For Immediate Release:
Governor Holcomb and Mayor Hogsett announce coalition to flatten the COVID-19
curve across state, public invited to make commitment
#INthistogether social distancing campaign aims to keep Hoosiers healthy
and return Indiana to normal social interactions and business operations
Partners supporting #INthistogether campaign include Eli Lilly, Indiana
Pacers, Indiana Fever, Indianapolis Colts, Indiana University, and Purdue
University
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INDIANAPOLIS, April 1, 2020 – Governor Eric J. Holcomb and Mayor
Joe Hogsett – and a coalition of statewide business and community
partners including Eli Lilly and Company – announced a social distancing
campaign to help flatten the curve for COVID-19 in Indiana. The #INthistogether
campaign will help Hoosiers understand the importance of social distancing,
provide access to helpful tips and information and galvanize communitywide
commitment to flattening the curve. When done correctly, social distancing
reduces the number of hospitalizations and deaths related to the pandemic.
Gov. Holcomb launched the #INthistogether social distancing campaign at
his daily press briefing on COVID-19 and through a statewide public service
announcement. Mayor Hogsett released a public service announcement showing
his support for the campaign and its importance for residents of Indianapolis,
one of the nation’s growing hotspots for cases of the virus. Other
partners launched their own contributions to the campaign, including videos
and social media posts from Indiana Pacers shooting guard, Victor Oladipo,
Indiana Fever player and vice president of basketball operations, Tamika
Catchings, and Indianapolis Colts linebacker Darius Leonard.
“Social distancing is the most important and effective tool we have to defeat
COVID-19,” said Gov. Holcomb. “If we act now, we can save
lives and then re-open our state for business, group activities, sports
and the other things we enjoy doing together as Hoosiers. But we need
every person to take this seriously and do their part. We are truly in
this together.”
All Hoosiers are encouraged to show how they are practicing good social
distancing, whether they are at home, at an essential business or going
out for essential needs. Today’s announcement included a community
toolkit that allows everyone in the state to show they are #INthistogether.
A wide range of resources can be found at INthistogethercampaign.com.
“This campaign is sharing a critically important message with the
people of Indianapolis as well as residents across the state,” said
Mayor Hogsett. “It’s clear that social distancing works. And
while restrictions have presented challenges for businesses, families
and workers, the health and safety of Hoosiers has to continue being our
top priority. In order to meaningfully address this public health crisis,
we must ensure people understand that their actions impact the wellbeing
of their neighbors. We really are in this together.”
The #INthistogether campaign underscores the urgency of these social distancing tips:
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Stay home. Right now,
staying home is the best way you can help our healthcare workers and first responders.
Essential businesses are still open and everyone can go to grocery stores,
the pharmacy and for medical care as needed.
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Avoid close physical contact. Remember to maintain a safe distance of six feet apart and keep up healthy
hygiene practices, including wash your hands frequently, avoid touching
your face, clean and sanitize frequently, and cough or sneeze into elbow.
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If you feel sick. If you have
COVID-19 symptoms, call your physician and try to isolate yourself from others in the home.
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Stay connected with friends and loved ones. There are multiple ways like video conferencing, when available, that allow
people to see each other on computers and smart phones. People are also
encouraged to write letters and call or text people to check in and connect
socially. Try to say hi to neighbors from six feet away.
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Take care of yourself. That includes your physical health and mental well-being. Staying home
does not mean you can’t go for a run or walk as long as you maintain
a safe physical distance. Eating well, occasionally turning off the news
and a good night’s sleep are important.
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Support our community. Look for creative ways to virtually give back to your community. Call an
elderly neighbor, say hi over the fence, offer virtual tutoring or donate
to an organization or community fund, like the
Central Indiana Economic Relief Fund.
As one of the campaign partners, Lilly has pledged to amplify the campaign
by reaching out to other corporations, businesses and community organizations
in addition to offering drive-through testing for health care workers
and working with the scientific and medical community to defeat the coronavirus.
“Lilly is bringing the full force of our scientific and medical expertise
to attack the coronavirus pandemic around the world. Here in our Indiana
home, we feel a special responsibility to help bring our community together
to practice proven and effective health strategies,” said David
A. Ricks, chairman and chief executive officer of Eli Lilly and Company.
“We’re honored to be working with Governor Holcomb, Mayor
Hogsett and other partners to help Indiana rise to the challenge and flatten
the curve. Lives depend on it.”
Visit
INthistogethercampaign.com additional information about the campaign, including links to routinely
updated information on IN.gov.