On Sept. 24, Governor Eric Holcomb announced that he advanced the state to an updated version of the Stage 5 Back On Track Indiana plan and extended the state’s face covering mandate until at least Oct. 17. As of this writing (Oct. 12), the state has not extended the face covering mandate; however, the extension may be forthcoming. According to Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett, face coverings are required in public spaces, on buses and other transportation, and outside when social distancing is difficult. No end-date for the mask mandate in Indianapolis has been announced. Update: Gov. Eric Holcombe has extended the mask mandate for the state to Nov. 14.
As of Oct. 11, Indiana has administered over 136,500 tests come back as positive, and the total death count is 3,568. Over 2,300,000 tests have been administered in the state year to date. After cases began dropping in the summer months, the state has gradually lifted limits and mandates. However, a spike in cases began in late September, and the trend has been going up sharply since the Stage 5 plan was implemented, relaxing limits on gatherings in the state. The largest surge in positive cases has been those aged 20-29, though the death toll has been much higher among those aged 70 and above.
The Indianapolis area has seen a slight uptick of new COVID-19 cases from the lows set in late June, but there has been a significant decline in deaths. Part of this is due to earlier testing that catches the virus in the early stages, when symptoms are more treatable, and part of the lower mortality rate is due to doctors having more experience in knowing what medications and other treatments are more likely to work.
The global pandemic was officially declared by the World Health Organization on March 11; eight months later, there is no vaccine or cure for the novel coronavirus. According to the Regenstrief Institute, hospitalizations have decreased from the peak in April. Their data also point to pre-existing conditions that make the virus particularly dangerous, requiring hospitalization: Hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, COPD, and renal failure.
The pandemic isn’t done with the United States, or Indiana, just yet. The Centers for Disease Control still recommend extra precautions to prevent the spread of the disease. Most importantly, wear a mask in public — the virus is transmitted through airborne particles when we talk or breathe. Continue to wash hands frequently, especially after touching common surfaces like door handles. If you can’t wash your hands, use hand sanitizer. Disinfect common surfaces frequently at home and at work, if possible. Avoid crowded areas, especially indoors.
This year, it is especially important to get your influenza shot. Contact your primary care professional to see about getting a low-cost or no-cost shot.
