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Fishers declares 'local disaster emergency,' issues travel advisory

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Posted at 6:54 PM, Mar 16, 2020
and last updated 2020-03-16 18:54:10-04

FISHERS — Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness on Monday announced the declaration of a local disaster emergency in response to the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic.

The executive order, effective as 8 a.m. Tuesday, limits travel within the city to one of the following reasons: travel related to medical care, travel required to provide care to another for whom you're the primary caregiver, travel for mandatory work activities, travel for food, groceries, medication, essential household good and hygiene products.

"As more information comes available, it's important that we continue to further reinforce the recommendations I've shared before," Fadness said in a statement. "By declaring a local disaster emergency, I'm able to implement a travel advisory watch for the city of Fishers for the next seven days, the maximum allowed by law.

"I'm asking that all residents eliminate any unnecessary travel. Additionally, while I do not have specific legal authority to close the following establishments at this time, I am urging the following establishments to close until the end of the month: entertainment venues and centers; fitness facilities and gyms; and places of worship. I firmly believe it is our civic responsibility for all of us to make the right choices and make sacrifices to ensure the long-term safety and sustainability of our community."

The restriction does not impact travel related to food delivery or the resupply of retail stores, pharmacies and food pantries.

Fadness ssaid the Fishers Police Department and Fishers Fire and Emergency Services will be enforcing Gov. Eric Holcomb's executive order for restaurants and bars to operate on a carry-out or delivery only basis. All Fishers Parks and Recreation facilities and playgrounds are closed.

The Fishers police and fire departments will be operating business as usual. Fadness directed residents who are in need or are food insecure to visit fishers.in.us/Coronavirus for a list of those providers serving at this time.

The city has also established a coronavirus hotline at 317-595-3211.