INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana State Department of Health reported 27 more deaths from COVID-19 on Friday, while more than 36,500 people have tested positive since the pandemic began.
According to the state health department, 2,078 people are confirmed to have died from the coronavirus and 36,578 people have been diagnosed, an increase of 533 since Thursday.
An additional 180 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 604 deaths and 10,188 confirmed cases.
A total of 291,638 people have been tested in Indiana with 12.5% testing positive, according to the state health department.
Nearly 37% of ICU beds and 83% of ventilators were available as of Friday.
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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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