Local officials split on fan attendance at Mackey March Madness
Leaders and public health officials are beginning to form a game plan for the 2021 NCAA men s basketball tournament, which will take place at Mackey Arena and other sites across Indiana.
Posted: Jan 6, 2021 2:18 PM
Posted By: Joseph Paul
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) Local officials are split on the prospect of fans attending March Madness at Mackey Arena.
As News 18 previously reported, Mackey Arena is one of several sites across Indiana chosen to host games for the 2021 NCAA men s basketball tournament.
Officials say there s huge potential for an economic boost but also the possibility of further spread of COVID-19. And there s still debate about how many fans - if any - should be allowed.
Senate Bill 48 would limit mandates a local health board or officer could make without approval from elected official
Capacity restrictions and closures of businesses have been a hot topic during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now state legislators are crafting a policy to restrict mandates health officers can put in place. One local legislator taking on this topic in the upcoming session is Senator Ron Alting.
Posted: Jan 1, 2021 3:31 PM
Posted By: Meredith Hackler
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WLFI)- Capacity restrictions and closures of businesses have been a hot topic during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now state legislators are crafting a policy to restrict mandates health officers can put in place. One local legislator taking on this topic in the upcoming session is Senator Ron Alting. While he has filed a bill to restrict what mandates health officers can put in place he says health officers have played a vital role in keeping the community safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Credit Screenshot, Indiana State Dept. of Health
As Tippecanoe County officials prepare for local COVID-19 vaccinations, their warnings for caution continued Wednesday as case counts stay high and hospitals brace for the possibility of more holiday-season patients in the coming weeks.
“I think one of the biggest challenges is: we have to get through the next month,” said Dr. Dan Wickert, vice president of medical affairs at Franciscan Health Lafayette. “And we’re concerned about where our numbers will go in the next month, particularly with Christmas coming up.”
IU Health Arnett Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jim Bien said whether hospitals have to bear that additional pressure in the coming weeks and prepare for the worst depends upon the community.