Hamilton County officials did their own live Facebook video Wednesday night and revealed that there has been another Hamilton County resident testing positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus, raising the total to two.  Also, members of the Fishers City Council will be voting Monday night on extending the emergency declaration issued by Mayor Scott Fadness.

Meanwhile, Indiana state officials revealed Thursday morning that there are 17 new COVID-19 positive tests in the state, bringing the total number of cases in Indiana to 56.  Keep in mind, this is with a very limited number of test kits available.

I watched most of the Facebook live video session with county officials.  You can watch the recording at this link.  At the video session, it was announced that Hamilton County Commissioners have issued an emergency declaration.  Commissioner Christine Altman told those watching the video stream that the courthouse will be closed to any individual that exhibits signs of illness.

According to my news gathering partner, the Hamilton County Reporter, Sheriff Dennis Quakenbush announced changes his office is making due to coronavirus.

Sheriff Quakenbush, in a social media video message said, “All services to the public will continue.”

“My number one goal for our community is to ensure confidence in the fact the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office will continue to operate and provide the duties and functions, while also making the necessary changes to allow us to carry out these functions in the safest possible way,” Quakenbush said. “The safety of our community, employees and inmates is at the top of our priorities. When you call dispatch or 911, patrol deputies will respond. Some investigations may be handled by telephone if the complaint is not in progress. We will continue to proactively patrol and enforce the law.”

The Sheriff said correction facilities will operate without interruption.

“We have medical housing, quarantine facilities and a 24-hour medical staff to maintain a safe correction environment,” Quakenbush said.

Jail visits will be restricted to remote video visits. To register for a remote video jail visit, go to gettingout.com.

If you are symptomatic, sick or have been in the last 72 hours, please do not come to the Sheriff Department campus unless you are court-ordered. Quakenbush explained that if you must report to the Sheriff’s Department campus as a result of a court order, the Sheriff asks that you call (317) 773-1872 during business hours or (317) 776-2595 after hours before you come.

Critical sex offender registration will continue to occur at the Sheriff’s office. Fingerprint requests will be processed inside the lobby. Necessary background checks, public record requests and many other inquiries should be requested by fax or email. Local background checks for gun permit applications will continue; however, the Sheriff asks that you call (317) 773-1872 in advance. Tax warrant payments in the form of money order or cashier’s check can be mailed to the Sheriff’s Department or paid online through Indianataxwarrants.com.

In his statement, Quakenbush encouraged county residents to shop local. The Sheriff also explained there is a blood shortage and reminded residents to donate if possible.

“Check on your neighbors. This is a communal effort,” Quakenbush said. “The men and women of the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department are working hard to keep everyone safe.”

Back here in Fishers, the city council has scheduled a vote to extend the emergency declaration issued by Mayor Scott Fadness.  State law only allows the mayor’s edict to remain in place for 7 days, but council members may extend it.  Also, city officials are asking that residents view the council meeting virtually.

“While the meeting remains public, we recommend that residents follow the recently released guidelines to avoid gatherings and meeting due to the risk of COVID-19,” according to a posting on the city’s Web site.

“For those interested in providing public comment, the City of Fishers established a form to submit your comment(s), which will be read during the council meeting. The City Council meeting will be live-streamed for residents to tune in at home,” the city says.

Any questions can be directed to City Hall at 317- 595-3111.

I spoke to the mayor about the city’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic…read more about that conversation and listen to the entire podcast recording at this link.