Lowes gets ahead of sarscov2 in letter to customers

At Lowe’s, we recognize the important role our stores play in providing essential products and services to our customers and communities. The health and well-being of our valued customers and associates are always our priority, and as we navigate the rapidly evolving coronavirus (COVID-19) situation together, I want to share with you the extra precautions we’re taking at Lowe’s to serve you. We’ve spent the last several weeks preparing for how the virus may impact the communities we serve. We’ve established a task force that is working closely with the CDC, health authorities and all stores across the country to ensure we’re taking all necessary preventative measures. We will continue to keep you, our valued customer, and our associates at the center of our planning and decision making. Supporting our associates We continue to share information with associates on the best ways to keep themselves and their families safe and healthy. To help prevent the spread of the virus, we’re encouraging anyone who feels sick to stay home, and we’ve also put in place new temporary time-off guidelines to give our associates even greater flexibility and pay them for the time they need to stay home and get well. We’ve also provided on-demand resources to answer our associates’ most frequently asked questions. Keeping our stores clean and safe We’ve always been proud of the cleanliness and operations of our stores, and we know that keeping them clean and sanitized is even more important now. In addition to our daily cleaning efforts, we’re increasing the time spent cleaning and sanitizing our stores, especially in our most frequented areas like checkout lanes, restrooms and associate break rooms. Bottom line: we want you to feel comfortable shopping in our stores. Stocking and delivering products you need We have teams working closely with our suppliers to ensure the products you want are available when you need them. Due to high demand for items such as masks and cleaning supplies, we recently started limiting the number of items per purchase to ensure more customers are able to get the products they need. We’re working to keep our shelves stocked as quickly as possible. We continue to offer more ways for you to get the products you need most – whether that’s through buy online, pick-up in store or quick delivery options. Addressing in-home customer service We continue to run all services as usual. Should you have concerns about installations, deliveries or in-home consultations, we’re here to support you and offer flexibility to reschedule at your convenience. We encourage you to contact us at 1-800-445-6937 if you have questions or want to reschedule any services. I want to thank you for your support and understanding during a rapidly evolving situation as we make every effort to support our customers, associates and the communities we serve. God Bless, Marvin Ellison, Lowe’s President and CEO

HEALTH DEPARTMENT UPDATES COVID-19 CASE COUNTS, DASHBOARD

INDIANAPOLIS —The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) has updated its new COVID-19 online dashboard to reflect two additional presumptive positive cases. The patients reside in Adams and Boone counties. This brings to six the number of Hoosiers who have tested positive for COVID-19.

The dashboard can be found at https://on.in.gov/COVID19 and will be updated daily at 10 a.m. and will reflect results received through midnight.

STATE HEALTH DEPARTMENT REPORTS INCREASE IN COVID-19 CASES

INDIANAPOLIS—The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) will provide daily updates regarding COVID-19 in Indiana as activity has increased across the United States. As of 4 p.m. Monday:

• ISDH has confirmed four presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 since Friday, March 6.
• Three patients are adults.
• One patient is a juvenile.
• The individuals reside in Marion, Hendricks and Noble counties.
• The Marion and Hendricks County patients are self-isolating. The Noble County patient is currently hospitalized.
• No other information about the patients or their conditions will be released.
• In total, ISDH has tested 32 individuals, including 3 individuals whose tests were sent to CDC.
• Two adult patients have a recent history of travel to business events where transmission of COVID-19 has occurred. The third adult patient also has a reported history of travel.

• In connection with these specific cases, ISDH is working closely with health officials in all three counties, the Avon Community School Corp. and the Indiana Department of Education to ensure infection control protocols are in place and make the best determinations to reduce further transmission of COVID-19.
• The spread of COVID-19 in Indiana is shifting to community transmission, as expected. The best ways to protect yourself are to wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, avoid touching your face with unwashed hands, avoid close contact with people who are sick, stay home when you’re sick, cover your cough or sneeze and clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• High-risk populations, such as elderly residents or people with weakened immune systems, should consider whether they need to socially distance themselves.
• Avon Community Schools has decided to close all its schools through March 20.

• ISDH is recommending long-term care facilities and hospitals review their visitation polices.
• ISDH recommends that nursing homes follow the latest guidance from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, found here.
• Many hospitals have visitor restrictions in place due to influenza. ISDH recommends hospitals continue to monitor the situation and revise those policies as appropriate.

• Indiana State Health Commissioner Dr. Kris Box, M.D., FACOG, and Indiana Department of Homeland Security Director Stephen Cox will begin meeting with Indiana’s 10 public health preparedness districts this week to review strategies and engage in person with local emergency management services, hospitals, county health departments and emergency management agencies.

• The State has upgraded its Emergency Operations Center to a Level 3 to allow for more coordination among state agencies.

• The ISDH call center for healthcare providers and members of the public who have concerns about COVID-19 will be staffed 24 hours a day at 317-233-7125.
• While the call center is now staffed 24/7, the public is asked to use the ISDH COVID-19 website, the CDC website or contact their healthcare provider with questions or to learn the most up-to-date information about the outbreak and what steps to take. Questions about symptoms and many risk factors, as well as guidance on travel, can be answered using the websites, which will leave the call center lines open to take calls from healthcare providers or others regarding the most ill patients. 

• The ISDH Laboratories follow CDC guidance on which patients to test. Patients who do not meet those guidelines can ask their healthcare providers about being tested by a private lab.

• ISDH encourages providers to use private labs that have come on line for lower-risk patients to allow the ISDH lab to focus on those at highest risk and those who are more severely ill.
• If you suspect you have COVID-19 but have mild symptoms, you are asked to stay home and consult with your healthcare provider.

All confirmed COVID-19 patients are required to remain in isolation until specimens taken on two consecutive days test negative for COVID-19. Individuals who have recently visited an area under a Level 3 travel warning also are asked to self-isolate for 14 days and notify their local health department or a healthcare provider if they develop symptoms of COVID-19, which include cough, fever and shortness of breath.

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a novel, or new, coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The virus causing COVID-19 is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold. Human coronaviruses most commonly spread from an infected person to others through:

• Respiratory droplets released into the air by coughing and sneezing;
• Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands;
• Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands; and
• Rarely, fecal contamination.

The CDC does not recommend that people who are well, wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19. You should only wear a mask if a healthcare professional recommends it. A facemask should be used by people who have COVID-19 and are showing symptoms to protect others from the risk of infection.

This is an ongoing situation and is evolving rapidly. For more information, including a list of frequently asked questions, visit https://on.in.gov/COVID19 and subscribe to receive updates. Future updates will also be posted to this website.

Visit the Indiana State Department of Health at http://www.in.gov/isdh/ or follow us on Twitter at @StateHealthIN and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/StateHealthIN.

STATE HEALTH DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES 2nd COVID-19 CASE - Hendricks County

INDIANAPOLIS—The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) has identified the second presumptive positive case of COVID-19 in the state. The patient, an adult who resides in Hendricks County, is in isolation with mild symptoms and is not hospitalized at this time.

The patient traveled to Boston in late February to attend the BioGen conference and developed mild flu-like symptoms on March 2. More than a dozen COVID-19 cases nationwide have been tied to the conference, including a Marion County resident who was identified Friday as Indiana’s first COVID-19 case. That patient also remains in self-isolation with mild symptoms.

ISDH is working closely with the Hendricks and Marion County health departments and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to ensure that any close contacts of both patients are identified and monitored and that all infection control protocols are being followed.

“With the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the United States and the fact that we are a mobile society, this new case isn’t surprising, but we know it causes concern in the community,” said State Health Commissioner Kris Box, M.D., FACOG. “I urge Hoosiers to continue to educate themselves about this illness and take common-sense precautions, but also to be aware that the vast majority of COVID-19 cases are mild in individuals without underlying medical conditions.”

Dr. Box asked Hoosiers who attended the BioGen conference to self-quarantine at home, monitor for symptoms and notify their local health department or a healthcare provider if they develop a cough, fever or shortness of breath. This guidance is consistent with information BioGen shared with conference participants.

David Stopperich, M.D., the Hendricks County health officer, said the county has prepared for possibilities like a COVID-19 case and assured residents that all necessary steps are being taken to reduce the spread of the illness.

“Our health department and the entire medical community of Hendricks County have been working in conjunction with schools, emergency management and other organizations to develop plans to limit the spread of this disease,” Dr. Stopperich said. “I ask anyone who thinks they might have symptoms of COVID-19 to call a healthcare provider so they can be evaluated by phone before going to a medical facility. This will help further limit any spread of this virus.”

All confirmed COVID-19 patients are required to remain in isolation for at least 14 days and until specimens taken on two consecutive days test negative for COVID-19. Individuals who have recently visited an area under a Level 3 travel warning also are asked to self-isolate for 14 days and notify their local health department or a healthcare provider if they develop symptoms of COVID-19, which include cough, fever and shortness of breath.

In other developments:

• The ISDH Laboratories is providing COVID-19 testing seven days a week for patients who meet CDC testing criteria.
• ISDH also has ordered additional testing supplies to ensure its laboratory remains able to test those at highest risk and generate results quickly.
• Private laboratory systems, including LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics, are beginning to offer testing. Individuals who do not meet the CDC criteria for testing at the ISDH lab can consult their healthcare providers and determine whether private lab testing is appropriate.
• The ISDH call center for healthcare providers and members of the public who have concerns about COVID-19 is now staffed from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 317-233-7125. After-hours calls should be directed to 317-233-1325 and will be answered by an on-call epidemiologist.
• The ISDH COVID-19 website now includes a subscription feature so that Hoosiers can receive alerts when information is changed or added. 

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a novel, or new, coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The virus causing COVID-19 is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold.

Human coronaviruses most commonly spread from an infected person to others through:

• Respiratory droplets released into the air by coughing and sneezing;
• Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands;
• Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands; and
• Rarely, fecal contamination.

The best way to protect yourself from any respiratory illness, including the flu, is to:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

The CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19. You should only wear a mask if a healthcare professional recommends it. A facemask should be used by people who have COVID-19 and are showing symptoms to protect others from the risk of infection.

This is an ongoing situation and is evolving rapidly. ISDH will provide updates as new information becomes available. For more information, including a list of frequently asked questions, visit https://on.in.gov/COVID19.

Visit the Indiana State Department of Health at http://www.in.gov/isdh/ or follow us on Twitter at @StateHealthIN and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/StateHealthIN.

First Hoosier Covid 19 case in Indianapolis

STATE HEALTH DEPARTMENT CONFIRMS 1^st CASE OF COVID-19
IN HOOSIER WITH RECENT TRAVEL

INDIANAPOLIS—Governor Eric J. Holcomb and the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) announced today the first presumptive positive case of COVID-19 in a Marion County resident with a recent history of travel to Boston. To ensure continued coordination, Gov. Holcomb is issuing a public health emergency declaration.

“With the help of our federal, state and local partners, Indiana is responding to this case as we have planned and prepared for weeks,” Gov. Holcomb said. “The Hoosier who has been diagnosed has taken responsible steps to stay isolated.”

ISDH is working closely with the Marion County Public Health Department, Community Hospital North and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to ensure that any close contacts of the patient are identified and monitored and that all infection control protocols are being followed.

A presumptive positive case means the patient has tested positive at the ISDH Laboratories. Samples will be sent to the CDC for final confirmation.

The public health emergency declaration Gov. Holcomb is issuing today will call on state agencies to continue their diligence and cooperation in responding to COVID-19 and ensures that Indiana can seek funding to control and stop the spread of coronavirus. The declaration will be posted at www.in.gov/gov.

State Health Commissioner Kris Box, M.D., FACOG, said the adult patient has been in quarantine since arriving back in Indianapolis and that the risk to the general public is low. The CDC will work to identify and notify air travelers who were on the individual’s flight from Boston and had close contact with the patient.

The patient will remain in isolation for 14 days and will not be released until specimens taken two consecutive days at the end of that period test negative for COVID-19. No additional information about the patient will be released due to privacy laws.

“The state health department has been preparing for weeks to ensure that we have the resources and systems in place to limit or prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Indiana,” Dr. Box said. “Given the global spread of this illness, the question was never if Indiana would have a case, but when it would arrive. I want to stress that this is an isolated case, and that this patient and the hospital did everything possible to limit the risk of exposure to other individuals. Because of those steps, the risk of additional exposure and community transmission is low, but we are taking every precaution to prevent new infections related to this patient.”

Human coronaviruses most commonly spread from an infected person to others through:

•  Respiratory droplets released into the air by coughing and sneezing;
•  Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands;
•  Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands; and
•  Rarely, fecal contamination.

The best way to protect yourself from any respiratory illness, including the flu, is to:

•  Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
•  Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
•  Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
•  Stay home when you are sick.
•  Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
•  Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

The CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19. You should only wear a mask if a healthcare professional recommends it. A facemask should be used by people who have COVID-19 and are showing symptoms to protect others from the risk of infection.

This is an ongoing situation and is evolving rapidly. ISDH will provide updates as new information becomes available. For more information, including a list of frequently asked questions, visit https://on.in.gov/COVID19.

Visit the Indiana State Department of Health at http://www.in.gov/isdh/ or follow us on Twitter at @StateHealthIN and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/StateHealthIN.

P&G Launches New Line of Antibacterial Cleaning

PG

"I work in a salon and also have children at home, so for me to be able to clean something and then forget about it for 24 hours is amazing"

CINCINNATI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, P&G announced the launch of Microban 24, a new brand of antibacterial home sanitizing products that keeps surfaces protected against bacteria for 24 hours when used as directed. Not only does Microban 24 kill 99.9% of bacteria on contact, but it also keeps working throughout the day. Microban 24 provides a protective shield that keeps killing bacteria for a full 24 hours, even when the surface is touched or contacted multiple times.

Bacteria can survive on surfaces anywhere from several hours up to several days. In fact, under ideal conditions bacteria can grow and multiply every 20 minutes. The bacteria living on the surface are transferred to people through contact so anything we touch can possibly be a bacteria-contaminated surface. According to a recent survey conducted by The Harris Poll, 84% of Americans believe that their current household antibacterial products provide some level of lasting antibacterial protection beyond the moment of application2. What they don’t know is that many disinfectants allow bacteria to be reintroduced to surfaces after being touched.

“People deserve an antibacterial product that works as hard as they do to shield their home from the spread of bacteria,” said Martin Hettich, VP North America Home Care, P&G. “The antibacterial surface category hasn’t seen a true product innovation in a long time; we want to push beyond the status quo and offer families a new sanitizing product that keeps working around the clock. Now, they can rest easier knowing our breakthrough technology is hard at work, even when they’re not cleaning.”

The power behind Microban 24’s proven technology relies on a unique, multi-layer protective shield that forms wherever you apply it and allow to air dry. This multi-layer shield then activates small amounts of bacterial fighting ingredients over time, providing continuous antibacterial protection for up to 24 hours when used as directed.

“I work in a salon and also have children at home, so for me to be able to clean something and then forget about it for 24 hours is amazing,” said Jennifer G., a consumer from Microban 24’s early test market. “I spray it at night before I go to sleep, and then the next day it’s good for everyone who’s cycling through.”

Microban 24 is available in three different forms: a Sanitizing Spray, a Multi-Purpose Cleaner, and a Bathroom Cleaner in both Fresh Scent and Citrus Scent. The Microban 24 product lineup is now sold at major retailers nationwide as well as online.

To learn more, please visit Microban24.com. Follow Microban 24 on Instagram and Facebook at @Microban24 for tips and tricks on how to get the most out of your cleaning products, as well as updates on future innovations and offerings.

1

Microban 24 provides continuous protection against the Enterobacter aerogenes and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, for up to 24 hours when used as directed.

INDIANA TAKES ACTION TO ADDRESS NOVEL CORONAVIRUS

The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) is leading the state’s efforts to educate Hoosiers about the 2019 novel coronavirus that originated in China, ensuring that the public, healthcare providers and local health departments have the latest information available to keep themselves and their communities healthy.

“There continues to be no confirmed cases of 2019 novel coronavirus in Indiana at this time,” Governor Eric J. Holcomb said.

 “At my direction, the Indiana State Department of Health is working in close coordination with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as other federal, state and local partners, to share information and monitor this evolving public health situation. While there is no need for immediate concern, the state will remain on alert to ensure Hoosiers are protected.”

Indiana currently has no suspected cases of novel coronavirus under investigation. One Hoosier who recently traveled to China is on self-quarantine in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. That individual is not symptomatic, and all appropriate measures are being taken. No additional information about the individual will be provided due to privacy laws.

State Health Commissioner Kris Box, M.D., FACOG, said information about the novel coronavirus outbreak is changing rapidly and encouraged Hoosiers to check the ISDH website for the most current information.

“We learn something new every day about this illness,” Box said. “While the news reports are concerning, I want to reassure Hoosiers that the majority of the patients under investigation in the U.S. so far have tested negative for novel coronavirus and remind them that seasonal influenza poses a greater health risk at this time.”

Human coronaviruses most commonly spread from an infected person to others through:

• Respiratory droplets released into the air by coughing and sneezing;
• Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands;
• Touching an object or surface with the virus on it and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands; and
• Rarely, fecal contamination.

The best way to protect yourself from any respiratory illness, including the flu, is to:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

If you are a healthcare provider with a patient who is experiencing symptoms of novel coronavirus or an individual who has symptoms and recently traveled to China, please contact the ISDH Epidemiology Resource Center at 317-233-7125 [317-233-1325 after hours] or email epiresource@isdh.in.gov.

Visit the Indiana State Department of Health at www.StateHealth.in.gov or follow us on Twitter at @StateHealthIN and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/StateHealthIN.