This is the WFHB Local News for Wednesday, May 6, 2020.

Later in the program, WFHB Assistant News Director Sydney Foreman discusses the City of Bloomington’s effort to test fire hydrants and teach children about fire safety. Also coming up in the next half hour, WFHB News Correspondent Katrine Bruner talks about Brown County’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

But first, your local headlines.

Indiana State Department of Health reports over 4600 new tests. With the push in testing, 862 new positive cases were found. There were 51 new deaths.

There are almost 22,000 reported cases of coronavirus in the state with over 1200 deaths. Over 120,000 tests have been issued. 18.1 percent of total tests came back positive with Covid-19.

Monroe County has 135 positive cases and 9 deaths according to ISDH. Total tests are only at 1,479 people. The total population of Monroe County approaches 150,000 people. The county extended the stay-at-home order until at least May 15th.

Monroe County Health Commissioner Dr. Tom Sharp says we are flattening the curve in the county. He said a decline in cases will serve as a benchmark for reopening the county.

 

Monroe County Health Administrator Penny Caudill said Monroe County will be one of the Optum Serve Clinic Site during a COVID-19 press conference on May 1st. She said this will be an additional COVID-19 testing site.

Caudill said increased testing could identify increased cases. She said the county has not met the national criteria to reopen the economy. Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton said local governments can act independently from Indiana Governor Holcomb’s stages to reopen.

President of Indiana University Health Brian Schokney said IU health saw a 30 percent increase with COVID-19 testing. He reminded the community the emergency room is open to non COVID-19 related emergencies. He said non-life-threatening services will reopen at a later date.

Caudill encouraged the community to continue implementing social distancing practices and wearing face coverings as the weather warms and people spend more time outside. She also encouraged landlords to schedule and limit the density of move in and out dates for residents.

Up next, Katrine Bruner talks about Brown County’s future plans in light of the coronavirus pandemic. For more, we turn to WFHB News Correspondent, Katrine Bruner.

 

The Bloomington Redevelopment Committee approved entry and cleanup of a campsite at 621 North Rogers Street. Assistant City Attorney Larry Allen said this is RDC and has become a public health safety concern during their May 4th meeting.

Allen said the city of Bloomington negotiated a contract for professional services to remove and clean up the campsite. He said machinery would also be brought in to clear up underbrush, enhancing street visibility. He said campsite removal is contingent upon the city’s notification for residents to vacate the property.

Commission member Don Griffin said the RDC would be paying for the cleaning services and not acting as police. Commissioner Eric Sandweiss said it was important to understand what decisions were made by what entities. Commissioner Sue Wanzer asked Allen if any resources would be provided to the campsite residents.

Allen said clean up would cost approximately 25 hundred dollars and will be completed by August 21st 2020.

 

The Monroe County Food and Beverage Tax Advisory Board discussed the County Commissioner’s additional fund request for tourism related business grant support. County Attorney Jeff Cockerill presented the request during their May 5th meeting.

Cockerill said the appropriation is only allowed under a State initiated state of emergency. He said the county has given out 20 grants. He said the average grant was less than 10 thousand dollars.