The number of COVID-19 cases in Indiana continues to increase, but we may still be several weeks away from the peak. State Health Commissioner Dr. Kris Box expects the surge to be in mid-to-late April, but it could be as late as mid-May.
“That surge could be more of a flattened-type surge, and that would be over a longer period of time,” Box explained during state officials’ press conference Monday. “It could be more peaked, but we’re really feeling that it’s going to be more flattened.”
Now, Governor Eric Holcomb is taking additional steps to get ready for the surge. During Monday’s press conference, Holcomb said he’s signed another executive order aimed at removing any regulatory barriers to boosting the state’s surge capacity. “It also provides for the temporary authorization for medical professionals – doctors, medical students, residents – to practice, some who have been retired,” the governor explained. “And it provides the state health commissioner with the authority to direct opening hospitals, if needed.”
So far, more than 5,300 health care professionals who aren’t currently working have responded to the state’s call for help, according to Indiana State Department of Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Lindsay Weaver. Meanwhile, recently-closed hospitals in Michigan City and St. Joseph County could be reopened, if needed. Health officials report that hospitals have increased the number of critical care beds from the baseline of just over 1,400 to more than 1,900. They’re also working to make more ventilators available.
But just as the state and hospitals are implementing their plans, Dr. Weaver said families should do the same. “It is just as important now, as it always is, to talk to your family and your loved ones about what your wishes would be if you were to fall ill and not be able to speak for yourself,” she said. “It is time to have that conversation now.”
Governor Holcomb also said he’s asking President Trump to issue a major disaster declaration for Indiana, to make more federal funding available.
