WARSAW – Mayor Joe Thallemer has declared a public health emergency within Warsaw city limits.

The move, following similar moves by President Donald Trump and Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb, will allow the city to respond better to the coronavirus outbreak.

The executive order is in effect immediately and shall remain in effect until the health emergency is lifted by the state, the order said.

“This public health emergency will allow the city to respond with emergency protocol in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic in the city,” the statement said.

Thallemer also said the city strongly supports Gov. Eric Holcomb’s directive for the residents of Indiana to stay at home for two weeks from Wednesday, March 25, through April 6.

“We are asking that the Warsaw community not hesitate to enact these very strict measures. We are holding our own.  As of today, there are no confirmed cases in Kosciusko County. We must, however, anticipate that it will happen and are being asked to react with these drastic measures to minimize exposure and prevent community spread. This is the only thing we can do to protect ourselves,” the statement issued by Thallemer said.

The order is mandatory and orders all Hoosiers to stay at home or in their place of residence to minimize the spread of COVID 19. The exceptions to the directive are essential activities, essential government functions and essential business and operations.

Non-essential business and operations must cease and only essential travel and essential activities are permitted, the statement said.

The Indiana State Police will work with local law enforcement to enforce this order, the statement said.