INDIANAPOLIS — Over the last five years, Indiana has averaged 154 flu deaths per year.
In just a few weeks of dealing with the coronavirus, the state has surpassed that total with 173 deaths, showing how seriously Hoosiers need to take the issue, Gov. Eric Holcomb said Tuesday.
In the day’s daily press conference, Holcomb and other state officials also discussed the following:
Madison County nursing home outbreaks
A day after announcing 11 deaths at one Madison County nursing home from COVID-19, Indiana State Health Commissioner Dr. Kristina Box said there is another facility in the county reporting four deaths. The new deaths appear to be COVID-19 related, Box said. She also said there was an outbreak in a Lawrence County nursing home, resulting in three deaths.
Drive-thru testing in northwest Indiana
The state is working on implementing drive-thru testing in Merriville, Indiana. The testing will be limited to health care workers, first responders and essential employees who are symptomatic. Box said the state still simply does not have enough materials to test asymptomatic people.
Statewide road funding grants
Usually, the state’s Community Crossing grants are announced with a celebration. But this year, the 217 awards will be distributed across Indiana with no fanfare. The awards total $126.5 million, across 61 counties and 156 cities and towns. The grants will help with the repair of 2,085 road segments and the rehabilitation or replacement of 11 bridges.
State considering more enforcement on gatherings
In response to a question about people continuing to gather in large groups, despite Holcomb’s executive order, he said the state may take more enforcement action “if we need to.” Holcomb and Box stressed against hanging out at a dock or lake clubhouse as the weather gets nicer.
