Indiana COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations hit highs not seen since mid-February
The state department of health reported 13 new deaths from COVID-19, lifting the cumulative death total to 13,596.
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Southern, Northern District courts reinstate mask, social distancing mandates
Starting Tuesday, anyone coming in or occupying public areas of the four courthouses of the Southern District of Indiana must wear face coverings and maintain six feet of social distancing in all public spaces, regardless of vaccination status.
Statewide hospitalizations due to COVID-19 near three-month high
The state said more than 2.95 million Hoosiers had been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of Monday at 5 a.m. More than 2.94 million had received the first dose of a two-dose vaccination.
State: Decisions about vaccines, masks are up to school districts, businesses
State health officials say they have no authority to require anyone to get a vaccine, including state employees.
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.
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.
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.
FDA asks Pfizer, Moderna to test vaccines in more children to help rule out safety issues
A federal official predicted that authorization of a coronavirus vaccine for children 5 through 11 might come by late October or early November.
Indiana COVID-19 hospitalizations reach seven-week high
The state said more than 2.91 million Hoosiers have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 after an increase of 4,766.
Poll: Most unvaccinated Americans don’t want the shots
What’s more, 64% of unvaccinated Americans have little to no confidence the shots are effective against variants—including the delta variant that officials say is responsible for 83% of new cases in the U.S.—despite evidence that they offer strong protection.
New IU president Whitten tests positive for COVID
Pamela Whitten, who took over as Indiana University president July 1, said she began experiencing “mild cold symptoms” Thursday morning before being tested.
Franciscan Health to require employee vaccinations or immunity tests
Franciscan joins two other large hospital systems in central Indiana—Indiana University Health and Community Health Network—in laying down the new health requirement.
Indiana COVID-19 cases climb to nine-week high
The health department reported one more death from COVID-19, raising the cumulative total to 13,535. The state said it has averaged one new death per day from COVID over the past seven days.
Health department forces Broad Ripple ice cream shop to close
The Marion County Health Department forced the Baskin-Robbins in Broad Ripple to close last week because of a malfunctioning air conditioner. The shop’s owner said he has no plans to reopen.
Vaccinated staff, students can go mask-free when school starts, IPS says
Indianapolis Public Schools students and staff who are vaccinated do not have to wear masks in classrooms when school starts, according to new district guidance. Unvaccinated students will be required to wear masks at school, and the district recommends that staff continue to wear masks around unvaccinated students, especially children under 12 who are currently […]
Rare ‘breakthrough’ COVID cases causing alarm, confusion
Health authorities have warned that even though the COVID-19 vaccines are incredibly effective—the Pfizer and Moderna ones about 95% against symptomatic infection in studies—they’re not perfect. No vaccine is.