INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana State Department of Health says nearly 43,000 Hoosiers have been diagnosed with COVID-19 since the pandemic began in March.
According to the state health department, 2,377 Hoosiers have died from the coronavirus and 42,871 people have been diagnosed, an increase of 14 deaths and 331 cases since statistics were released Monday.
An additional 192 probable COVID-19 deaths have also been reported. ISDH said probable deaths are that a physician listed COVID-19 as a contributing cause based on X-rays, scans and other clinical symptoms but for which no positive test is on record.
Deaths are reported based on when data is received by ISDH and occurred over multiple days.
According to the state health department, Marion County continues to have the most deaths and cases in the state with 669 deaths and 10,977 confirmed cases.
Other counties that have seen the largest number of deaths from COVID-19 include Lake County with 238 deaths, Johnson County with 117 deaths, Hamilton County with 97 deaths, Hendricks County with 94 deaths and Allen County with 97 deaths.
A total of 426,376 people have been tested in Indiana with 10.1% testing positive, according to the state health department.
Nearly 37% of ICU beds and 81% of ventilators were available as of Thursday.
Any Hoosier seeking COVID-testing can obtain it through one of the state-sponsored OptumServe sites, regardless of whether they are at high risk or have symptoms. To find testing locations around the state, visit www.coronavirus.in.gov and click on the COVID-19 testing information link. More than 200 locations are available around the state.
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Human coronaviruses most commonly spread from an infected person to others through: Respiratory droplets released into the air by coughing and sneezing; close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands; touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands; rarely, fecal contamination.
The best way to protect yourself from any respiratory illness, including the flu, is to: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap & water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Avoid close contact (within six feet) with people who are sick. Stay home when you are sick. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
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