Gov. Holcomb Supports ISDH, Eli Lilly COVID-19 Testing Partnership

For Immediate Release:
Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Gov. Holcomb Supports ISDH, Eli Lilly COVID-19 Testing Partnership

Governor Announces Additional Actions to Respond to COVID-19

INDIANAPOLIS — Governor Eric J. Holcomb offered the following statement after the announcement of the new partnership between the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) and Eli Lilly and Company, with support from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to accelerate testing in Indiana for COVID-19.

“This partnership between the Indiana State Department of Health and Eli Lilly and Company will be transformational in our efforts to accelerate testing for COVID-19,” Gov. Holcomb said. “We are grateful for Lilly’s dedication to the health and safety of Hoosiers as we continue to put all of our focus into slowing the spread.”

Lilly will use its research laboratories to analyze samples taken in Indiana healthcare facilities, including nursing homes and emergency rooms, in an effort to increase the state’s ability to conduct testing for COVID-19. As Lilly’s testing capacity expands, Lilly and ISDH will work together to increase testing. Here is the link to Lilly’s full press release: https://investor.lilly.com/news-releases/news-release-details/lilly-indiana-state-department-health-partner-accelerate-covid

In a continuing effort to slow the spread of coronavirus, Gov. Holcomb also announced these additional efforts:

The Indiana Department of Education reported that all Indiana public schools are currently closed, using either e-Learning, spring break or waiver days granted by Gov. Holcomb.
With more than 512,000 small businesses throughout the state, Gov. Holcomb requested the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to issue an Economic Injury Disaster Loan declaration supporting small businesses impacted by the coronavirus outbreak in Indiana.

The program would provide targeted, low-interest loans up to $2 million in order to help small businesses overcome the temporary loss of revenue as a result of coronavirus. Nonprofits would also be eligible for loan assistance through the program. More information is available at SBA.gov/Disaster.

The Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) will host two live webinars for Hoosiers impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.

The program will cover unemployment eligibility requirements, frequently asked questions, and how to apply for benefits.
The 30-minute live programs will be held at 10:30 a.m. ET on Tuesday, March 24, and at 3 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 25. To register, visit: https://on.in.gov/UI2020

Indiana Department of Revenue (DOR) continues to provide customer service by phone at 317-232-2240 and email using the online form at dor.in.gov/3392.htm.
The CDC has posted updated guidance for healthcare workers treating a patient who is suspected of having or confirmed to have COVID-19. Here is the link: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/caring-for-patients.html
The ISDH call center continues to experience high volume. Hoosiers with general questions are encouraged to visit the website in.gov/coronavirus for more information. ISDH has implemented a toll-free 24/7 call center at 877-826-0011 that includes options for healthcare providers as well as the public. Call center staff cannot offer medical advice or provide test results.

More information may be found at the ISDH website at in.gov/coronavirus/ and the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.