COVID-19 Updates
Tom McDermott has been an outspoken leader since the start of the COVID-19 crisis, acting in concert with the Governor to protect the residents of Hammond and to ensure that all residents of Indiana can stay safe and healthy during this uncertain time. This is just one example of the type of mayor Tom is - always putting the residents first - and shows what type of Member of Congress he will be - protecting the residents of IN-CD1.
- March 6 - Indiana reports its first case of COVID-19, a man in Indianapolis who recently returned from Boston
- March 10 - IU and Purdue move classes online and tell students to go home
- March 11 - Multiple colleges announce all classes will go digital
- March 12 - Tom McDermott Jr. holds an emergency press release online discouraging large nonessential gatherings of civilians to limit coronavirus spread. He also urged to take the coronavirus spread seriously for the safety of high-risk individuals in the city. Tom also officially announced the Hammond City Coronavirus Task Force. ISU and IvyTech go digital, Gov. Holcomb announces the following steps for public safety:
- No nonessential gatherings of people over 250
- School corporations are given a 20-day waiver of missed days that do not need to be made up at the end of the school year
- Child and adult care facilities should practice social distancing and minimize large gatherings
- Medical centers should screen all visitors
- High-risk individuals should limit public exposure
- Organizations that frequently meet with seniors should consider modifying or suspending all programs for the time being
- Businesses should allow employees to work from home if possible
- All civilians should stay home as much as possible
- Avoid public areas and public transportation when possible
- Maintain social distancing
- Don’t shake hands
- Seek medical attention if you feel sick
- March 16 - Hammond City Coronavirus Task Force meets. Tom McDermott Jr. announces restrictions on public buildings, allowing only city workers into city buildings. He also called for the civic center, Jean Shepherd Community Center and Hammond Senior Center to close until further notice. Gov. Holcomb tells bars and restaurants to close to dine-in patrons. Pick-up and delivery only.
- March 18 - Tom McDermott Jr. urges state officials to move the upcoming primary election for the safety of Indiana voters
- March 19 - Hammond City Coronavirus Task Force meets. Tom McDermott Jr. announces ways for citizens of NWI to stay safe and holds a virtual question and answer session with Dr. Frank Messana on the Go Hammond Facebook page. Tom also announces that all bills for water will be postponed until a later date and no water shut offs will be enacted. Gov. Holcomb announces all schools K-12 will remain closed until May 1
- March 20 - Gov. Holcomb announces the Indiana Primary will be moved from May 5th to June 2nd to preserve the health and safety of Hoosiers, they may also vote by mail if they prefer
- March 21 -Tom hosts a FB Live event at 18th Street Brewery showcasing their efforts to produce hand sanitizer for the community.
- March 23 - Gov. Holcomb announces a modified “Shelter in Place” order which requires only essential employees to work while everyone else is to remain at home as much as possible, Mayor Tom gives an address to the city of Hammond assuring them that the city is taking every step to ensure their safety and health while also asking for their cooperation with Gov. Holcomb’s order, the Hammond City Council held its first virtual meeting that was accessible on Facebook to the public and also did not require the members to be present
- March 23 - Toms McDermott Jr. addresses the City Council and the community regarding COVID-19, including how IN Gov. Holcomb's Stay-At-Home Order will affect Hammond residents.
Tom holds COVID-19 Taskforce meetings multiple times per week with frequent updates to the public on Facebook live streams. Like Tom's Facebook page to stay up to date.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- World Health Organization
- Indiana's Novel Coronavirus Response
- Indiana Novel Coronavirus Map
- COVID-19 RESOURCE GUIDE FOR HOOSIERS LOOKING FOR ASSISTANCE
- coronavirus.gov
- Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources
- Coronavirus and Forbearance Info for Students, Borrowers, and Parents
