For Immediate Release:
Friday, April 3, 2020
Gov. Holcomb Announces Indiana Receives Federal Disaster Declaration
INDIANAPOLIS — Governor Eric J. Holcomb today announced Indiana has
been granted a federal Major Disaster Declaration, which provides funds
to help communities recover from COVID-19.
The funding can be used to cover costs of emergency needs including crisis
counseling, food programs, temporary shelters, protective equipment, safety
resources and personnel.
The Governor also signed an executive order today to extend the public
health emergency by an additional 30 days – to May 5. The executive
order is posted here:
https://www.in.gov/gov/2384.htm. The first public health emergency was declared on March 6 and allows
the state to increase coordination across all levels of government in
the state’s response to coronavirus.
Gov. Holcomb also announced he will extend the Stay-at-Home Order and the
restrictions on bars and restaurants an additional two weeks – to
April 20 at 11:59 p.m. ET. The executive order will be signed Monday.
Additional steps taken today include:
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The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) has been working
closely to provide maximum flexibility, including using telehealth, to
treatment providers to ensure that crucial services for people that suffer
from Serious Mental Illness, and children who suffer from Severe Emotional
Disturbances can continue.
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FSSA announced more than 152,000 Indiana households will receive additional
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits when April distributions
begin this Sunday.
- This weekend the Indiana National Guard, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
and the Indiana State Department of Health will scout locations for potential
alternative care sites. Hoosiers may see the Indiana National Guard members
traveling in communities and should not be alarmed.
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Gov. Holcomb signed a joint letter from all three branches of government
to local criminal justice leaders regarding the impact of COVID-19 on
detention facilities.
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The governor, Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray, House Speaker Todd
Huston and Chief Justice Loretta Rush signed the letter which asks local
judges, sheriffs, and county leaders to properly identify which low-risk,
non-violent juveniles and inmates, if any, may be re-evaluated and released
safely into their communities under pretrial, probation, or community
corrections supervision. Click here to see the letter:
https://www.in.gov/judiciary/files/covid19-2020-0403-release-assessment-local-effort.pdf
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Six Bureau of Motor Vehicles branches will be open by appointment only
beginning Monday, April 6 to process new Commercial Learner’s Permits
(CLP), new Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL), and upgrade/downgrade
for the CDL to add the tank vehicle or hazardous materials endorsement
credential transactions.
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These branches are opening for appointments to support the current critical
need to increase the number of new licensed commercial truck drivers on
the road delivering supplies and to aid in the start of agricultural season
in our state. Click here to learn more:
https://www.in.gov/bmv/files/pr-clp-cdl-appointment-only-hours.pdf
Click here to download public service announcements (PSAs) recorded by
the state for your use:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/egf210ognxxyx4h/AADYd7E-tBn7P6gtiLSZUiVBa?dl=0
More information may be found at the ISDH website at
coronavirus.in.gov and the CDC website at
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.