WHEREAS, on March 6, 2020, Governor Eric J. Holcomb issued Executive Order 20-02, which declared that a public health emergency exists throughout the State of Indiana as a result of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19); which has been effective since that date and most currently updated in Executive Order 20-44;

WHEREAS, on March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 to be a global pandemic and, on March 13, 2020, the President of the United States declared a national emergency with respect to this dangerous virus;

WHEREAS, COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can be spread from person to person. COVID-19 is thought to be spread mainly between people who are in close contact and prolonged contact with one another (about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced by an infected individual. COVID-19 may also be spread by touching a surface object that has virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes. COVID-19 is spreading easily and sustainably in the community;

WHEREAS, COVID-19 spreads easily in congregate living facilities such as long-term care facilities, which the Indiana State Department of Health regulates pursuant to IC 16-28;

WHEREAS, there are increasing cases of COVID-19 in long-term care facilities, including long-term care facility residents and staff;

WHEREAS, under the authority granted to the Indiana State Department of Health in IC 16-19-3-9 to "do what is reasonable and necessary for the prevention and suppression of disease"; and Executive Order 20-02 which requires health care providers to cooperate with the Indiana State Department of Health in its response to the declared public health emergency; and

WHEREAS, Governor Holcomb is directing the Indiana National Guard where needed to assist the Indiana State Department of Health and the State's long-term care facilities in their response to the COVID-19 public health emergencies.

THEREFORE, I, Kristina Box, MD, FACOG, State Health Commissioner, do hereby order that:

SO ORDERED.

October 21, 2020

Kristina M. Box, MD, FACOG

State Health Commissioner

Indiana State Department of Health