Count clears 500 again

For the fifth day in a row, the state’s report shows more than 500 new cases of COVID-19.

In its noon update today, Indiana State Department of Health reported 505 new cases of COVID-19.

Indiana has had at least 500 new cases in each of its last five reports, including more than 600 Thursday and Friday. It has totaled 2,864 cases over that span, accounting for nearly 25 percent of the state’s 11,686 cases.

Today’s report also included seven new deaths, bringing the state total to 569.

The numbers reported today cover the 24-hour period ending at midnight Sunday.

Jay County Health Department reported a new confirmed case this morning. The county’s total remains at nine as a previous case reported to the state department of health was incorrectly assigned.

Case counts for other area counties are as follows: Delaware – 114; Darke – 57; Mercer – 13; Randolph – 12; Adams – seven; Blackford – six; and Wells – five.

Health officials continue to indicate the actual numbers are likely higher because testing for COVID-19 is still limited. Less than 1 percent of Indiana’s 6.73 million residents have been tested, including 94 from Jay County.

Ohio reported 1,317 new cases today, bringing its total to 12,919. There was 38 new deaths for a total of 509.

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.