Indianapolis Mayor Hogsett tests positive for COVID-19
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett is experiencing “mild symptoms” and is isolating at home, his office announced Sunday afternoon.
COVID-19 cases rising again in United States
No one expects a peak nearly as high as the last one, but experts warn that the coming wave–caused by a mutant called BA.2 that’s thought to be about 30% more contagious–will wash across the nation.
Staffing and supply woes complicate business for hospitality industry as pandemic eases
Restaurants, just like hotels, had to let most of their staffs go early in the pandemic because there was no one for them to serve. But now that business is picking up again, many of those former restaurant and hotel staffers have moved on.
Trackers who monitor sewers find COVID rising again in much of U.S.
With official reporting of COVID-19 cases and testing data becoming less frequent and less reliable, especially as people test at home, sewage monitoring has gained increasing importance.
UPDATE: CDC extends travel mask requirement to May 3
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is set to extend the order, which was to expire on April 18, to monitor for any observable increase in severe virus outcomes as cases rise in parts of the country, according to a person familiar with the matter.
COVID-19, overdoses pushed U.S. to record death total in 2021
The total number of U.S. deaths often increases year to year as the U.S. population grows. But 2020 and 2021 saw extraordinary jumps in death numbers and rates, due largely to the pandemic.
Efforts to make protective medical gear in U.S. falling flat
Many companies that began producing personal protective equipment with patriotic optimism have scaled back, shut down or given up, according to an Associated Press analysis based on numerous interviews with manufacturers.
The next leap in coronavirus vaccine development could be nasal spray
Many scientists are rethinking their strategy about the best way to fight future variants, by aiming for a higher level of protection: blocking infections altogether. If they succeed, the next vaccine could be a nasal spray.
Indy-based bath remodeler riding COVID-fueled home improvement surge
New Bath Today, founded by brothers Mike and Ryan Redman, offers a tightly focused specialty—converting conventional tub-and-shower combos into either walk-in tubs or shower-only arrangements.
Appeals court OKs Biden’s federal employee vaccine mandate
The administration argued that the Constitution gives the president, as the head of the federal workforce, the same authority as the CEO of a private corporation to require that employees be vaccinated.
Several Indiana cities opting back in to opioid settlement
The state’s capital city, the suburbs of Noblesville and Fishers and other cities, including Muncie and Franklin, decided to join the statewide settlement after it was made more attractive by a new state law that gives local governments more direct funding and flexibility.
U.S. experts debate COVID booster strategy for fall, beyond
A panel of U.S. vaccine experts was meeting Wednesday to discuss key questions for future COVID-19 booster campaigns. Their advice could shape the government’s approach for years to come.
Immigration snag threatens to stall $10 billion coronavirus relief package
A bipartisan backlash to the Biden administration’s decision to relax pandemic restrictions at the U.S. border has thrown swift passage of a coronavirus relief package in doubt on Capitol Hill.
Democratic, GOP Senate bargainers reach $10B COVID agreement
The compromise drew quick support from President Joe Biden, who initially pushed for a $22.5 billion package.
Long COVID accelerating revolution in medical research
The government estimates that between 7.7 and 23 million people may already have long COVID.
Battle heats up over remaining federal rental assistance
The debate is playing out across the country as the Treasury Department begins reallocating some of the $46.5 billion in rental assistance from places slow to spend to others that are running out of funds.
Appeals court allows students’ COVID breach suits vs. IU, Purdue to proceed
Lawsuits filed by students at Indiana and Purdue universities alleging breaches of contract when the schools moved to online learning because of the COVID-19 pandemic will continue, the Court of Appeals of Indiana has ruled.
Bipartisan $10B deal near on scaled-back COVID-19 bill
The effort, which would finance steps like vaccines, treatments and tests, comes as President Biden and other Democrats have warned the government is running out of money to counter the pandemic.
State health department makes major changes to COVID dashboard
In addition to changing the dashboard’s format, the Indiana Department of Health said it would shrink the its publication schedule from five days a week to three days.
End of COVID could mean major turbulence for U.S. health care
When the end of the COVID-19 pandemic comes, it could create major disruptions for a cumbersome U.S. health care system made more generous, flexible and up-to-date technologically through a raft of temporary emergency measures.
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