State reports 55 new deaths

The most new deaths.

The second-most new cases.

Indiana State Department of Health’s update on coronavirus this morning showed 55 new deaths and 556 new cases.

The single-day death total surpassed the previous high of 42 announced Wednesday. The 556 new cases are second only to the 563 announced in Tuesday’s report.

Indiana now has 6,907 total cases and 300 deaths. Nearly 38 percent of the state’s cases are in Marion County (Indianapolis), with the second-highest total in Lake County.

Jay County currently has four confirmed cases of COVID-19, matching the totals in Adams and Blackford counties. Delaware County is highest in the area at 56 cases. Other area county case totals are as follows: Darke – 40; Mercer – 12; Randolph – eight; and Wells – three.

Ohio had 5,512 cases of COVID-19 as of Thursday afternoon’s report. Its death total was at 213.

Health officials continue to indicate the actual number of cases is likely much higher because testing for COVID-19 is still limited.

State officials in Indiana have closed trails at some state parks and campgrounds in response to large crowds disregarding social distancing guidelines. State campgrounds are closed through April 20, and biking and horseback riding on all unpaved DNR properties are temporarily suspended as well, according to The Indianapolis Star.

“This is not a vacation,” said commissioner Dana Biddle in a video posted to the Brown County emergency Facebook page.

Officials closed all but two trails at Turkey Run and nearby Shades State Park, noting on their Facebook page that the “closed trails are either too narrow to allow social distancing or are closed for your safety at this time.”

Carmel Mayor Jim Brainerd has also ordered a portion of the popular Monon Trail to be closed because of overcrowding.

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.