Jay returns to ‘blue’ coronavirus rating

After a COVID-19 spike early in May, the county returned to the lowest risk rating this week.

Jay County was rated blue (low risk for the spread of coronavirus) in Indiana State Department of Health’s updated Wednesday.

The county was “yellow” (moderate risk) last week after coming in at “orange” (high risk) each of the previous two weeks.

Jay County showed significant improvements in both metrics the state uses to determine coronavirus risk. Its cases per 100,000 residents dropped to 34 this week, down from 58 last week and 229 in the May 12 update. Its seven-day positivity rate dipped to 3.28%, down from 7.74% last week and 13.75% two weeks ago.

Statewide, 56 counties were rated blue, 35 were yellow and one (Owen) was orange. Last week the totals were 59 blue and 33 yellow.

Vaccination clinics continue to be open at Jay County Health Department and IU Health Jay.

The health department is now offering walk-in coronavirus vaccine clinics from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The Moderna vaccine is available to those 18 and older, and the Pfizer vaccine is available to those 12 and older.

Most coronavirus restrictions have been lifted in Indiana, with the exception of those regarding schools. Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb extended those restrictions through the end of the school year. Decisions on restrictions for the 2021-22 school year are being left up to local school boards.