State reports highest new death total

Today’s new death total is the highest thus far.

Indiana State Department of Health’s report today showed 63 new deaths from COVID-19, the highest total for the state since the coronavirus pandemic began.

Today’s death total surpassed the previous high of 61 in the April 21 report. The state department of health has reported at least 28 deaths every day since, including 120 over the last two days.

Today also marked the seventh day in a row that Indiana’s new case count has cleared the 600 mark, coming in at 605. The state has had 4,755 new cases reported in the last seven days — that’s an average of 679 per day — up from 3,483 (497 per day) from the previous seven days.

Jay County reported its 15th case of COVID-19 today, though that case was not part of the state’s report. Other area county case totals are as follows: Delaware (156), Darke (76), Mercer (18), Randolph (15), Blackford (eight), Adams (seven) and Wells (five).

Ohio's report today showed 534 new cases, up for the second state day after dipping to 362 Monday. The state now has 17.303 cases.

The Buckeye State's report today included 138 new deaths, by far the highest number thus far. The state's total is now 937.

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.