Climate change may be putting people at risk for more pandemics like COVID-19. Habitat loss due to climate is bringing animals that can transmit disease in contact with humans more often.

Gov. Eric Holcomb says his stay-at-home order is not meant to be a hammer but to emphasize the need to socially distance and self-isolate, thus curbing the spread of COVID-19.

Starting Wednesday, March 25, childcare for 100 children, ages 5 to 12, will be available for families of Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, Indianapolis Fire Department, and public safety communication with a 50 percent discount.

WFYI's Jill Ditmire spoke with Arts Council Executive Director Julie Goodman about the fund and how it can help individuals and organizations.

Hair salons, tattoo parlors and others will be expected to close. The order exempts many businesses including grocery stores, banks and pharmacies, and allows restaurants to continue offering take-out services.

On Monday, Gov. Eric Holcomb announced new steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the state, putting in place a "stay-at-home" order.

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett directed Marion County residents to stay home to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The city has now implemented the highest level of travel restrictions within its authority and ordered nonessential businesses closed.

The order will shut down businesses that arent considered essential, leaving many without jobs starting Wednesday. The Department of Workforce Development is telling all workers finding themselves without a job to apply for unemployment insurance online.

Many closed schools are adapting lessons to continue online or with other take-home materials, but one expert says expecting all students to keep learning at the same pace from home can widen existing equity gaps in education.

Relief efforts are underway in Southport to assist the elderly and others during the COVID 19 pandemic.