New case number is 815

The state’s new case number cleared 800 for just the second time during the coronavirus pandemic.

Indiana State Department of Health’s update today showed 815 new cases of COVID-19, marking the ninth day in a row it was at 600 or higher. It’s the second-highest total, trailing only the 963 in Monday’s report

The state’s new cases have spiked recently, with 5,037 reported in the last week for an average of 720 per day. That’s up from 3,526 (503 per day) the previous week.

The rising numbers come as Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb plans to announce modifications to the state’s stay-at-home order.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine on Monday announced the first steps to his plans to reopen the state. The stay-at-home order remains in effect there, with modifications allowing elective medical procedures beginning today, construction, manufacturing and officers to open Monday and retail locations to open May 12.

Indiana now has a total of 18,630 positive cases, with 18.7 percent of those testing coming back positive.

The state department of health also reported 55 new deaths as a result of COVID-19 today. That’s tied for the third-highest thus far and marks the third time in four days that the number has cleared 50.

Thus far, 1,062 Hoosiers have died of COVID-19, with 218 of those reported to the state in the last four days.

Jay County Department of Health reported two new confirmed cases Thursday, bringing the local total to 17. Other area county totals are as follows: Delaware (182), Darke (76), Mercer (26), Randolph (15), Blackford (eight), Adams (seven) and Wells (five).

Ohio reported 716 new cases today, continuing a recent uptick. The number has been above 700 two days in a row after being lower than 500 every day from April 22 through 28. The state now has 18,743 cases.

The state also reported 27 new deaths to bring its total to 1,002.

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.