The Indiana state government confirmed a total of 126 positive tests for COVID-19 and three deaths in the state, according to their website Saturday morning. Six of the positive cases are individuals residing in St. Joseph County.
As a result of the increasing number of cases, South Bend mayor James Mueller warned against all nonessential travel in a press conference Thursday afternoon, the South Bend Tribune reported. Mueller declared a state of emergency and advised people to practice extreme social distancing.
While the city has not instituted an outright travel ban, Mueller stressed that residents should be cautious and stay at home.
“While our number of positive cases, at five, is still low, and our hospitals still have capacity, this situation can get out of hand fast,” Mueller said.
The city's declaration will expire after seven days and must be approved for an extension by the South Bend Common Council, according to the report.
In addition, Notre Dame announced Friday afternoon in a tweet that two members of its community tested positive for the virus. The University said the affected individuals are in quarantine and receiving medical care.
