State reports 143 more COVID-19 deaths, bringing total to 7,244
Meanwhile, statewide hospitalizations due to COVID-19 inched up to 3,064 on Monday from 2,967 on Sunday. The high mark was 3,460 set on Nov. 30.
Congress sends $900B pandemic relief bill to Trump
The bill, approved late Monday by the U.S. House and Senate, will deliver long-sought cash to businesses and individuals and resources to vaccinate a nation confronting a frightening surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths.
The shrinking Pfizer vaccine allotment: An Indiana mystery wrapped in a riddle
Last week, state health officials said they expected to initially receive 55,575 doses of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine, and had already begun vaccinating front-line health care workers. But just five days later, state officials and hospitals are keeping mum about how many doses they actually received, except to say it was fewer than expected.
COVID-19 cases dip in daily state tally, breaking 46-day streak above 4,000
However, the Indiana State Department of Health on Monday reported 31 more deaths due to COVID-19, the 21st straight time that deaths have exceeded 25 in the daily report.
New stimulus checks could go out next week as Congress readies relief bill vote
The $600 stimulus checks are part of the pending legislation, which includes $300 in weekly unemployment benefits for 11 weeks, aid for small businesses, money for vaccine distribution, and a range of other measures.
Countries halt flights from Britain over concerns about coronavirus mutation
British officials have reported that a mutation of the virus appears to speed its transmission, and they have imposed restrictions on 18 million people in London and across southern England.
Panel: People over 75, essential workers next for vaccines
The recommendation came as a second vaccine began rolling out to hospitals as the nation works to get the coronavirus pandemic under control.
White House secures ‘three martini lunch’ tax deduction in draft of relief package
The tax break for corporate meal expenses has been denounced by congressional Democrats, but they agreed to the provision in exchange for expanded tax credits for low-income families and the working poor.
McConnell announces agreement on nearly $900B coronavirus relief package
The deal includes stimulus checks and would extend unemployment benefits of up to $300 per week, which could start as early as Dec. 27.
Lilly CEO urges hospitals to use COVID antibody treatments, after supplies pile up
Less than 20% of the monoclonal antibody doses shipped by two companies, Indianapolis-based Lilly and New York-based Regeneron, have have used, officials say, even though they can reduce hospitalizations by up to 70%.
Indiana reports 6,558 new COVID-19 cases, 53 more deaths
Indiana has reported an increase of 1,472 deaths from COVID-19 since the beginning of the month, just two fewer than the increase of deaths reported in all of November.
Strained health agencies push do-it-yourself contact tracing
In Indiana, the health department recently said it would no longer ask for a detailed list of symptoms and would encourage people to call their own contacts.
Lawmakers reach compromise over GOP proposal to rein in Fed’s powers, clearing path for a stimulus package deal
The breakthrough came after two days of scrambling that sent tremors across Capitol Hill, as lawmakers realized that a deal badly desired by both sides could fall through at the last minute.
Indiana COVID-19 hospitalizations fall below 3,000
The state on Saturday reported 73 more deaths due to COVID-19, the 10th time deaths have exceeded 70 in the past 12 daily reports.
U.S. clears Moderna vaccine for COVID-19, 2nd shot in arsenal
Much-needed doses are set to arrive Monday after the Food and Drug Administration authorized an emergency rollout of the vaccine developed by Moderna Inc. and the National Institutes of Health.
Demand surprisingly low for COVID-19 antibody drugs, but shortages still loom
Red tape, staff shortages, testing delays and strong skepticism are keeping many patients and doctors from the drugs made by Eli Lilly and Co. and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals.
U.S. awaits word on 2nd vaccine as COVID-19 outbreak worsens
The Food and Drug Administration was evaluating a shot developed by Moderna Inc. and the National Institutes of Health and was expected to give it the green light soon, clearing the way for its use to begin as early as Monday.
Congressional leaders eye stopgap measure with hours before lapse in government funding
Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., the No. 2 Senate Republican, told reporters Friday afternoon that expectations of a deal by the end of the day reflected “a triumph of hope over experience.”
College students recruited as teachers to keep schools open
As the coronavirus sidelines huge numbers of educators, school districts are turning to college students, who are learning online or home for extended winter breaks.
Pandemic prompts developer to reassess what to build next at Bottleworks District
Hendricks Commercial Properties has begun preliminary discussions on phase two, but hasn’t decided whether to stick with its original plan that emphasized office space.
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