EXECUTIVE ORDER: 20-02

FOR: DECLARATION OF PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY FOR CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 OUTBREAK

TO ALL WHOM THESE PRESENTS MAY COME, GREETINGS:

WHEREAS, the novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 ("COVID-19") is a severe respiratory illness that was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China;

WHEREAS, COVID-19 is a rapidly spreading virus that is transmitted from human-to-human and results in symptoms ranging from fever, cough, acute respiratory distress, pneumonia, and even death;

WHEREAS, as of the date of this Executive Order, the COVID-19 outbreak has affected more than 60 countries around the world, including the United States;

WHEREAS, on January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization ("WHO") declared the COVID-19 outbreak a "Public Health Emergency of International Concern";

WHEREAS, on January 31, 2020, Health and Human Services Secretary, Alex M. Azar II, declared a public health emergency for the United States;

WHEREAS, a vaccine or drug is currently not available for COVID-19;

WHEREAS, in response to the outbreak, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ("CDC") determined that COVID-19 presents a serious health threat and currently recommends community preparedness and everyday prevention measures be taken by all individuals and families in the United States, including voluntary home isolation when individuals are sick with respiratory symptoms, covering coughs and sneezes, washing hands often, use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers, and routinely cleaning frequently touched surfaces and objects in order to increase community resilience and readiness for responding to an outbreak;

WHEREAS, preparation for public health hazards such as COVID-19 require coordinated efforts across federal, state, county and local governments, first responders, private organizations, and the entire healthcare infrastructure in Indiana;

WHEREAS, the Indiana State Department of Health ("ISDH") has been actively preparing for the arrival of COVID-19 in our State, including, for example, the following:

WHEREAS, the Governor has authority and power, under Indiana law, to declare and respond to public health emergencies and is doing so for the entire State of Indiana;

WHEREAS, Indiana Code § 10-14-3-1(a) defines disaster as "an occurrence or imminent threat of widespread or severe damage, injury, loss of life or property resulting from any natural phenomenon or human act" including, at (b)(22)(23) respectively, the terms "Epidemic" and "Public Health Emergency";

WHEREAS, Indiana Code § 10-14-3-12(a) provides, in pertinent part, that "[t]he governor shall declare a disaster emergency by executive order or proclamation if the governor determines that a disaster has occurred or that the occurrence or threat of a disaster is imminent";

WHEREAS, Indiana Code § 16-19-3-9 provides that ISDH, which reports to the governor, may "[d]o what is reasonable and necessary for the prevention and suppression of disease"; and

WHEREAS, in light of the above, it is necessary and proper to take action to protect the health and well-being of all Hoosiers by taking all necessary and appropriate preparatory and other measures in response to the threats posed to the public health by COVID-19;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Eric J. Holcomb, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Indiana, do hereby:

This Executive Order and declaration of a public health disaster emergency in our State shall by law expire thirty (30) days from the date below, unless extended.

It is so ordered.