JOHNSON COUNTY, Ind. – This morning, elected officials in Johnson County hosted a virtual press conference to update local COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions, including new stay-at-home orders for the county and several of its municipalities effective through May 1.
The orders will be mandatory and executed by local mayors, town managers and the Johnson County Commission later today. It requires residents to remain in their homes except when they are at work or for permitted activities, such as taking care of others, obtaining necessary supplies, and for health and safety.
“Our top priority is the health and safety of our communities and fellow citizens,” said Greenwood Mayor Mark W. Myers. “Confirmed cases of the coronavirus have increased to a point where maximum precaution is needed. This is a fluid situation, and we expect the rapidly shifting landscape to persist for the foreseeable future. No matter what happens, we must remember we are all in this together.”
Franklin Mayor Steve Barnett emphasized the importance of ongoing communication and collaboration between officials in Johnson County, saying alignment – locally and with state leaders – is critical during the current environment.
“Local leaders throughout the county have been on the same page since day one and continue to have a great working relationship,” said Barnett. “We want to protect our citizens and remain aligned with previous orders given at the state level. “Governor Holcomb and his team have done a tremendous job, and we agree with their approach to limit spread of this terrible virus.”
Most government offices throughout the county were closed to the public last week, with only essential employees working on site and practicing social distancing measures. Whiteland Town Manager Norm Gabehart encouraged county residents to take advantage of recreational opportunities while practicing caution.
“Our parks, trails and golf courses all remain open, with the exception of playground equipment,” said Gabehart. “There are plenty of ways to get fresh air, exercise and stay healthy during this time. Please be safe and practice social distancing while doing so, especially if you are part of an at-risk population.”
Johnson County Commissioner Brian Baird discussed the importance of citizens adhering to these restrictions given the data reported for Johnson County during recent days.
“We are right there with Hamilton County for the second most positive cases in Indiana,” said Baird. “Experts are predicting another 2-4 weeks before reaching peak infection, which means things are only going to get worse. Taking action now can lessen the negative impact as we near and cross that peak period.”
As with the state’s order, essential businesses and services are permitted to stay open. These include grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations, police stations, fire stations, hospitals, doctor’s offices, health care facilities, garbage pickup and public transit. Non-essential businesses are instructed to close unless employees are able to work from home.
Aspire President & CEO Christian Maslowski expressed support for the orders while stressing the trying times for many local businesses and their employees.
“We support state and local leaders in making the very tough decisions they must, knowing they are doing so in the best interest of the public’s health and safety,” said Maslowski. “They also understand this health crisis and the ensuing recession are creating a significant hardship for businesses, especially small businesses, which are the backbone of our economy and drive quality of life. Our local businesses need us now more than ever. We encourage folks who are fortunate to not have income disruption to buy gift cards, keep their subscriptions and buy now, but pick up later. Your support can literally help save a local business.”
View City of Greenwood Executive Order
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