State reports 61 new deaths

For the first time in nearly a week, the state’s COVID-19 new case total dipped below 500. But it’s new death total was the highest thus far.

Indiana State Department of Health’s report today showed 61 new deaths from the disease caused by coronavirus.

The new death number surpassed the previous high of 55 in the April 10 report. Indiana has now had 630 residents die as a result of COVID-19.

The state department of health had 431 new cases in today’s report, the lowest that mark has been since coming in at 313 a week ago. Indiana reported at least 500 new cases each of the previous five days and now has a total of 12,097.

The numbers reported today cover those reported to the state department of health during the 24-hour period ending at midnight Monday.

Jay County has nine cases of COVID-19 out of 94 residents who have been tested. Delaware County leads the area with 116 cases, followed by Darke (50), Mercer (13), Randolph (12), Adams (seven), Blackford (six) and Wells (six).

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.

Ohio reported 1,317 new cases of COVID-19 and 38 new deaths today. That brings the state's totals to 12,919 cases and 509 deaths.

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.