VERMILLION CO. Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Another local county has entered the red category for COVID-19 transmissions.
The Vermillion County Health Department says new cases have almost tripled in a matter of weeks.
Below is a full statement from Administrator, Wendy Farley:
COVID-19 UPDATE
VERMILLION COUNTY HEATH DEPARTMENT
Total number of positive cases from August 1 to August 18 total 130. July total of positive cases total 50. Vermillion County has almost tripled the number of positive cases in a matter of weeks.
Advisory color has changed to Red status meaning high spread of the virus within Vermillion County. There is currently not one event that is being reported as a hot spot within the county. Vermillion County residents need to take precautions when in public areas, such as 6 feet social distancing and masking as another layer of protection. At this time masking is a personal choice. If you are sick please stay home. These are some simple steps to help stop the spread within Vermillion County.
Vermillion County Health Department staff is monitoring the spread closely. Vermillion County Board of Health as well as Dr. Albrecht, Health Officer, are being updated on the spread of the virus as needed.
Vaccines and testing are still being offered at the Vermillion County Health Department, 257 Walnut Street, Clinton. Hours are as follows, Tuesday and Thursday 1:00 p.m. -6:00 p.m., Saturdays from 12:00 p.m.- 3:00 p.m. Hours will increase as needed. You can register on-line at ourshot@in.gov, or call 211.
Wendy Farley, Administrator
Vermillion County Health Department
Effective immediately, the South Vermillion School Corporation will implement guidelines like visitor restrictions, the cancellation of large group indoor activities are cancelled, like school dances.
Superintendent David Chapman says decisions are made based on in school metrics.
“For us, it helps us maintain a better sense of reality on what’s actually going in our school community. There could be pockets out in Vermillion County that has no impact in South Vermillion,” Chapman said. “We need look at what’s happening in house.”
Chapman says the corporation has 11 positive cases and 150 quarantined students.
Masks will not be mandated.
“If it’s necessary and needed, we’ll do it. At this point and time with the data that we have we feel that recommending and encouraging the masks be worn on a voluntary basis is doing its job,” He added.
Click on the link provided for a full list of South Vermillion’s revisions.
Chapman adds the school’s goal is to keep students in school safely.
In North Vermillion, schools will not see revisions to their re-opening plan.
Superintendent Dan Nelson says changes will depend on what happens inside of clubs.
“Every case we have currently, any positive any quarantine has come from an event outside of school. We’re seeing there’s no transmissions has of yet within the school. If there is, if there is transmission in the school we’ll deal with that differently,” Nelson said.
- Masks will continue to be recommended.
- A three foot social distancing will be maintained.
- Cleaning protocols will remain as the previous school years.
- Hand sanitizers will be provided.
- Limited visitors.
- Limited field trips.
“Our numbers, our internal numbers show we have kept our cases down. Our goal is to educate students socially and mentally. We want to give them a good experience, high school is one of the best times of their lives,” He added.
Mywabashvalley.com is awaiting comment from the Vermillion County Commissioners about how new cases may impact the area.
Follow this link for the newest COVID-19 metrics in Indiana.