Indiana COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations climb again
The state said more than 1.29 million Hoosiers have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. More than 1.89 million have received the first dose of a two-dose vaccination.
U.S. jobless claims rise to 744K as layoffs continue
If you include supplemental federal programs that were established last year to help the unemployed endure the health crisis, a total of 18.2 million were receiving some form of jobless aid the week of March 20.
Indiana COVID-19 cases hit highest daily mark since Feb. 20
Statewide hospitalizations due to COVID-19 jumped from 706 on Monday to 789 on Tuesday.
EU agency: Rare clots possibly linked to AstraZeneca shot
The European Medicines Agency described the clots as “very rare” side effects. It said most of the cases reported have occurred in women under 60 within two weeks of vaccination.
Indiana House OKs bills to give local officials, churches more say over public health restrictions
Under one proposal, county commissioners or city councils would be allowed to approve or reject restrictions called for by local health departments, if those restrictions were more stringent than the governor’s.
NCAA: Just 15 positive COVID-19 tests out of 28,000-plus taken during tourney
Officials on Tuesday also released attendance figures for the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament’s 66 games—all played in Indiana.
Caine: County in race for herd immunity
About 16% of Marion County residents were fully vaccinated as of Saturday, said health director Dr. Virginia Caine on Tuesday. The goal is 80%, before variants of COVID-19 become more widespread.
Indiana reports 669 new COVID-19 cases, 11 more deaths
The state said more than 1.26 million Hoosiers had been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of Tuesday. More than 1.79 million had received the first dose of a two-dose vaccination.
Jim Dora: Tournament success brings hope for robust recovery
We hoteliers welcome the business that the NCAA has brought but worry about what the future holds. To use a metaphor many people are experiencing these days, the tournament was a shot in the arm, but does not inoculate us against continued losses.
Sherry Seiwert: Downtown’s psyche is renewed
With the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, we were able to show that Downtown Indianapolis is just as vibrant as ever. Now, don’t retreat back inside as basketball fans leave our fair city.
NCAA basketball fans travel from far, wide for title game in Indy
With no nearby direct flights to Indianapolis available, Baylor University and Gonzaga University fans had to go well out of their way to attend the culmination of the 2021 NCAA men’s basketball season Monday night.
UPDATE: St. Elmo reopens as officials say no customers were at risk of COVID exposure
On Monday, St. Elmo reported a COVID-related death to the Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
St. Elmo violated public health order last summer, report says
A Marion County Public Health Department inspector found in August that St. Elmo Steak House had violated a public health order mandating closure of bar areas. The restaurant passed subsequent inspections in September and March.
Younger, unvaccinated Hoosiers driving uptick in cases
Cases among those 20-39 years old increased 40% in the last two weeks, according to Micah Pollak, associate professor of economics at Indiana University Northwest.
COVID mutants multiply as scientists race to decode variations
A key mystery plumbed early-on by top scientists has been what type of virus the coronavirus will prove to be. So far, it looks more similar to influenza, which shape-shifts all the time and requires annual revaccination, than it does measles.
Indiana reports 1 new COVID-19 death, 762 cases
Statewide hospitalizations due to COVID-19 increased from 693 on Saturday to 704 on Sunday.
Dr. Virginia Caine: Don’t let up on public health precautions
I can confidently say that bringing the buzz of college basketball back to our city was only possible through the everyone’s efforts to mask up, socially distance, and operate within the constructs of necessary public health orders. We must not let up now.
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IBJ Podcast: Indiana’s vaccine rollout has been smooth—but not as fast as many states
IBJ health care reporter John Russell dives into the numbers with host Mason King, and they explore how soon herd immunity might stop the pandemic.
From child care to COVID, rising job market faces obstacles
The most optimistic economists predict the nation could produce as many as 10 million more jobs this year and restore the labor market to its pre-pandemic level. Yet, even in normal times, it would be hard to regain all those jobs so quickly. And these aren’t normal times.
Plump still big hit at NCAA Tourney time
At age 84, the affable, silver-haired Bobby Plump remains one of the state’s top basketball ambassadors and nothing, not a pandemic or an unprecedented NCAA Tournament, can keep those yearning to meet him away.
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