New cases come in at 341

New cases were down again. But the death total came in at 31.

Indiana State Department of Health’s update today show 341 new cases of COVID-19 and 31 new deaths as a result of the disease caused by coronavirus.

The state department of health has had 25 or more deaths reported in 12 of the last 16 days. The death total over the course of the pandemic is 661.

Indiana’s new case total of 314 was down for the third straight day after coming in at 569 in Sunday’s report. The single-day high over the entirety of the pandemic is 612.

Indiana now has 12,438 total cases of COVID-19.

Today’s update covers cases and deaths reported to the state department of health during the 24-hour period ending at midnight Tuesday.

Jay County remains at nine cases out of 99 residents tested. Delaware County continues to lead the area with 121 cases, followed by Darke (62), Mercer (14), 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. Just over 1 percent of Indiana’s 6.73 million residents have been tested.

Ohio's report showed 392 new cases of coronavirus and 53 new deaths. It's totals are now 14,117 and 610, respectively.

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.