This is the WFHB Local News for Monday, December 7th, 2021.

Later in the program, WFHB Assistant News Director Noelle Herhusky-Schneider interviews Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton in our bi-weekly segment, A Few Minutes with the Mayor. More coming up in the bottom half of our program.

Also coming up in the next half hour, the new IU Health Bloomington Hospital officially opened over the weekend. More in the top half of our show.

Covid-19 Press Conference

Photo courtesy of University of Michigan.

At the Covid-19 Press Conference on December 2nd Board of Health Director Penny Caudill gave an update on the rise in community spread of Covid-19.

IU Health President Brian Shockney reported on the rising Covid-19 cases in the region.

Caudill said that they have learned through contact tracing that there are numerous instances of individuals going to social gatherings with symptoms of Covid-19, and urged residents to get tested before going to gatherings even if they think it could just be allergies.

IU Chief Health Officer Aaron Carroll said that individuals who have been vaccinated might think they don’t have to take as many precautions but warned that there can be breakthrough cases.

The next Covid-19 Press Conference will be held in two weeks to accommodate the new IU Hospital Dedication Ceremony.

Monroe County Commissioners 

At the Monroe County Commissioners meeting on December 1st Board of Health Director Penny Caudill updated the commissioners on Omicron variant preparation.

Monroe County Prosecuting Attorney Erika Oliphant presented a one time Federal grant that would give Adult Protective Services staff members a bonus for their work during the pandemic. She said that amidst the quarantine, Adult Protective Services staff still conducted home visits during a time without personal protection equipment and vaccinations.

Commissioner Penny Githens said that she was appreciative the staff continued to work under the stressful conditions.

The County Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the federal grant. The next county commissioners meeting will be held on December 8th.

New IU Health Bloomington Hospital Site Opened over the Weekend

On Sunday night, IU Health said that the first baby was born at the new hospital. Five babies have since been delivered.

IU Health Bloomington Hospital officially moved on Sunday from the location on Second Street to the new location at 2651 East Discovery Parkway.

Brian Schockney, IU Health South Central Region President, said in a press release, “We are so proud of how our team handled this massive undertaking. In a little over twelve hours, we opened a hospital and moved 123 patients while continuing to provide care at both facilities.”

Shockney says, “It was a successful day for IU Health, and we are looking forward to our ability to care for patients in new and innovative ways in partnership with the Indiana University Health Sciences programs.”

The City of Bloomington purchased the Second Street hospital site. IU Health will be responsible for demolition.

Monroe County Board of Zoning Appeals

On December 1st the Monroe County Board of Zoning Appeals considered a zoning appeal for a truck stop on Victor Pike Road in Perry Township.