VIDEO: Ripley County COVID-19 Briefing Sheds Light On Community's Current Standing

Members from the Ripley County medical community and local leaders held a press briefing to answer the community's questions surrounding the novel COVID-19.

(Batesville, Ind.) - Today, Ripley County leaders gathered at Batesville City Hall to discuss the ongoing issues surrounding the novel COVID-19 and how it is affecting the community.

Batesville Community School Corporation Paul Ketcham, Batesville Mayor Mike Battice, Margaret Mary Health CEO and President Tim Putnam, and Margaret Mary Health General Surgeon David Welsh held a press briefing to answer the community's questions surrounding the coronavirus pandemic. 

Welsh started the briefing by explaining the steps on how to keep yourself and others around you safe and healthy. 

Wash your hands and stay home when you are sick. Two tips that we all know, but do not always follow. Welsh explains how these two crucial steps are the best thing you can do to stay safe considering there is no vaccination to protect the public. 

With the current number of positive tests in the state being 12, it is important to do everything in our power to keep the community at a low risk level. 

With the current state Indiana is in Welsh says to be careful, but not concerned. Although the state of our state could change, we need to focus on the current challenges we are following. 

Staying updated is always beneficial, as long as you remember to use reliable sources. 

"We are getting information from all the best sources. I'm on the council on Science and Public Health so I'm getting state, daily information. We are getting multiple input from the Indiana State Department of Health, and they are there for us," says Welsh. 

What is making this COVID-19 situation so difficult is the fact that we are in the middle of a widespread influenza season, both A and B. 

The benefit is that the precautions to fight COVID-19 is the same that you would take to protect yourself from the flu. 

Putnam took over by saying that MMH is prepped and ready to test patients for COVID-19. At this time, no patients have met the criteria to be tested for this virus. 

MMH will officially take the precaution to add the following advanced visitor restrictions: 

• Access points at the Main Campus will be restricted; patients and visitors will only be able to enter through main lobby, ER, and Women's Imaging
• No visitors under the age of 18 
• Screening visitors for respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath, fever, possible exposure)
• Non-essential vendors
• High school mentorship programs will be suspended for the rest of the semester
• Use of cafeteria limited to team members, patients, and visitors of patients
• The volunteer program will be temporarily suspended
• All MMH-sponsored community classes and support groups will be suspended through May 1 and will be reassessed at that point in time 

Putnam explains how this dynamic situation will continue to update and as a community, preparation is key. 

With many different media outlets giving information, the MMH President and CEO wanted to have the opportunity to address the situation to keep rumors under control.

Superintendent Ketcham announced that BCSC will be taking precautionary measures by implementing e-learning days and suspending all activities. 

Mayor Battice says that this is a community effort. Mayor Battice directs a question to the people in the community by saying, "I'm going to ask folks to think outside of yourself, and to think about how your personal desicions may affect everyone else around you." 

When more information regarding COVID-19 becomes available, be sure to keep yourself updated. 

If you are interested in receiving more information, you can visit the links provided below:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• World Health Organization
• Ripley County Health Department
• Margaret Mary Health
• Indiana State Department of Health

Watch the full briefing here: