Today’s update discusses:

• Johnson County Public Library reopened
• More public services in Marion County city-county building reopening
• Marion County public schools set to resume this Fall
• Governor Holcomb announces grant for Indiana schools to assist with digital learning
• Indiana’s rental assistance program launching in July
• Kroger resuming free testing for eligible individuals

PUBLIC SERVICES

• The Johnson County Public Library reopened Monday, but certain restrictions are in place. For example, masks will be required for staff and patrons, time spent inside will be limited to “grab and go,” primarily outdoor seating will be allowed, and social distancing is being implemented. In addition, the library will continue to use curbside “to-go” services for no-contact delivery of materials.
• As Marion County continues to reopen, more public services will also resume within the city-county building in Indianapolis. Services such as property tax payments, property tax assessments and valuations, and the county assessor and recorder will be available.
• According to statements released by the Indianapolis Public Schools and the Superintendents of Marion County, schools in the county are scheduled to reopen on time for in-person learning in the fall. However, in-person learning will not be mandatory. According to a statement from Indianapolis Public Schools, there will be options in “the physical school setting or online for students who are not able or are uncomfortable returning to school on the scheduled start date.” Residents who wish to pursue in-person learning can expect guidance from the Marion County Public Health Department in July.

EXECUTIVE ACTIONS

• Governor Holcomb announced that Indiana schools now have the ability to apply for a needs-based grant, a program that currently holds $61.6 million. The grant, received from the CARES Act, is meant to focus on access to digital learning devices, development of solutions to address gaps in internet connectivity, and the development of curriculum. The deadline to apply for the grant is July 17.

RESOURCES

• Indiana has announced a rental assistance program aimed at providing a monthly stipend to households affected by the pandemic. Eligible households could receive up to $500 a month for up to four months. To be eligible, residents must demonstrate loss of income or reduced hours or pay due to the pandemic. Current household income must be less than it was on March 6. A household must not have already received rental assistance due to the pandemic, and the household must not have received rental assistance through Section 8 vouchers or USDA assistance. Applications will be available starting July 13.
• Kroger is resuming free testing for eligible persons through June 30 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. To be eligible for testing, residents must meet the guidelines released from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and recommendations from state and local government. The drive-thru testing will consist of a self-administered nasal swab, and test results can be expected within 48 hours.