3/16/2020 @ 8:45 p.m.

Governor Holcomb and State Health Commissioner Dr. Box on the coronavirus today. http:/https://www.facebook.com/GovHolcomb/videos/280770232909362/

3/16/2020 @ 4:30 p.m.

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Good afternoon. You’re tuned to the WFHB Local News Brief, where we bring you live updates on the coronavirus.

As reported earlier, Indiana has its first confirmed death due to the coronavirus. State officials say the Indianapolis woman was over 60 and suffered other medical problems as well as COVID-19.

Pantry 279 in Ellettsville said it will continue during normal business hours, however starting today they will switch to a drive-through style pantry over concerns with COVID-19.

According to its website, Pantry 279 needs Diapers of all sizes, toilet paper, baby wipes, feminine hygiene products and soap.

According a press release, Bloomington Public Transportation is taking a number of precautions to deal with the pandemic. A break schedule will operate next week on Routes 6, 6 Limited, 7, 9 and 9 Limited during the IU spring break.

During the period after spring break when IU classes are held online, Bloomington Transit will keep Routes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8 operating normally. BT Access service also will operate normally during the same time period. Expect an announcement next week from Bloomington Transit on service reduction plans on Routes 6 Campus Shuttle, 6 Limited, 9 IU Campus and 9 Limited during the period that IU classes are held online.

Bloomington Transit also announced it will be providing employees with hand sanitizer, surgical masks and gloves as may be needed.

Bloomington Animal Care and Control announced a new protocol Saturday on its website. They wrote, “In compliance with recommendations of the State Board of Health the Bloomington Animal Shelter will be limiting public visitations temporarily. If you are interested in adopting an animal, please visit our Adoptable Animals page, select an animal you would like to meet, fill out an application in the link below and sign up for a time to visit the shelter to complete the adoption process. You must follow the link at the completion of the application to sign-up for a time slot.”

According to Indiana University’s website, the Men’s and Women’s Little 500 bike races are canceled for this academic semester. The university reported all proceeds from the Little 500 help to support emergency student scholarships. For those who have purchased tickets but would like a refund, please contact the IU Athletics Ticket office at 1-866-IUSPORTS or [email protected]

That’s all for your WFHB Local News Brief. Stay tuned for more coronavirus updates.

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3/16/2020 @ 3:30 p.m. 

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Approximately an hour ago today Indiana Governor Holcomb reported the first death in the state due to COVID-19.

The infected patient was over the age of 60 with additional health issues, according to the Community Health Network.

Coronavirus is impacting more than just health, it is also affecting the local economy. As reported earlier, Governor Holcomb has ordered all restaurants, bars and nightclubs to close in-person dining with a few still offering carry out options. This has resulted in many service industry employees, mostly paid on an hourly wage, losing their jobs or are temporarily without work. Therefore neighbors are filing for unemployment, losing health insurance, and fear for future rent payments or how they would afford to contract COVID-19 themselves.