In the Monroe County Health Department’s first bi-weekly coronavirus update it is reported that more Monroe County residents are being tested. Meanwhile, the current number of positive tests in Indiana spiked by 17 to 56. And that the Indiana State Department of health has a new coronavirus hotline: 1-877-826-0011.
The update says, “There are two lines available, with line 1 for the public with general questions and line 2 reserved for medical providers. Because of the high number of calls, those with questions are asked to visit the ISDH website first at https://www.in.gov/coronavirus/ to see if the answers are available there.”
The CDC has issued new guidance on when home isolation can be discontinued according to the update.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/disposition-in-home-patients.html
Home isolation can stop if the following three things are true:
- No fever for at least 72 hours without use of fever-reduction medication
AND
- Other symptoms, such as cough & shortness of breath, have improved
AND
- If testing is available – you receive two negative tests in a row, 24 hours apart
OR If testing is not available, at least 7 days have passed since symptoms first
Started
The Red Cross is also reporting a severe blood shortage with donors urgently needed, according to the update. Many blood drives were canceled due to coronavirus prevention measures, and supplies are running low. Call 1-800-733-2767 for an appointment.
The Health Department, IU Bloomington, and Cook Medical also held a webinar for local businesses on Wednesday on coronavirus, and how businesses can prepare.
The bi-weekly updates will not replace press releases from the MCHD.
In an earlier story, The Bloomingtonian noted there was a spike in cases in Marion County/Indianapolis, and in an editor’s note urged local residents to take precautions against the virus, and not rely in state issued statistics, which may not be accurate due to a low number of tests being conducted.
