Ella Abbott

Update: Since this story aired, Steuben County has a confirmed positive coronavirus test.

Cameron Memorial Community Hospital in Steuben County is giving community members a way to help as they deal with the coronavirus pandemic.

The hospital has opened up a response fund where people can donate to help the hospital purchase essential supplies like personal protective equipment.

Jenn Gibson is the director of marketing and business development at Cameron. She says the fund comes as a response to community members looking for a way to help.

In an effort to strengthen Allen County nonprofits amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Foellinger Foundation announced new grant support for nonprofits in Allen County on Tuesday and their first recipient today.

The Fort Wayne Community Schools Board of School Trustees met Monday night to vote on measures to help the district during the COVID-19 crisis. 

A new initiative is in place to help support small businesses affected by the coronavirus. The platform gener8tor announced the Emergency Response Program as part of a partnership with the Indiana Economic Development Corporation today.

Small businesses and entrepreneurs will have access to a week-long webinar series meant to identify and use critical resources during the public health crisis.

Gener8tor will also host daily office hours for small businesses to meet with business advisors digitally.

Updated March 20, 2020 at 3 p.m.

Allen County has four confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 as of Friday afternoon. No deaths in northeast Indiana have been reported.

United Way of Allen County is working to build an Emergency Relief Fund in preparation for the spread of COVID-19.

United Way is investing 100,000 dollars into the fund and asking local funders and individuals to donate as well. On Thursday, the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne gave them $50,000.

In a release Tuesday, the organization said its committed to providing support and service to the community under the unique circumstance of the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Wednesday, Northwest Allen County Schools began meal services for students who rely on school meals during closures due to coronavirus.

The district is offering both breakfast and lunch to students who might otherwise not get these meals during the day when school is closed.

The meals can be picked up at one of the two pick-up locations, Huntertown Elementary and Carroll High School, or can be delivered if transportation isn’t available.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend has suspended all public Sunday and weekday Masses beginning tomorrow until further notice.

In an announcement today, the Diocese says the decision comes in light of information and recommendations from health officials concerning coronavirus and is in hopes of preventing the spread.

Bishop Kevin Rhoades wrote a letter to parishioners explaining the decision and encouraging acts of “spiritual communion” outside of Mass.

Allen County school and health department officials met today to announce closures of the county’s public schools for the next month. Ella Abbott reports.