Indiana Hopes to Vaccinate Frontline Health Care Workers, Long-Term Care Residents by End of Year

Indiana’s frontline health care workers and long-term care facility residents could be vaccinated against COVID-19 by the end of the year. State Health Commissioner Dr. Kris Box said Wednesday that both Pfizer and Moderna have now applied for an FDA emergency use authorization, and Indiana is preparing to receive limited supplies as early as mid-December.

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Governor Holcomb in Quarantine after Members of Security Detail Test Positive for COVID-19

Governor Eric Holcomb is in quarantine, after several members of his security detail have reportedly tested positive for COVID-19. A statement from the Governor’s Office Tuesday says Governor Holcomb and First Lady Janet Holcomb are considered close contacts, and State Health Commissioner Dr. Kris Box has advised them to quarantine.

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State Health Officials Still Unsure of COVID-19 Vaccine Timeline

State health officials are making sure they’re ready for a COVID-19 vaccine to arrive in mid-November, but whether it will actually get here by then remains to be seen. During Wednesday’s COVID-19 briefing, Indiana Department of Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Lindsay Weaver said the state’s been asking hospital systems to help identify potential distribution sites.

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Gov. Holcomb Likely to Keep Mask Mandate for Foreseeable Future But Hopes to Avoid Stay-At-Home Restrictions

Hoosiers will likely be required to wear face masks for the foreseeable future, but Governor Holcomb is hesitant to reinstate stay-at-home restrictions, even as COVID-19 cases increase. During state officials’ press conference Wednesday, Indiana Department of Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Lindsay Weaver noted that there are now twice as many Hoosiers hospitalized with COVID-19 than there were in late June or early July.

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State Health Commissioner Continues Recovering from COVID-19

State Health Commissioner Dr. Kris Box demonstrates how to put on a face mask during a previous COVID-19 briefing.

Indiana’s state health commissioner says her experience with COVID-19 demonstrates how big of a difference the proper precautions can make. Dr. Kris Box, who’s currently quarantined after testing positive, gave an update by phone during state officials’ COVID-19 press conference Wednesday.

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Dr. Weaver Explains Indiana Department of Health Color-Coded COVID Spread Maps

It was announced Wednesday that Starke County, Marshall County and Pulaski County fall under different color-coded areas on a map that focuses on community spread of COVID-19.  All were in blue at one point, but community spread has increased. The map is updated by the Department of Health each week so local officials can make plans on how to slow the spread of COVID-19 in each community.

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