As more cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) are confirmed around the state, administrators everywhere have begun taking measures to prevent any unnecessary spread.
From canceling or postponing events that typically draw large crowds, to staff training and closing for sanitization, schools and churches in Montgomery County may be following suit in the coming days.
Events anticipated to see a high volume of attendants for the local Purdue Extension Office, for example, have been canceled until May, 4-H Educator Abby Morgan said.
“Purdue University has recommended starting Monday, March 16 until Sunday, May 2 that we cancel any Purdue-sponsored events that would have a gathering of 50 or more people,” she said.
Separately, one of the latest events to be reported as canceled is the Indoor Sagamore Conference track and field meet originally scheduled for today at Wabash College. Additionally, a band, choral and winterguard clinic set for Saturday at North Montgomery High School has also been canceled.
The move comes on the heels of several national-level events that have been canceled in recent days. The National Basketball Association, for instance, has suspended the rest of its season until further notice, while others are preparing to hold events without fans.
Though the Special Olympics do not have direct ties with Crawfordsville schools, the district provides transportation for local participants. Two events for the nonprofit have now been canceled as well.
Though there are no confirmed cases of the COVID-19 in Montgomery County, educators and church administrators alike have been taking precautions, and influenza is still a concern.
“We had a Monday Bible study that was canceled earlier this week, but it was because some people were sick with the flu — it wasn’t coronavirus related,” The Vine Church Pastor Kyle Strauser said.
Rock Point Church is one of many still planning to hold service this Sunday. And like many others, the church also provides some safety tips and advice on its Facebook page (www.facebook.com/rockpointcville).
Ivy Tech Community College announced Thursday afternoon that it is “delaying the continuation of current courses and the start of new eight-week courses until March 23.”
“At this time, given the escalating cases of Indiana and across the country, we believe that offering our courses virtually is now the most viable alternative,” Ivy Tech President Sue Ellspermann said. “However, with more than 1,600 faculty across 18 campuses, we will use next week to provide faculty the training, tools and support to deliver quality instruction to our students.”
Accommodations will be made for labs, clinicals and some technology courses to meet in groups of 10 or fewer if “social distancing” can be ensured.
The college has not announced any changes regarding commencement ceremonies at this time. Updates for Ivy Tech can be found at www.ivytech.edu/COVID-19.
