(UNDATED) – In March 2020, President Trump ordered a national shutdown, the Lawrence County commissioner declared a public health emergency, the Governor shut down the state, schools closed and the first Hoosier dies from COVID-19. Lawrence County also mourned the passing of Father Rick Eldred and Emma Landstrom was chosen as Youth of Year at the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence County for 2019.
President Trump Orders Voluntary National Shutdown Due To COVID-19
President Donald Trump ordered a voluntary national shutdown for a month as sickness and death from the coronavirus pandemic rose throughout the U.S.
Many states and local governments enforced stiffer controls in place on mobility and gatherings.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the government’s top infectious disease expert, said the U.S. would experience more than 100,000 deaths and millions of infections from the pandemic.
The federal guidelines were placed against large group gatherings and older individuals and anyone with existing health problems were asked to stay home. People were urged to work at home when possible and avoid non-essential travel, and shopping trips.
The U.S. had more than 137,000 COVID-19 cases reported on March 29, 2020 with more than 2,400 deaths.
Lawrence County Commissioners Declare Public Health Emergency Due To COVID-19
The Lawrence County Commissioners passed an ordinance in March 2020 declaring a public health emergency in Lawrence County due to COVID-19.
The declaration allowed the county to seek federal funds to meet the public health emergency needs.
The Emergency Management Director Valerie Luchauer and Lawrence County Health Department staff continued to monitor the positive cases in the county and supply resources requested on a case by case basis throughout the pandemic.
First COVID-19 Case Reported In Lawrence County
Lawrence County Health Officer Dr. Alan Smith reported the first presumptive positive case of novel COVID-19 in Lawrence County in March 2020.
The patient was a 67-year-old male and was admitted to St. Vincent Dunn Hospital on Saturday, March 21 through the emergency room. He was then approved for testing on Sunday, March 22. A test was completed and he tested positive for the virus. He was then transferred to St. Vincent Evansville Hospital.
Governor Holcomb Orders Hoosiers To Remain Home Due To COVID-19
Governor Eric J. Holcomb delivered a statewide address on March 24, 2020 to order Hoosiers to their homes except when they are at work or for permitted activities, such as taking care of others, obtaining necessary supplies, and for health and safety.
Governor Holcomb announced the first Hoosier death from COVID-19 was reported on March 16, 2020. The adult was from Marion County and died at a Community Health Network hospital.
Schools Close Due to COVID-19
The North Lawrence School Corporation closed all schools on Monday, March 16, 2020 due to the concern over the coronavirus.
Emma Landstrom Chosen As Youth of Year At Boys & Girls Club Of Lawrence County
Emma Landstrom was chosen as Youth of Year at the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence County for 2019.
Emma is the daughter of Noah and Timber Browning of Bedford and is a junior at Bedford North Lawrence High School.
You will find Emma always working at the club. She painted a mural which included the names of many famous female role models. Emma has also taught in the Chef’s Hat class, helping students learn how to make healthy food choices.
Emma wants to study social work to help children in need and be an advocate for them.
Lawrence County Mourns Passing Of Father Rick Eldred
In March 2020, the Lawrence County community mourned the passing of Father Rick Eldred.
Father Rick, 70, passed away at 2:49 a.m. on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 after dealing with several health issues.
Father Rick was a priest for St. Mary’s Church in Mitchell and St. Vincent de Paul in Bedford.
He was instrumental in establishing Becky’s Place and the Men’s Warming Shelter.
His caring and compassion for the Bedford Community did not go unnoticed. Many individuals were helped by his efforts.
