Noon Edition airs on Fridays at noon on WFIU.

Since last week, a lot has happened in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

On Monday, March 16, Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb announced new directives for mitigating the spread of coronavirus throughout the state, including closing bars and restaurants to dine-in patrons and postponing elective and non-emergency medical procedures.

Both Indiana and Purdue universities have announced they would be moving to all-online classes for the rest of the spring semester.

Both the Monroe County Public Library and Bloomington's College Mall announced they'd be shutting their doors temporarily in response to the virus.

As of Thursday, March 19 at 10 a.m., ISDH says two people have died and 56 people in Indiana have tested positive for the new coronavirus.

Counties affected include Bartholomew, Floyd, Johnson, Marion, Hamilton, Hendricks, Boone, Wells, LaPorte, Howard, Adams, Noble, St. Joseph, Lake, Madison, Jennings, Clark, Fayette, Franklin, Tippecanoe and Owen.

The CDC advises people to stay home and limit contact with others if they think they might be mildly sick with the virus. If symptoms become more severe, call ahead before entering a healthcare facility. If you have a medical emergency, call 911. The CDC says to notify dispatch personnel that you have or might have COVID-19 before first responders arrive. If possible, wear a face mask.

This week on Noon Edition we'll be talking about the most recent news with the coronavirus and how health systems are preparing for the new demands.

Our guests

Dr. Dan Handel, Chief Medical Officer, IU Health South Central Region

Graham McKeen, Assistant University Director of Public and Environmental Health at Indiana University

Brian Shockney, President, IU Health South Central Region