INDIANAPOLIS — This is a weekly blog with daily updates on COVID-19 numbers and other related content across Indiana for the week of Feb. 1, 2021. Governor Eric Holcomb does a live briefing at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesdays.
Sunday, February 7
The Indiana State Department of Health on Sunday reported 1,764 new cases of COVID-19. Positive tests in the state now total 639,711 after adjustments made to Saturday's numbers.
The state also confirmed 55 additional deaths the occurred between Dec. 19, 2020 and Saturday have been reported to ISDH in patients with a confirmed positive COVID-19 test. Total confirmed deaths among Hoosiers now stand at 11,401. Another 416 probable deaths have been reported in patients for whom no positive test is on record.
As of Sunday, 694,945 Hoosiers have received a first dose of vaccine, and 216,389 are fully vaccinated.
Saturday, February 6
The Indiana State Department of Health reported 2,855 new cases of COVID-19 Saturday. That brings the pandemic total to 637,987 Indiana residents who have had the novel coronavirus.
The state recorded 67 additional deaths from the virus that occurred between Oct. 3, 2020 and Friday. Indiana has now reported 11,346 confirmed deaths in residents who tested positive for the virus. Another 406 probable deaths have been reported but with no positive test on record.
As of Saturday, 681,965 Hoosiers have received a first dose of vaccine, and 205,712 - approximately 3 out of every 100 Hoosiers - are fully vaccinated.
Friday, February 5
The state is reporting 1,529 new COVID-19 cases for a total of 635,171.
There were also an additional 49 deaths, which brings the state death toll to 11,280.
Thursday, February 4
The Indiana State Department of Health reported 2,403 new positive COVID-19 cases Thursday, and 37 additional COVID-19 related deaths between Nov. 19 and Feb. 3.
In total, Indiana has had more than 633,690 cases and 11,231 Hoosiers have died since the pandemic started.
The state's positivity rate has continued to decrease: the 7-day rate for all tests sits at 7.5%, while the rate for unique individuals is around 15.7%. The majority of Southern Indiana sits in the "orange" zone.
Hospitalizations have also decreased. As of Feb. 3, there are 1,541 COVID-19 patients in Indiana hospitals.
More than 637,000 Hoosiers have received their first COVID-19 vaccine.
Wednesday, February 3
2:30 p.m.
Gov. Eric Holcomb and state leaders updated vaccination efforts and the COVID-19 response.
More than 611,000 Hoosiers have received a single dose of the vaccine and 166,000 have had both doses.
More than 144,000 Hoosiers 65-69 have registered for the vaccine since Monday. Registration can be done by clicking here or calling 211.
Vaccinations given or scheduled in Indiana:
- Age 80+ – 56%
- Age 70+ – 62%
- Aged 65-69 –46%
- Healthcare workers and first responders – 63%
Addressing those on the front lines, including teachers, receiving the vaccine – the state said it will continue to focus the vaccine on those most at risk. That includes those 60 and older and with pre-existing health conditions.
"As long as vaccine supplies remain limited, we will continue to prioritize individuals who are most likely to die or be hospitalized due to COVID-19," Indiana State Health Commissioner Dr. Kristina Box said.
Additionally, the state is changing quarantine guidelines for schools. The following guidelines go into effect on Monday:
- No longer require quarantine or contact tracing if students and teachers remain at least 3 feet apart and are wearing a mask at all times in the classroom.
- Quarantine rules still apply to exposures that occur at lunch, athletics, band or choir or any other school setting, or if teachers and students have removed their masks.
Quarantine options:
- 14-day quarantine still the safest option.
- 10-day quarantine if person never developed symptoms and wears a mask at all times when returning to school.
- 7-day quarantine if a negative PCR nasal swab test is conducted on Day 5, 6, or 7 or a negative rapid antigen test upon return to school on day 8.
"We hope that these steps will reduce the burden within the classroom," Dr. Box said.
During the brief, Holcomb addressed questions of teachers not being vaccinated or being in-line to receive the vaccine.
Echoing the same sentiments from the briefing and those past, getting the vaccine to those most at-risk is the state's highest priority. Holcomb said that he's also spoken with teachers across the state that are in favor of their approach.
"I disagree with their premise, that I don't value them," the governor said. "I talk to teachers as well who have expressed their appreciation that we're taking care of their loved ones."
Noon
State health officials confirm 1,480 new COVID-19 cases Wednesday, bringing the statewide total to 631,331 cases.
There were also 36 additional deaths reported from Jan. 4-Feb 2, totaling 9,713 deaths since the pandemic started.
The state's 7-day positivity rate for all tests dipped today at 7.7% following a 8.1% rate Tuesday.
Governor Eric Holcomb is expected to provide his weekly COVID-19 brief at 2:30 p.m. you can watch it live on our Facebook page, website and YouTube page.
Tuesday, February 2
State health officials reported 1,567 new COVID-19 cases Tuesday, bringing the statewide total to nearly 630,000 cases.
There were also 65 additional deaths reported from Jan. 23-Feb. 1, totaling 9,677 deaths since the pandemic started.
The state's 7-day positivity rate for all tests sits at 8.1%, while tests on unique individuals is around 16.3%. A total of 586,937 Hoosiers have received at least the first vaccine.
Monday, February 1
The Indiana State Department of Health announced 1,733 new COVID-19 cases and 16 deaths Monday, bringing statewide totals to 628,391 cases and 9,613 deaths.
A total of 568,328 Hoosiers have received at least the first vaccine, with 146,333 Hoosiers being fully vaccinated.
Indiana is distributing vaccine doses by age group. Right now, Hoosiers who are 65 and older can make an appointment to get the COVID-19 vaccine. The next group to be eligible will be those 60 and older. Dates for these next age groups have not been released.
To make an appointment, anyone can call the state's 211 telephone assistance service or follow these steps to register online:
- Go to ourshot.in.gov.
- Click on the link in the red box near the top of the page that says "Click here to find a vaccination site."
- Select the county you live in.
- Select a vaccine clinic available in your county.
- Select the blue link that says "Click here to register."
- Select the group you belong to, and enter your date of birth.
- Click "Schedule an appointment."
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