State shows new high

Today marked a new high for new cases.

Indiana State Department of Health’s report today showed 963 new cases of COVID-19, by far the highest total in the daily report since the coronavirus pandemic began.

Today’s new cases total was 35 percent higher than the previous peak of 715 in Saturday’s report. New case totals have been at 600 or higher for five consecutive days.

The update covers those cases reported to the state department of health over the 24-hour-period ending at midnight Sunday.

Indiana has now confirmed nearly 16,000 cases of COVID-19. ISDH’s update today also included 31 new deaths, bringing the state’s total to 844.

Jay County has 12 cases, with its latest two confirmed Friday.

Delaware County has the highest case total in the area at 147, followed by Darke (75), Mercer (18), Randolph (14), Adams (seven), Blackford (seven) and Wells (five).

Indiana has been under stay-at-home restrictions since midnight March 24. The current stay-at-home order is set to expire Friday if it is not extended.

Ohio reported 362 new cases and 25 new deaths today. Its totals are now 16,325 cases and 753 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, cough and shortness of breath that clear up in two to three weeks. Other symptoms may include chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat and loss of taste or smell. Older adults and those with pre-existing health problems are susceptible to more severe illnesses.