INDIANAPOLIS — More than 1,600 people are confirmed to have died of COVID-19 in Indiana since the pandemic began.
The Indiana State Department of Health reported Sunday that 1,607 people have died from the coronavirus, an increase of 11 since Saturday. A total 27,778 people have been diagnosed, with 511 more people testing positive.
An additional 144 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 477 deaths and 8,303 confirmed cases.
A total of 177,243 people have been tested in Indiana with 15.7% testing positive, according to the state health department.
Nearly 38% of ICU beds and 80% of ventilators were available as of Saturday.
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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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