State reports 642 new cases

For the second day in a row, Indiana hit a high for new coronavirus cases.

Indiana State Department of Health reported 642 new cases of COVID-19 in today’s report.

That surpasses Thursday’s report of 611 as the highest thus far during the coronavirus pandemic. The high prior to Thursday was 563 in the April 7 report.

The state also reported 42 new deaths as a result of COVID-19. It marks the third straight day that the new death total has surpassed 40.

Both the new case and death numbers cover those reported to the state department of health during the 24-hour period ending at midnight Thursday.

Indiana now has a total of 10,154 cases of COVID-19 and 519 deaths.

Jay County has had eight positive tests for the disease. Other area county case totals are as follows: Delaware – 91, Darke – 55; Mercer – 13; Randolph – 10; Adams – six; Blackford – six; and Wells – five.

Health officials continue to indicate the actual numbers are likely higher because testing for COVID-19 is still limited.

Marion County (Indianapolis) accounts for 34.6 percent of the state’s cases, down from 45 percent in late March. Lake County (Gary) is next at 10.1 percent.

Ohio reported 623 new cases and 29 new deaths. It's totals are 9,107 cases and 418 deaths since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

Coronavirus is spread through respiratory droplets from sneezes and coughs, close personal contact and touching something with the virus on it and then touching the mouth, nose or eyes before washing hands. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines encourage frequent hand washing, avoiding touching the face with unwashed hands, avoiding close contact with those who are sick, and covering coughs and sneezes with a facial tissue and wearing a mask in public.

For most, COVID-19 symptoms are mild to moderate, including fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. Older adults and those with pre-existing health problems are susceptible to more severe illnesses.