TIPPECANOE COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) - The Tippecanoe County Board of Commissioners are declaring a public health/local disaster emergency effective Saturday, March 21st, 2020.

The commissioners said in a press release that there is a local disaster emergency throughout the county, specifically linked to the spread of COVID-19. The board continued as follows in the release:

"Tippecanoe County and its agencies will continue to cooperate with the Indiana State Department of Health, the State of Indiana and other local governments and organizations in their efforts to address this health emergency.

The purpose of this declaration is to facilitate future financial reimbursement, funding assistance, supplies and other assistance as are made available through the State and Federal Government due to the health emergency.

Citizens are reminded to continue to maintain a high level of awareness as to the appropriate measures to protect against the spread of the virus. “Social distancing” remains our greatest opportunity for success!

There have been many rumors indicating that there will be a full “lockdown” and restrictions on local travel. There are currently no travel advisories or restrictions in Tippecanoe County. Please continue to get updated information from trusted sources and refrain from spreading unverified information.

The Board of Commissioners, Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski and West Lafayette Mayor John Dennis wish to recognize and thank our health care community, first responders and many of our citizens for their tireless efforts in this difficult time. Our community remains resilient, and we have no doubt that our collective efforts will bring us better days!"

As of Saturday, there are only two confirmed cases of coronavirus in Tippecanoe County.