INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana State Department of Health reported 27 more deaths from COVID-19 Friday, while more than 30,000 Hoosiers have now tested positive since the pandemic began.
According to the state health department, 1,791 people are confirmed to have died from the coronavirus and 30,409 have been diagnosed, an increase of 593 since Thursday.
An additional 150 probable COVID-19 deaths have also been reported. ISDH said probable deaths are that a physician listed COVID-19 as a contributing cause based on X-rays, scans and other clinical symptoms but for which no positive test is on record.
Deaths are reported based on when data is received by ISDH and occurred over multiple days.
According to the state health department, Marion County continues to have the most deaths and cases in the state with 528 deaths and 8,928 confirmed cases.
Marion County had the most new cases, at 122. Other counties with more than 10 new cases were Allen (54), Delaware (10), Elkhart (61), Hamilton (12), Lake (42), Porter (33) and St. Joseph (16).
A total of 208,561 people have been tested in Indiana with 14.6% testing positive, according to the state health department.
Over 38% of ICU beds and nearly 81% of ventilators were available as of Friday.
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Hoosiers who have symptoms of COVID-19 and those who have been exposed and need a test to return to work are encouraged to visit a state-sponsored testing site for free testing. Individuals without symptoms who are at high risk because they are over age 65, have diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure or another underlying condition, as well as those who are pregnant, live with a high-risk individual or are a member of a minority population that is at greater risk for severe illness, also are encouraged to get tested.
ISDH is holding drive-thru testing clinics today through Saturday in Brazil, Hammond, Shelbyville and Wheatfield. For details about these clinics, or to find other testing locations around the state, visit www.coronavirus.in.gov.
Human coronaviruses most commonly spread from an infected person to others through: Respiratory droplets released into the air by coughing and sneezing; close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands; touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands; rarely, fecal contamination.
The best way to protect yourself from any respiratory illness, including the flu, is to: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap & water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Avoid close contact (within six feet) with people who are sick. Stay home when you are sick. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
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