Medicare opens up access to free at-home COVID-19 tests
Starting in early spring, up to eight free tests will be available each month to people who have Medicare’s “Part B” outpatient benefit, which about 9 in 10 enrollees sign up for.
Lilly seeking FDA approval for new antibody it says works against omicron
In December, the U.S. government paused distribution of Lilly’s two previous antibodies, saying they did not appear effective against the omicron variant.
COVID hospitalizations in Indiana down 23% from peak
Statewide hospitalizations due to COVID-19 remained below 3,000 on Tuesday since sinking under that mark on Jan. 27, according to numbers posted by the Indiana State Department of Health on Wednesday.
Researchers are asking why some countries were better prepared for COVID. One surprising answer: Trust.
“We found no links between COVID outcomes and democracy, populism, government effectiveness, universal health care, pandemic preparedness metrics, economic inequality or trust in science,” a researcher said.
Pfizer asks FDA to allow COVID-19 vaccine for kids under 5
If regulators agree to the long-awaited move, Pfizer shots containing just one-tenth of the dose given to adults could be dispensed to children as young as 6 months.
Holcomb extends state’s COVID-19 emergency amid debate
It’s the 23rd monthlong extension that Holcomb has issued for the public health emergency, which has been a persistent target of criticism among conservative state legislators.
Indiana reports 131 more COVID deaths, but hospitalizations remain below 3,000
COVID-related hospitalizations have fallen 20.6% since reaching a pandemic high of 3,519 on Jan. 13.
U.S. manufacturing growth slows for third straight month
The latest numbers suggest the recent wave of infections due to the omicron variant may have hampered plant operations.
Indiana COVID-19 hospitalizations fall below 3,000
The Indiana State Department of Health reported 108 additional deaths from COVID-19 on Friday, the fourth daily report in a row with more than 100 deaths.
Indiana Senate backs narrow bill to end health emergency
The Indiana Senate has approved a bill taking administrative steps that Gov. Eric Holcomb has said are needed in order for him to end the statewide COVID-19 public health emergency.
With COVID hospitalizations easing, IU Health plans to resume some elective surgeries
The Indianapolis-based health care system said Thursday afternoon that it has a backlog of thousands of elective surgeries that were postponed due to the pandemic.
Indiana reports 104 more COVID deaths, drop in hospitalizations
Statewide hospitalizations due to COVID-19 have fallen 16.8% since reaching a pandemic high of 3,519 on Jan. 13.
Vaccine mandate kicks in for first wave of health care workers
The mandate affects a wide swath of the health care industry, covering doctors, nurses, technicians, aides and even volunteers at hospitals, nursing homes, home-health agencies and other providers that participate in the federal Medicare or Medicaid programs.
Indiana reports 129 more COVID-19 deaths, slight uptick in hospitalizations
The state said 87.8% of COVID test samples checked for their variant strain in January have been the Omicron variant while 12% were the Delta variant.
Challenge to IU vaccine mandate dismissed
Eight IU students took issue with the mandate in May requiring all students, faculty and staff to get a COVID vaccine, or else undergo regular testing.
Biden administration officially withdraws failed vaccination rule
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration confirmed the withdrawal Tuesday. But the agency said it still strongly encourages workers to get vaccinated.
COVID-19 vaccine booster drive faltering in United States
Just 40% of fully vaccinated Americans have received a booster dose, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And the average number of booster shots dispensed per day in the U.S. has plummeted.
Indiana reports 134 more COVID deaths, uptick in hospitalizations
Statewide hospitalizations due to COVID-19, which had fallen for four days in a row, rose to 3,204 on Monday, up from 3,137 the previous day.
Pfizer begins testing omicron-matched COVID shots in adults
The new U.S. study will include up to 1,420 volunteers ages 18 to 55 to test the updated omicron-based shots for use as a booster or for primary vaccinations.
Hope seen once the omicron wave increases global immunity
One influential model projects that nearly all nations will be past the omicron wave by mid-March. Others predict a strong decline in U.S. infections by April, unless a new variant emerges that can sidestep the growing levels of immunity.
Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC Resources for Businesses and Employers OSHA Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 Indiana State Department of Health Indy Chamber Rapid Response Hub Small Business Administration The SBA is making low-interest loans for working capital available to Indiana small businesses. Indiana Unemployment Information Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Dashboard Critical Industries Hotline(for business and industry only)
877-820-0890
covidresponse@iedc.in.gov State’s virus-related executive orders State plan to reopen Indiana