White County Health Department
902 Foxwood Court
Monticello, IN 47960
(574)583-8254

     White County Health Department is aware of covid-19 happening in and around Indiana. We are following the CDC and Indiana State Department of Health guidelines for prevention and care of COVID-19. This information continues to evolve and change daily. Guidelines will likely change with developments. Currently the ISDH is limiting testing to hospitalized patients with respiratory symptoms without another source of infection and those at most risk, including nursing home patients, healthcare providers, jail and prison inmates with symptoms and no known source of infection. ISDH is working with federal and local partners to respond to this evolving public health situation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the risk of infection in the United States is low, as the virus has had limited person-to-person spread in the United States at this time. The CDC does not have any evidence to suggest that animals or animal products imported from China pose a risk for spreading COVID-19 in the United States. There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19.

 The CDC recommends the same preventative steps that help stop the spread of any respiratory infection, including influenza, which is a greater public health threat locally. This includes washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, staying at home when you are sick and covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze.  Please call the ISDH Epidemiology Resource Center at 317-233-7125 [317-233-1325 after hours] or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you experience symptoms such as fever, cough and shortness of breath and have a recent history of travel to China or contact with someone suspected of having COVID-19.   
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/workplace-school-and-home-guidance.pdf
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/2019-ncov-factsheet.pdf

Take steps to protect yourself: Washing hands with soap and water, clean your hands often, wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry. 
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Avoid close contact

Avoid close contact with people who are sick Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
Take steps to protect others
Stay home if you’re sick Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care. Learn what to do if you are sick. 
Cover coughs and sneezes Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow. Throw used tissues in the trash. Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. 
Wear a facemask if you are sick If you are sick:  You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room. Learn what to do if you are sick. If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.

Clean and disinfect Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks. If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection. Older adults and people who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness. Please consult with your health care provider about additional steps you may be able to take to protect yourself.