Pulaski County’s public health officer is urging residents to take “personal responsibility” to slow the spread of COVID-19. In a letter to residents, Dr. Rex Allman says that safety measures work, but everyone has to participate. He notes that while we’re approaching a celebratory time of year with weddings, barbecues, and graduation parties, gatherings are still limited to 250 people, and that’s assuming that social distancing can be maintained.
It’s still important to wear a mask, wash and sanitize your hands, and keep six feet away from others. But beyond that, Allman says it’s “reckless” to be around other people if you’ve tested positive or are supposed to be in quarantine while awaiting test results.
He adds that COVID-19 spikes in places like Florida, Texas, Arizona, and California “can serve as examples of just how bad it can become.” Allman asks everyone to work together to protect their family, friends, and the most vulnerable populations.
Here’s the full letter from Pulaski County Public Health Officer Dr. Rex Allman:
July 9th, 2020
Pulaski County Residents,
Last week, Governor Holcomb paused on moving to Stage 5 of his “Back on Track” plan to reopen Indiana. Due to an increase in positive cases of COVID-19, he elected to move to a Stage 4.5 until July 18th, instead.
This pause is a good reminder that we all must remain committed to slowing the spread of this deadly disease. To date, Indiana has seen over 49,000 Hoosiers test positive for the virus, resulting in 2,539 deaths. Nationally and globally, the numbers are far worse.
While our cases have begun to tick upward, other parts of the country can serve as examples of just how bad it can become.
States such as Florida, Texas, Arizona, and California are now experiencing the same crisis that parts of the northeast felt in March and April. We all must play a role in not allowing that to happen in Indiana, and especially in our community.
In Phase 4.5, public gatherings are still limited to 250 people, and that is provided, social distancing can be maintained. With weddings, family BBQs, and graduation and holiday parties, it is undoubtedly a celebratory time of the year, but please be mindful of your health and surroundings.
While wearing a mask, washing and sanitizing your hands often, and maintaining a 6-feet space between others can help slow the spread of COVID-19, there also needs to be personal responsibility. It is reckless to be around other people if tested positive for COVID-19 or quarantined awaiting test results or because of exposure to someone who has tested positive.
We have seen the effects of this disease, as well as its persistence. I join my fellow health experts in imploring our community to take the responsibility needed to slow COVID-19. Protect your family, protect your friends, and help us protect the most vulnerable populations. Safety measures work, but they require everyone to participate.
We will overcome this virus, but we all must work together and continue to watch out for one another.
Sincerely,
Dr. Rex Allman, MD
Pulaski County Public Health Officer
