State reports 529 new cases

The new case count went down. But it was still above 500 of the third day in a row.

Indiana State Department of Health in its update today reported 529 new cases of COVID-19.

The case total is down from the state’s high of 642 in Friday’s report and 611 Thursday.

Indiana had 26 new deaths in today’s report.

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

Ohio's new case number spiked in today's report, shooting up to 1,115. The previous high was 693 in Friday's report. The state also reported 33 new deaths.

Totals for the state Indiana the start of the coronavirus pandemic are 10,641 cases and 545 deaths. Nearly 57,000 Indiana residents have been tested for COVID-19.

Ohio now has 10,222 cases and 451 deaths.

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

Jay County, which had its first confirmed case March 31, remains at a total of eight cases. Delaware County is highest in the area with 92, followed by Darke (55), Mercer (13), Randolph (12), Adams (seven), Blackford (six) and Wells (five).

Marion County’s share of the state’s cases continues to dip. It is down to 34 percent after being at 45 percent at the end of March.

Lake County is next with 10.3 percent of Indiana’s cases.

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.