INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana State Department of Health reported 18 more deaths from COVID-19 Tuesday, while more than 32,000 people have tested positive since the pandemic began.
According to the state health department, 1,850 Hoosiers have died from the coronavirus and 32,078 people have been diagnosed, an increase of 373 since Monday.
While the numbers appear to be in a downward trend over the past week, health officials say the deaths reported each day occurred over multiple days so the trend is still panning itself out.
An additional 154 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.
According to the state health department, Marion County continues to have the most deaths and cases in the state with 539 deaths and 9,268 confirmed cases.
A total of 230,749 people have been tested in Indiana with 13.9% testing positive, according to the state health department.
Nearly 41% of ICU beds and 82% of ventilators were available as of Saturday.
→ 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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