Facemasks mandatory again at City-County Building, local courts
The judges said rising COVID-19 case numbers and a positivity rate that has risen to 10.5% have created a need for the order.
The world might never reach herd immunity against COVID-19, experts say
As COVID-19 surged last year, governments worldwide touted the hope of “herd immunity,” a promised land where the virus stopped spreading exponentially because enough people were protected against it. That’s now looking like a fantasy.
Indiana COVID-19 hospitalizations continue to climb
The state reported 1,902 new cases of COVID-19, the highest number in a Monday report since Jan. 25, when 2,210 cases were reported.
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IBJ Podcast: Why are emergency rooms sending ambulances to other hospitals?
On July 26, at least 10 hospitals across the Indianapolis area issued messages to ambulance drivers that their emergency rooms needed to limit incoming patients. Please try to find another destination, hospitals said. This is an extreme example of a phenomenon that has become much more common in recent months—ambulance diversions.
U.S. mulls COVID vaccine boosters for elderly as early as fall
Federal health officials have been actively looking at whether extra shots for the vaccinated may be needed as early as this fall, reviewing national case numbers “almost daily” as well as the situation in other countries.
Virus claims more young victims as deaths climb yet again
Data on the the age and demographics of victims during the delta surge is still limited, but hospitals in virus hotspots say they are clearly seeing more admissions and deaths among people under the age of 65.
Local arts groups offer help for venues seeking to require proof of vaccination
The Arts Council of Indianapolis and the Indiana Independent Venue Alliance are partnering with a technology company to help Indianapolis venues that want to require patrons attending their events to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Nursing shortage, COVID surge force hospitals to divert ambulances
At emergency rooms across central Indiana, “No Vacancy” signs are flashing on at unprecedented rates.
Statewide hospitalizations, deaths due to COVID-19 continue to climb
The state said more than 3 million Hoosiers had been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of Friday at 5 a.m. More than 3 million had received the first dose of a two-dose vaccination.
U.S. averaging half-million new vaccinations per day for first time since June
The vaccination news comes as the nation continues to experience an increase in coronavirus cases, hospitalizations and deaths. Ninety percent of U.S. counties are now experiencing substantial or high transmission of the virus.
Extra COVID vaccine OK’d for those with weak immune systems
The late-night announcement by the Food and Drug Administration applies to several million Americans who are especially vulnerable because of organ transplants, certain cancers or other disorders.
Supreme Court justice won’t block Indiana University vaccine mandate
Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett’s action came in response to an emergency request from eight students, and it marked the first time the high court has weighed in on a vaccine mandate.
Eli Lilly to require all U.S. employees to be vaccinated
The mandate covers about 15,400 Lilly employees in numerous states and Puerto Rico, including about 11,000 in Indiana.
COVID-19 cases in Indiana rise to highest level since January
Marion County reported 417 new COVID-19 cases, the most in the county since Jan. 22.
Airlines begin to see drop in travel demand as virus numbers rise
A surge in coronavirus caseloads across the nation is starting to dampen the enthusiasm of leisure travelers, with one major airline warning Wednesday that the more contagious delta variant could darken the outlook through fall.
Indiana reports 2,507 new COVID-19 cases, 19 more deaths
The seven-day moving average of new deaths rose from six to eight, the Indiana State Department of Health said on Wednesday.
COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, deaths surging in Indiana
The state reported 27 new deaths from COVID, the largest number of new deaths in the daily report since 28 were reported on March 12.
Indianapolis hoping to boost rental assistance funding by nearly $100M
The city’s IndyRent program—which launched last July with $15 million in funding and eventually grew to $96 million—has so far pushed out $53 million in rent payments to landlords of those seeking rental assistance.
City on firm financial footing with $1.3B budget proposal, Hogsett administration says
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett’s administration introduced a $1.35 billion budget proposal to the City-County-Council on Monday evening, with more than half allotted to public safety and criminal justice.
COVID vaccines would be required for military under new plan
Members of the U.S. military would be required to have the COVID-19 vaccine beginning Sept. 15, under a plan announced by the Pentagon on Monday. That deadline could be pushed earlier if the vaccine receives final FDA approval or infection rates continue to rise.
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