A press release from the Monroe County Health Department explains that the Indiana State Department of Health reports cases of COVID-19 according to the official county of residence.
This week an Owen County resident tested positive for the virus even though, and is receiving treatment at IU Health Bloomington, but the ISDH has no confirmed cases being listed for Monroe County. An IU student also tested positive after a test on the 13th, and may have exposed students and faculty at Edgewood High School to the virus, but is also not listed as being an active case in Monroe County according to the latest ISDH statistics released Saturday.
Cases have spiked in Indiana to 126, according to the ISDH, and a fourth person in the state died according to a Saturday announcement.
A statement from the ISDH reads, “
INDIANAPOLIS—The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) today confirmed the fourth Indiana death from COVID-19. The patient is a Delaware County adult over age 60 who had been hospitalized. No additional information about the patient will be released due to privacy laws.
The death was first announced by the Delaware County Health Department.
As of today, 126 Hoosiers have contracted COVID-19. All but one are adults.
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a novel, or new, coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The virus causing COVID-19 is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold.”
https://calendar.in.gov/site/isdh/event/health-department-announces-4th-covid-19-death-in-indiana/
The text of the MCHD’s press release is here:
HEALTH DEPARTMENT FOCUSES ON PREVENTION
BLOOMINGTON – As reported yesterday, the Monroe County Health Department (MCHD) is investigating a case of COVID-19. As part of standard public health practice, our public health nurses are contacting people who may have been exposed and advising them to take necessary precautions based on their risk. MCHD provides public health nursing services through a contract with IU Health Bloomington Hospital.
MCHD expects the number of positive cases to grow as testing for COVID-19 increases. People who want to track the number of cases are advised to visit the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) coronavirus dashboard at https://www.in.gov/coronavirus/.
ISDH reports cases of COVID-19 according to the official county of residence. Because Monroe County is a regional hub for medical services, some locally diagnosed cases may not be local residents. We also have many part-time student residents who may have another county listed as an official residence. MCHD works closely with other county health departments to ensure named contacts are notified.
In as much as we now have confirmation that COVID-19 is in our community, it doesn’t change the focus on what we must do. For public health, this means that we will continue to provide the essential public health services:
- Instigating plans and policies for pandemic illness and updating for coronavirus COVID-19
- Working closely with county, city, university and healthcare leaders to evaluate the rapidly changing conditions and assess impact on the community
- Keeping the community informed and empowering residents. We have contacted and met with schools, businesses, shelters, nursing homes, and others to provide guidance and information
- Diagnosing and investigating disease so prompt treatment can be achieved and close contacts can be monitored, tested, and treated as appropriate.
- Linking people to services through information about testing as it becomes more available.
- Researching for new insights and possible solutions for community issues
It also doesn’t change the actions needed from community members. It is important that everyone plays their part to slow this pandemic:
- Stay informed with accurate information.
- Use social distancing and keep 6 foot between you and others
- Cover your coughs and sneezes. Use a tissue once, then throw away
- Clean your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
- Don’t share household items
- Clean all “high touch” surfaces and objects daily
- Monitor your health
- Stay home when sick, except to get medical care. Call ahead before visiting your doctor.
The Monroe County Health Department is dedicated to transparency and pledges to keep the community informed by sharing information by press releases as well as its webpage at www.co.monroe.in.us/HealthDepartment and its Facebook page. Up to date information on Indiana cornonavirus cases can also be found at ISDH at https://www.in.gov/coronavirus/.
