A joint statement from the Central Indiana Council of Elected Officials

Throughout central Indiana’s history our communities have rallied together to seek great opportunities and address unprecedented challenges. Today we find ourselves on the precipice of yet another significant challenge, and again our region intends to act collectively. 

Each of our counties in central Indiana has or is projected to have a percent positivity rate that exceeds 10%, meaning we are all inextricably connected by a common enemy that threatens our residents’ safety as well as their economic wellbeing. 

We have learned a great deal about COVID-19 since March. The data we have collected is clear: what we have been applying in public settings works. But we haven’t been as careful in private as we are in public. Wearing masks, washing hands, and staying distant reduces the spread of COVID-19. There is definitive action that must be taken in order to preserve the safety and wellbeing of our residents and businesses. 

From this point forward every action counts. We implore our residents to adhere to the following recommendations: 

-       Be smart in your travels and in-home family gatherings

-       Seek testing if you are symptomatic or believe you have been exposed

-       Wear a mask

-       Increase sanitization

-       Maintain 6’ distance

Steve Collier

Mayor, City of Lawrence

Member of the Central Indiana Council of Elected Officials