MADISON COUNTY — Madison County Health Department today ordered the closure of a growing list of businesses for almost three weeks, effective at 8 a.m. Friday, as the COVID-19 virus continues to spread through the country.
“Overnight, the United States saw a significant increase in positive cases for COVID-19 as this pandemic health situation continues to grow,” the health department press release begins.
“As a result, Madison County needs to take necessary steps to ensure the safety of each citizen in our community. Effective Friday, March 20, 2020, 8 a.m. through Monday, April 6.”
As of Friday morning, Madison County is directing the closure of: hair salons, nail salons, spas, barber shops, tattoo parlors, liquor stores, electronic stores, department stores, hobby and craft stores, automotive dealerships, furniture stores, clothing stores, resale stores, and any other retail stores that do not sell food or home supplies. This is in addition to all previously stated closures.
Facilities exempt from this order include: healthcare facilities, pharmacies, facilities that sell or produce food products, gas stations, auto repair shops including automotive dealership repair operations, factories, hardware stores and other business services that do not allow public access to their facility
Previously, the health department ordered restaurant dine-in service, bars, nightclubs, skating rinks, theaters, fitness facilities, gyms, live performance venues, bowling alleys and similar entertainment establishments closed.
Also part of today’s order:
● Funerals are to be limited to immediate family, with 10 people or fewer in attendance
● Madison County issued a Travel Watch, which means that conditions are threatening to public safety.Only essential travel, such as to and from work, store to purchase food, supplies, medication or in emergency situations, is recommended, and emergency action plans should be implemented by businesses, schools, government agencies and other organizations.
“We apologize, but this is beyond our control. As long as the community works with us, we will make in impact” Dr. Troy Abbott, president of the Madison County Health Board, said in the release.
“We need to be proactive; not reactive. We are 2-3 days behind many of the procedures being implemented in Indianapolis,” Abbott said. “They are getting hit hard already in emergency departments, and we need to take these steps to protect the community.”
