Dubois County declares local emergency

The Dubois County Commissioners enacted a local disaster emergency declaration Tuesday afternoon. The disaster declaration is in effect for seven days but can be extended.

The decision to make the emergency declaration came at the request of the Dubois County Emergency Management director, health department, and County Health Officer. According to EMA Director Tammy Humbert, counties across the state are taking similar steps to continue to slow the spread of the disease.

With the emergency declaration, county officials have the authority to take emergency measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

According to the declaration, the commissioners can authorize the county health officer to issue orders to forbid public gatherings and implement other measures if deemed necessary. No actions to that effect have been taken yet.

The declaration is also necessary for the county to potentially receive state and federal assistance if it is needed and becomes available.

The commissioners also decided to limit access to county buildings to the public for all non-essential services. The only access that will be allowed is for a public meeting, by appointment or by an order of the court.

People are directed to call county offices before coming if they aren’t sure if their business is essential or not essential.