(LAGRANGE) – COVID-19 is having a direct impact on the health and safety of LaGrange County residents.

The State of Indiana, in an Executive Order issued on November 13, recognized that a county or other political subdivision may need to impose its own requirements to address the specific COVID-19 needs to its community.

LaGrange County is seeing unprecedented levels of positive COVID-19 cases, record setting positivity rates, overburdened hospitals and adversely impacted school systems and businesses. In order to protect public health, restrictions must be established to help curb the spread of COVID-19 and protect the vulnerable populations.

With this understanding, LaGrange County Health Officer Dr. Anthony Pechin has issued Public Health Order 01-2020. On November 27 at 12:01 AM, all individuals, businesses and entities in LaGrange County must adhere to the directives of the Public Health Order. The Order will remain in effect until rescinded by Pechin. Prior to rescinding the order, Pechin intends to examine the applicable COVID-19 data impacting LaGrange County, and the status of alternative efforts to combat the spread of the virus.

The Public Health Order says a COVID-19 Response Plan must be publicly posted by all businesses and entities to address measures to prevent the spread of the virus. That means it must provide online and remote access to the public; outline all sanitation measures adopted by the business or entity and outline all social distancing measures adopted by the business or entity.