State’s daily COVID cases climb to 1,461, plus six deaths
The daily counts of new infections this week have all been above 1,000, after several weeks of reports in the triple digits.
NFL’s player vaccination rate is pushing 90%, but coronavirus issues remain
The league said Thursday that 87.9% of NFL players had received at least one vaccine dose, and that 19 of the 32 teams had more than 90% of their players vaccinated. But with teams’ training camps underway, coronavirus-related issues have persisted.
Biden orders tough new vaccination rules for federal workers
The federal government directly employs about 4 million people (including about 38,900 in Indiana), but Biden’s action could affect many more when federal contractors are factored in.
The Latest: State extends emergency designation | Biden orders vaccine rules for federal workers
With COVID numbers on the rise and businesses taking steps to require masks or vaccinations, IBJ is collected tidbits here. Check back regularly for updates.
Holcomb extends public emergency as contagious delta variant spreads quickly
The number of Indiana counties approaching high risk for community spread of COVID-19 nearly quadrupled in one week as an especially contagious coronavirus variant spread throughout the state.
IPS shifts gears to require masks for all staff and students
In light of tighter mask guidance from federal and local health authorities, Indianapolis Public Schools announced Thursday that all students and staff would be required to wear masks indoors when the fall semester begins on Monday.
State COVID infections rise to 1,284, with six deaths
Hospitalizations rose to 795, up from 781 the previous day. That’s the highest level since May 25, when 810 people were hospitalized in Indiana due to the virus.
Indy launches tenant advocate program as eviction moratorium ends
Housing advocates, including pro bono attorneys and law students, will provide legal advice and mediation and negotiation services during an expected surge in evictions.
As COVID-19 cases surge, Lilly reinstates mask restrictions on all workers
Eli Lilly and Co. confirmed to IBJ on Thursday its mask requirement is effective immediately and is based on recommendations earlier this week from the CDC. Many other large employers, however, are still in a wait-and-see mode on imposing new restrictions on employees.
IU Health specialist: ‘We have an epidemiological situation that is worsening’
IBJ talked to Dr. Cole Beeler, an infectious disease specialist at Indiana University Health, about vaccines, the CDC’s mask recommendation and more.
Biden to launch vaccine push for millions of federal workers
Hoping to set a model for employers nationwide, President Joe Biden will announce Thursday that millions of federal workers must show proof they’ve received a coronavirus vaccine or submit to regular testing and stringent social distancing, masking and travel restrictions.
Google delays return to office, mandates vaccines
Various government agencies already have announced demands for all their employees to be vaccinated, but the corporate world so far has been taking a more measured approach, even though most lawyers believe the mandates are legal.
State COVID-19 cases continue resurgence, plus 12 more deaths
The Indiana State Department of Health on Wednesday reported that 1,248 Hoosiers had been diagnosed with COVID-19, the highest number of daily new infections since 1,438 cases were reported on April 29.
Q&A: What you need to know about the CDC’s new mask guidance
In central Indiana, all nine of the counties that comprise the Indianapolis metropolitan area fall within either the “substantial” or “high” case rate. Thus, the CDC’s guidance applies to all of their residents.
Colts camp back in session but can’t shake signs of pandemic
So while the teams tried to keep reporting day as normal as possible on Wednesday, they couldn’t mask the reality of how different things will look over these next several weeks.
Marion County seconds CDC guidance that everyone mask up in indoor public spaces
Marion County Public Health Department officials also suggested a set of yes-or-no questions that could help residents decide when masking is appropriate, regardless of vaccination status.
In a turnaround, Ascension St. Vincent to require employees to get vaccinated
Ascension’s decision to require vaccinations follows similar mandates by all three other major health systems here.
UPDATE: CDC reverses course on indoor masks in some parts of U.S.
Citing new information about the ability of the delta variant to spread among vaccinated people, the CDC also recommended indoor masks for all teachers, staff, students and visitors to schools, regardless of vaccination status.
State’s daily COVID cases surge to 1,085, with 15 more deaths
As most COVID stats continued to trend higher, hospitalizations rose to 735 on Monday—the highest level since May 28, when 746 people were hospitalized in Indiana due to the virus.
‘A tipping point’: Government officials, health groups move to require coronavirus vaccines for workers
The Department of Veterans Affairs announced Monday it would mandate coronavirus vaccines for its front-line workers, signaling what some experts believe could be a national pivot to such requirements.
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