Resources for Navigating COVID-19

Message from Us

Content

Back on track plan for seniors

• Hoosiers 65 and older and those with known high-risk medical conditions should adhere to social distancing guidelines and remain cautious at work and in their communities

• Face coverings are required in public spaces

• Outdoor visitation may take place at assisted living facilities and nursing homes; guidelines continue to be reviewed and updated

Click here to read the most recent information from in.gov

A Message from the Mayors

Overcoming the COVID-19 crisis will require all of us to participate in safe practices. Our combined efforts can impact both its duration and magnitude.

The following practices have been implemented for our staff:

1. All drivers are required to wear face masks and glove

2. Fleet vehicles are sanitized before and after each client is transported

3. All caregivers are required to wear face masks and gloves while in the home of a client

4. No staff are permitted to continue working if they exhibit any symptoms associated with COVID-19

All clients are requested to adhere with the following:

1. Notify the Council on Aging office at 574-295-1820 if they have had symptoms of or have been in contact with anyone testing positive for COVID-19

2. Wear a protective mask and practice the 20-second hand washing or qualified hand sanitizer rule when engaging with our staff

Fraud Alerts

IRS

The Internal Revenue Service today urged taxpayers to be on the lookout for a surge of calls and email phishing attempts about the Coronavirus, or COVID-19. These contacts can lead to tax-related fraud and identity theft. Taxpayers should watch not only for emails but text messages, websites and social media attempts that request money or personal information. The IRS also reminds retirees who don’t normally have a requirement to file a tax return that no action on their part is needed to receive their $1,200 economic impact payment.

Those who receive unsolicited emails, text messages or social media attempts to gather information that appear to be from either the IRS or an organization closely linked to the IRS, such as the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), should forward it to phishing@irs.gov.

Taxpayers are encouraged not to engage potential scammers online or on the phone. Learn more about reporting suspected scams by going to the Report Phishing and Online Scams page on IRS.gov.

Official IRS information about the COVID-19 pandemic and economic impact payments can be found on the Coronavirus Tax Relief page on IRS.gov. The page is updated quickly when new information is available.

USDA

Be on the lookout for potential scammers using the COVID-19 situation to steal personal information, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) warned Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants today. USDA is issuing this warning after receiving reports of several possible SNAP fraud attempts. Examples of confidential information include social security number, bank information, or a participant’s SNAP EBT card or PIN number. In one potential scam, a website asked SNAP recipients to enter their personal and bank account information to qualify for COVID-related monetary assistance.

If SNAP participants are unsure if a request for information is legitimate, USDA advises they contact their local SNAP office.  If they do not know their local SNAP office, participants should contact their state agency.  State contact information is available at https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/state-directory.

To stay on top of potential scams, please visit USDA’s SNAP scam alert webpage at https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/scam-alerts.

If you believe you are the victim of identity theft, contact your local police department regarding procedures for filing a report.  You may also file a consumer complaint online with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at https://www.ftc.gov.  FTC is the federal agency responsible for protecting consumers from identity theft scams.

Resources

The following resources have been assembled to assist you with advised safety practices:

To support Hoosiers in this unprecedented time of need, and beyond, the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration and the Indiana Division of Mental Health and Addiction are proud to introduce BeWellIndiana.org.

Link for more info: https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html

There are multiple ways to schedule your vaccine online and over the phone:

• Recommended: Follow the link below to schedule your vaccine, if eligible, through the Indiana Department of Health

• Call Beacon Health System Hotline at (855) 523-2225

• Call 2-1-1

• Call the Elkhart County COVID-19 Informational Hotline at 574-523-2106

If you have questions about policy changes or testing sites call the Elkhart County Health Department call center at (574)-523-2106 from 9 am to 4 pm, M-F.

Read: Vaccine Information and Planning from the Indiana State Government that answers questions, has vaccine dashboards, and more.

Read: Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines from the CDC answers questions like:

• Can a COVID-19 vaccine make me sick with COVID-19?

• Will a COVID-19 vaccine alter my DNA?

• If I have already had COVID-19 and recovered, do I still need to get vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine?

Read: Different COVID-19 Vaccines from the CDC explains the types of vaccine options available

Read: Allergic reactions to the coronavirus vaccine are rare and outweighed by the benefit of protection, CDC finds an article from The Washington Post January 6, 2021

Read: Allergic Reactions Including Anaphylaxis After Receipt of the First Dose of Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine a report from the CDC January 22, 2021