FOUNTAIN AND WARREN COUNTIES, Ind. (WLFI) - Each county across the state is taking this coronavirus situation day by day. Health leaders in Fountain and Warren County are trying to make sure their residents are prepared through their online website.
"We know that this disease can affect everybody," said Dr. Sean Sharma, local doctor and a health officer for the counties.
On the website, you can learn more about COVID-19 information, find out if you need to be tested, you can request testing and get some home care instructions in case you need to self-quarantine. Dr. Sharma said it's only a matter of time before they see their first confirmed case in the counties they serve.
"I'm concerned about my about my mom and my husband and my animals," said Crystal Cox, who lives in Attica with her husband and two dogs.
They are concerned about the coronavirus, especially for Crystal's mom who lives with them at home.
"My mom is 64-years-old and she's in very bad health, she's got COPD," said Crystal. "I'm concerned that her health is going to make her get the coronavirus."
They also rely on getting outside multiple times a day to get some exercise while walking their dogs.
"I try to keep in shape," said James, who said he lost weight though walking. "I'm 65 years old and I want to keep my immune system good and my health good."
They are keeping their fingers crossed that they don't have to go into further social restrictions, and so are leaders at the Fountain and Warren health department. Dr. Sharma said they are currently in the prevention phase.
"We are in that phase because we have no identified cases in Fountain or Warren County, although there some tests that are in process and pending," he said.
He said their situation has some positives as a rural community.
"In the prevention phase of public health with COVID-19, Fountain Warren County may have some advantages because we are more socially spread," he said.
But being a rural community also has a negative side should there be an outbreak.
"Then we are at because we don't have the medical resources, we don't have ventilators or hospital beds or excess staff that we can move around," he said.
And that's why social restrictions are so important right now.
"So slowing the spread of disease means keeping it out of schools, keeping it out of colleges and universities and keeping it out of people who have contact and interact with those most vulnerable populations," he said.
People like Crystal Cox's family.
"It's very serious, take the right precautions and wash your hands," she said.
Dr. Sharma is recording podcasts about the situation for people who want to learn more. You can access them on Stitcher.com, Facebook or YouTube.
