Delaware County's board of commissioners and the mayor of Muncie signed and enacted a disaster emergency declaration Thursday, stating that certain measures must be put into place to slow the spread of COVID-19.

"Now is the time to act, not out of fear, but out of compassion, to prevent the spread of this terrible illness," a press release from the City of Muncie states.

As per the declaration, the following are changes that will be implemented in the city and county:

Businesses

On recommendation from the Delaware County's health officer, all local barbershops, hair salons, nail salons, tattoo parlors, gyms, recreational sports facilities, indoor play areas, private clubs and fraternal organizations shall be closed to the public, the declaration states.

It also encourages all establishments with 10 or more people to practice proper social distancing and cleaning in accordance to guidelines from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

Any employees exhibiting symptoms of any illness prior to coming to work or during the work day shall not report to work or leave the workplace until they no longer have any symptoms, or have not had a fever for more than 24 hours, provided they are not diagnosed with COVID-19.

Stricter policies may be put into place later, the declaration states, such as reducing work schedules, working from home, closing county facilities and non-emergency operations.

Governance:

The declaration states that all county and city offices and facilities will be closed to the general public and may only be accessed by appointment.

Only those with hearings in the Delaware County Circuit courts and Muncie City Court, those subpoenaed or summoned as well as attorneys for those matter may access the Justice Center and City Hall.

The following is the complete document as released by the City of Muncie's website:

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