Visiting restricted, churches cancel

Visiting restrictions are in place and churches have canceled services.

The latest list of restrictions in an effort to slow the spread of coronavirus include IU Health Jay, and all IU Health facilities, implementing strict visitor restrictions.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention puts United States cases at a total of 1,629 as of 6:30 p.m. Saturday, with 41 deaths. Indiana has 15 confirmed cases, including one each in Adams and Wells counties. Ohio has 26 confirms cases, the bulk of which are in Cuyahoga County.

IU Health announced Saturday morning that beginning Sunday visitors to its facilities will be extremely limited. In general, no visitors will be allowed, though exceptions will be considered to allow one visitor in the case of patients in the neo-natal intensive care unit, obstetrics/delivery, pediatrics, emergency and outpatient surgery areas, as well as at Riley Hospital for Children.

Patients in end-of-life situations will be allowed two visitors.

For additional information about the restrictions and the IU Health screening process, go to bit.ly/IUHealthrestrictions.

IU Health continues to offer COVID-19 screenings through its free virtual clinic. Patients can enroll online at iuhealthvideovisit.org or download the free IU Health Virtual Visits app to a mobile device. They would then select “Coronavirus Screen” and provide the necessary information to receive a virtual screening from a physician, advance practice provider or registered nurse.



Also Saturday, Zion Lutheran Church of Portland canceled its services for Sunday and March 22. Also canceled are Wednesday Lenten soup services for the rest of March.

Asbury United Methodist Church and The Rock Church had already announced that services would be canceled Sunday and March 22 as well. Asbury is offering pre-recorded services via Facebook and YouTube at 11 a.m. both Sunday. The Rock will provide prayer prompts on its Facebook page this week and then live stream a service March 22.

The Fort Recovery Cluster churches will hold Mass on their regular schedule, but bishops in Ohio have exempted Catholics from their obligation to attend through the end of the month.

Indiana Michigan Power has announced that it is temporarily suspending all disconnections for non-payment during the outbreak. Those with questions should call (800) 311-4634.

Jay School Corporation will be closed for a month following a recommendation Friday by Jay County Health Department. Fort Recovery Schools will close after the conclusion of classes Monday, a move mandated by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine.

For our full list of cancelations, go to bit.ly/2w4VRoB.