INDIANAPOLIS - Indiana’s health commissioner says the state's first coronavirus infections are believed to have occurred at least a couple weeks before the first illness among a resident was confirmed in early March.
That would indicate the virus could have been spreading around Indiana for perhaps six weeks before the statewide stay-at-home order took effect March 25.
Health Commissioner Dr. Kristina Box said Wednesday that infections have been tracked to at least mid-February.
Indiana’s coronavirus death toll reached 741 as the state health department added 35 newly reported deaths on Friday. So far over 13,000 Hoosiers have tested positive for the virus as the state prepares to expand testing once again.
A total of 75,553 people have been tested in Indiana, according to the state health department.
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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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