INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana recorded a new high of confirmed COVID-19 cases for the second consecutive day with 1,945 on Saturday. The Indiana State Department of Health also reported 21 more people died with the coronavirus.
Since the pandemic began in March, 3,555 Hoosiers have died with COVID-19 and 133,411 have contracted the virus. The state reported 1,832 new cases Friday. A total of 1,180 people are in the hospital with the coronavirus.
An additional 227 probable COVID-19 deaths have also been reported. ISDH said probable deaths are those 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 771 deaths and 23,038 confirmed cases.
Other counties that have seen the largest number of deaths from COVID-19 include Lake County with 339, Allen County with 211, Hendricks County with 128, Johnson County with 127 and Hamilton County with 110.
The results of more than 2.3 million COVID-19 tests for nearly 1.4 million people have been reported to the Indiana State Department of Health with a cumulative positivity rate among unique individuals of 9.0% The state's seven-day positivity rate through Oct. 3 among unique individuals is 9.3%.
ISDH says 32.3% of ICU beds and 78.4% of ventilators were available as of Friday.
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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