As expected, the number of coronavirus cases in Indiana continues to rise. It also continues to spread in Michiana.

There are now 126 cases reported statewide, including a case reported in Elkhart County. Six cases are reported in St. Joseph County. Two cases are reported in LaPorte County.

In response to the current public health emergency, Elkhart Mayor Rod Roberson has signed an executive order that will restrict the public’s access City of Elkhart buildings.

Effective Monday, March 23, public access to the following public buildings will be prohibited:

• Streets Department
• Buildings & Grounds
• Human Resources; other than dropping off an application
• Airport Office
• Cemetery
• Public Utilities
• Drive-thru bill payments 8:30-4:30
• National New York Central Railroad Museum
• Lerner Theatre
• Elkhart Environmental Center
• Fire Station office
• 911 Communications Center
• Parks Department; all pavilions closed, restricting use of playground equipment

The following offices will be open, but for restricted hours 8:00am – 12:00pm:

• Public Works for permitting only City Hall with the exception of evening court and council meetings

This will only restrict access to the public. Employees will continue to work their normal hours.

Additionally:

• Probation Department: Probation matters will be handled over the phone 574. 522.5745 and NO face-to-face meetings will take place at this time. Also, Theft Accountability Program (TAP) Classes scheduled for March 25 and April 29 will be rescheduled.*
• Meetings will be limited to those that need to be held to conduct city business will be held in compliance with Governor Holcomb’s executive order and will be livestreamed to maintain public access.
• On the evening of Tuesday, March 24, 2020, a special session of the Elkhart City Council will be held to implement further emergency measures.

Mayor Roberson said every a responsibility to “flatten the curve.” This means, only make necessary trips out of your home. Work, grocery, medical care, etc.

On the statewide level, The Indiana State Department of Health reported 47 new positive cases of COVID-19, on Saturday, March 21, bringing to 126 the number of Hoosiers diagnosed through ISDH, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and private laboratories. Three Hoosiers have died.

In total, 833 Hoosiers have been tested, including 279 who were tested in the last 24 hours.

The new cases involve residents of Allen (3), Clark (3), Delaware (1), Elkhart (1), Greene (1), Hamilton (5), Hancock (1), Harrison (1), Hendricks (2), Howard (1), Johnson (2), Lake (1), LaPorte (1), Marion (22), Scott (1) and Vigo (1) counties.

The county map also has been updated to reflect changes in residence for two Hoosiers who were confirmed positive earlier this week. One is a resident of Miami County, not Howard County, and the second is a resident of Johnson County, not Marion County.