally within the past 14 days, or if you have within the last 48 hours any symptoms of respiratory illness, or if you have recently spent time with anyone exhibiting any of these symptoms. Those symptoms include: cough, fever, sore throat, runny nose, and/or shortness of breath. Pulaski Health Care Center has reduced visiting hours to 12 noon to 6 p.m. daily and will be screening all potential visitors.

“Our center is following the recommendations of the CDC on prevention steps, including following strict hand-washing procedures, and in many circumstances, wearing gowns and gloves when interacting with residents who are sick. We also are staying up-to-date with the CDC recommendations as they are updated. In addition, Pulaski Health Care Center is in close contact with the local and state health department, as well as the Agency for Health Care Administration and is following their guidance.”

Pulaski County Jail

Due to the pandemic of COVID-19, the Pulaski County Jail is taking all precautions to ensure the safety of the staff and all offenders.

As of March 13, the jail has suspended all offender programming and visitation until further notice. At this time, the department does not have an expected date as to when programming or visitation will resume. The sheriff’s office will reassess the situation in two weeks and coordinate with local health officials to determine when programming and visitation will continue.

For questions or concerns, call 574-946-6655.

This story continues to develop; more information will be added as it becomes available