Good afternoon. This is the WFHB Local News for Friday, April 3rd, 2020.

Headlines: There are almost 3500 reported cases of Covid-19 in Indiana. 102 total deaths have been confirmed. This is out of almost 1800 people tested by the Indiana State Department of Health. There are 40 positive cases in Monroe County, with zero deaths, out of 278 people tested.

Indiana State Department of Health reports Age Distribution for those who tested positive in the state. The largest category of those who tested positive in Indiana include ages 50 through 59. This age group makes up 19.6 percent of positive coronavirus cases.

As for newborns through 19 year olds, this group makes up the smallest number of positive covid-19 cases - at 1.4 percent.

For those who died from Covid-19, the most at-risk group includes people who are 80 years old and up. This age group accounts for 40.2 percent of all covid-19 deaths in Indiana.

As for the metrics by day, an increase in positive cases almost directly correlates to a daily increase of testing. Therefore, the more testing done, the more positive cases seen.

(Photo Courtesy of the City of Bloomington).

The Bloomington City Council Sustainable Development Committee discussed a plan for administering funds administered form the Food and Beverage Tax Advisory Committee. During the March 31st meeting, Director of Economic and Sustainable Development Alex Crowley said the document attempts to balance immediate and outstanding needs of local businesses due to COVID-19.

Crowley said assistance in navigating other appropriate fund resources would also be available to businesses. He spoke of potential compensation for large-event revenue generators for businesses during the pandemic.

Council member Stephen Volan asked if Community Redevelopment Economic Districts funds could be used for economic relief. He said CRED funds would be reinvested in that geographical area NOT general state tax funds. Crowley said he was hesitant to open CRED funds. 

Crowley said CRED funds would not work for short term recovery. Council member Matt Flaherty suggested a loan forgiveness program for funds used towards employee payroll. Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce President Erin Predmore said in order to receive loan forgiveness, the Indiana State Payroll Protection Program would require a business to rehire all staff. The appropriation ordinance will be heard on April 7th.

Photo courtesy of United Way of Monroe County.

Up next, WFHB Correspondent Jake Jacobson reports on how United Way of Monroe County and partners issued over $333,000 in grants for 26 local nonprofits. We turn to Jake Jacobson for more on the story.

Photo courtesy of the City of Bloomington.

Bloomington City Council discussed the requested expenditure of Food and Beverage Tax Revenues for support of Food and Beverage Businesses and employees during their April first meeting. City Attorney Philippa Guthrie spoke about the 2 million-dollar expenditure and its potential impact on the convention center expansion.

Guthrie said the funds will be distributed as bridge loans. She said the State Board of Accounts released guidelines for appropriate usage of city funds for COVID-19 related relief.

Guthrie said an additional whereas clause could be added to state funding from FABTAC is more appropriate than the city’s general fund. Council member Jim Sims asked Guthrie what non food and beverage related businesses could qualify.

Guthrie said the city can set criteria for what types of businesses could apply. Director of Economic and Sustainable Development Alex Crowley said specifications of support for locally owned independent businesses versus local franchises still needs to be decided.