Indiana will work with Midwest partners

Indiana had its highest report of new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday. When numbers begin to show a consistent downward trend, any decision to reopen the economy will be made in consultation with other Midwest states.

A group of Midwest governors, including Indiana’s Eric Holcomb and Ohio’s Mike DeWine, announced Thursday that they will work “in close coordination” on plans for lifting stay-at-home orders.

Other states working as part of the group are Michigan, Kentucky, Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota.

“We are doing everything we can to protect the people of our states and slow the spread of COVID-19, and we are eager to work together to mitigate the economic crisis this virus has caused in our region. Here in the Midwest, we are bound by our commitment to our people and the community,” the governor’s said in a joint press release. “We recognize that our economies are all reliant on each other, and we must work together to safely reopen them so hardworking people can get back to work and businesses can get back on their feet.”

The announcement of the regional partnership came on the heels of Indiana State Department of Health’s Thursday update showing 611 new cases of COVID-19.

That’s the highest mark thus far during the coronavirus pandemic, surpassing the 563 in the April 7 report. Reports since Sunday had all shown fewer than 500 new cases for the previous four days.

Thursday’s report also showed 41 new deaths, bringing the total to 127 over the course of the last three days.

Totals for Indiana are now 9,542 cases and 477 deaths.

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

Jay County Health Department on Wednesday confirmed the eighth case of COVID-19 in the county, though that case was not included in Thursday’s state report.

Delaware County continues to lead the area with 85 cases. Other county case totals are as follows: Randolph – 10; Adams – six; Blackford – six; and Wells – four.

Marion County’s percentage of the state’s total cases continues to trend down, now at less than 35%. Its share was as high as 45% in late March.

Lake County is next at 10.2%.

Medical data, including the rate of new infections and hospitalizations, will be key to determining when to end stay-at-home orders, the governor’s said. Other factors they noted are enhanced ability to test and trace COVID-19 infections, the ability of health care providers to handle a resurgence and best practices for social distancing in the workplace.

“We look forward to working with experts and taking a fact-based, data-driven approach to reopening our economy in a way that protects families from the spread of COVID-19,” the governors said in the release. “Our number one priority when analyzing when best to reopen our economy is the health and safety of our citizens. We will make decisions based on facts, science and recommendations from experts in health care, business, labor, and education.”

The governors made clear that their coordination does not necessarily mean all of the states involved will end stay-at-home orders and allow businesses to reopen at the same time. The process is also likely to be gradual.

“Over time, people will go back to work, restaurants will reopen, and things will go back to normal,” the governors said. “We look forward to working together as one region to tackle this challenge together.”

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.