INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana State Department of Health reported 26 additional deaths from COVID-19 Thursday, bringing the states total to over 1,500 since the pandemic began.
According to the state health department, 1,508 Hoosiers have died from the coronavirus and 26,053 people have been diagnosed, an increase of 634 new cases since Wednesday.
An additional 138 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. Probable deaths are not included in the overall death total for the state.
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 451 deaths and 7,793 confirmed cases.
More than 160,000 Hoosiers have been tested with 16.3% of tests coming back positive, according to the state health department.
Roughly 40.5% of ICU beds and 79.8% of ventilators were still available for use as of Thursday.
→ FULL CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE FROM RTV6
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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