For Immediate Release:
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
Gov. Holcomb Supports ISDH, Eli Lilly COVID-19 Testing Partnership
Governor Announces Additional Actions to Respond to COVID-19
INDIANAPOLIS — Governor Eric J. Holcomb offered the following statement
after the announcement of the new partnership between the Indiana State
Department of Health (ISDH) and Eli Lilly and Company, with support from
the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to accelerate testing in Indiana
for COVID-19.
“This partnership between the Indiana State Department of Health
and Eli Lilly and Company will be transformational in our efforts to accelerate
testing for COVID-19,” Gov. Holcomb said. “We are grateful
for Lilly’s dedication to the health and safety of Hoosiers as we
continue to put all of our focus into slowing the spread.”
Lilly will use its research laboratories to analyze samples taken in Indiana
healthcare facilities, including nursing homes and emergency rooms, in
an effort to increase the state’s ability to conduct testing for
COVID-19. As Lilly’s testing capacity expands, Lilly and ISDH will
work together to increase testing. Here is the link to Lilly’s full
press release:
https://investor.lilly.com/news-releases/news-release-details/lilly-indiana-state-department-health-partner-accelerate-covid
In a continuing effort to slow the spread of coronavirus, Gov. Holcomb
also announced these additional efforts:
- The Indiana Department of Education reported that all Indiana public schools
are currently closed, using either e-Learning, spring break or waiver
days granted by Gov. Holcomb.
- With more than 512,000 small businesses throughout the state, Gov. Holcomb
requested the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to issue an Economic
Injury Disaster Loan declaration supporting small businesses impacted
by the coronavirus outbreak in Indiana.
-
The program would provide targeted, low-interest loans up to $2 million
in order to help small businesses overcome the temporary loss of revenue
as a result of coronavirus. Nonprofits would also be eligible for loan
assistance through the program. More information is available at
SBA.gov/Disaster.
- The Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) will host two live
webinars for Hoosiers impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.
- The program will cover unemployment eligibility requirements, frequently
asked questions, and how to apply for benefits.
-
The 30-minute live programs will be held at 10:30 a.m. ET on Tuesday, March
24, and at 3 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 25. To register, visit:
https://on.in.gov/UI2020
-
Indiana Department of Revenue (DOR) continues to provide customer service
by phone at 317-232-2240 and email using the online form at
dor.in.gov/3392.htm.
-
The CDC has posted updated guidance for healthcare workers treating a patient
who is suspected of having or confirmed to have COVID-19. Here is the link:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/caring-for-patients.html
-
The ISDH call center continues to experience high volume. Hoosiers with
general questions are encouraged to visit the website
in.gov/coronavirus for more information. ISDH has implemented a toll-free 24/7 call center
at 877-826-0011 that includes options for healthcare providers as well
as the public. Call center staff cannot offer medical advice or provide
test results.
More information may be found at the ISDH website at
in.gov/coronavirus/ and the CDC website at
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.