INDIANAPOLIS — On Saturday, the Indiana State Department of Health reported 25 additional COVID-19 deaths and 8,451 more positive cases.
Saturday marked the tenth consecutive day more than 4,000 new COVID-19 cases were reported in the state.
Since the pandemic began in March, 4,638 COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Indiana and there have been 244,887 total positive cases.
A total of 250 probable COVID-19 deaths have been reported since the pandemic began in March.
Deaths are reported by ISDH when it receives the data and have occurred over several days.
An additional 68,685 COVID-19 tests have been administered, according to ISDH. A total of 3,482,745 tests for COVID-19 have been given since the pandemic began in March.
32.2% of ICU beds in the state are being used for COVID-19 patients and 44.3% of the ICU beds are being used for non-COVID-19 patients, according to ISDH. 23.5% of ICU beds are available.
8.1% of ventilators are being used for COVID-19 patients and 16.6% of ventilators are being used for non-COVID-19 patients, according to ISDH. 75.3% of ventilators are available.
This week, WRTV has spoken to doctors across Indiana and country about the recent record numbers of new COVID-19 cases, deaths, and hospitalizations in the state.
"Now is really the moment to act across Indiana, right now, so that we can really flatten that curve together," Dr. Deborah Birx, one of the top doctors part of the White House Coronavirus Taskforce, said.
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Some restrictions in Indiana, Marion County, and Fishersare being reinstated due to the rising numbers.
“Unfortunately, too many of us have let our guards down,” Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb said during a press conference Wednesday.
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Human coronaviruses most commonly spread from an infected person to others through: Respiratory droplets released into the air by coughing and sneezing; close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands; touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands; rarely, fecal contamination.
The best way to protect yourself from any respiratory illness, including the flu, is to: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap & water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Avoid close contact (within six feet) with people who are sick. Stay home when you are sick. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
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