Double-masking may be uncomfortable, but it’s still a good idea if you or someone you live with is at high risk of COVID-19. That’s according to State Health Commissioner Dr. Kris Box.
Continue readingMore of Indiana’s COVID-19 Deaths Linked to Long-Term Care Facilities
More of Indiana’s COVID-19 deaths have been traced back to long-term care facilities. Health officials have determined that another 659 Hoosiers who died were long-term care residents, while one additional death was found to be a staff member.
Continue readingState Health Commissioner Reminds Hoosiers of Risk of Spreading COVID-19 to Pets
The state health commissioner is reminding Hoosiers about the risk of spreading COVID-19 to their pets. During Wednesday’s press conference, Dr. Kris Box noted that those who have the virus could potentially make their dogs or cats sick.
Continue readingHealth Officials Hope Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Will Help Ease Distribution Process
State health officials are hopeful about the opportunities that could come with a new COVID-19 vaccine. Indiana Department of Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Lindsay Weaver says Johnson & Johnson has applied for an emergency use authorization from the FDA.
Continue readingState Health Commissioner Gives Update on Eli Lilly’s COVID-19 Treatment
Eli Lilly’s antibody treatment appears to be making a difference in lowering the number of COVID-19 hospital admissions, according to State Health Commissioner Dr. Kris Box.
Continue readingHealth Officials Outline Who’s Next in Line for COVID-19 Vaccine
State health officials are outlining who’s next in line for the COVID-19 vaccine, and teachers are still not on the list. Indiana Department of Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Lindsay Weaver announced Wednesday that Indiana will stick with its age-based approach, while also incorporating those with certain health conditions.
Continue readingSchools Urged to Keep Following COVID-19 Quarantine Procedures
The state health commissioner is calling on schools to make sure they’re fully following Indiana’s quarantine rules. During Wednesday’s press conference, Dr. Kris Box said she’s gotten reports of schools abandoning quarantine protocols for COVID-19 exposure in the classroom.
Continue readingRetail Chains to Offer COVID-19 Vaccine
More vaccine is becoming available in more places, but Indiana is sticking with its age-based approach to eligibility.
Continue readingHealth Officials Awaiting Results to See if More Contagious COVID-19 Strain Has Arrived in Indiana
The more contagious strain of COVID-19 may already be in Indiana, but health officials are still waiting to find out for sure. During Wednesday’s COVID-19 press conference, State Health Commissioner Dr. Kris Box said the state lab’s surveillance efforts have turned up certain tests that could be consistent with the mutation.
Continue readingOnly One Anaphylactic Reaction to COVID-19 Vaccine Reported in Indiana, As of Wednesday
Health officials have been stressing the safety of the COVID-19 vaccines, but there is still a slight possibility of allergic reactions. Of the more than 128,000 Hoosiers who’d received a dose as of Wednesday, State Health Commissioner Dr. Kris Box said only one had a severe complication.
Continue readingState Contact Tracing Center to Stop Calling Close Contacts, As Focus Shifts to Vaccine Registration
Indiana is once again adjusting its centralized contact tracing effort, as health officials turn their attention to vaccine distribution. State Health Commissioner Dr. Kris Box announced the change in contact tracing procedures Wednesday.
Continue readingState Health Officials Monitoring COVID-19 Outbreak at Marshall County Jail
State health officials have been providing guidance during the Marshall County Jail’s recent COVID-19 outbreak. State Health Commissioner Dr. Kris Box didn’t have specifics on her department’s involvement during Wednesday’s press conference, but she stressed that state officials are “intimately engaged” any time a jail sees a surge in cases.
Continue readingHoosiers Age 80 and Older Can Get COVID-19 Vaccine Starting Friday
Any Hoosier age 80 and up can get the COVID-19 vaccine starting Friday. Governor Holcomb announced Wednesday that the state is moving to phase 1B of its distribution plan.
Continue readingIndiana Prepared to Test for New COVID-19 Strain
The Indiana Department of Health is keeping an eye out for the new, more contagious strain of COVID-19. During state officials’ press conference Tuesday, State Health Commissioner Dr. Kris Box said her department “is appropriately respectful” of the fact that the strain exists and appears to be more infectious.
Continue readingHealth Officials Share COVID-19 Safety Tips for Holiday Gatherings
Health officials are urging residents to take steps to avoid spreading COVID-19 to their families this Christmas. During last week’s COVID-19 briefing, State Health Commissioner Dr. Kris Box said the safest option is to celebrate virtually or with members of your own household.
Continue readingState Health Commissioner Reminds Hoosiers to Follow Through with COVID-19 Restrictions
Hoosiers are being urged to follow through with their counties’ COVID-19 restrictions, even if community spread starts to decrease. State Health Commissioner Dr. Kris Box says her office has talked extensively with local health departments about when they may move to a lower level of restriction, as outlined in the governor’s executive order.
Continue readingCOVID-19 Vaccine Rollout Continues in Indiana
Scenes of Hoosier health care workers getting their first doses of COVID-19 vaccine drew an emotional reaction from State Health Commissioner Dr. Kris Box Wednesday.
Continue readingIndiana Department of Health to Launch Online Contact Tracing Option
Indiana is taking its contact tracing efforts online. State Health Commissioner Dr. Kris Box says, starting this week, Hoosiers will have the option to complete their contact tracing interviews online.
Continue readingGovernor Tightening Restrictions on Social Gatherings, Directing Hospitals to Postpone Non-Emergent Procedures
Governor Holcomb is tightening restrictions on social gatherings. Starting this weekend, event organizers will no longer be allowed to seek permission to hold events larger than the limits outlined in the state’s county metrics. That’s 50 people in counties coded orange and 25 people in counties coded red.
Continue readingMore Health Care Professionals, College Students Needed for Reserve Workforces
Hoosiers continue signing up to fill critical roles in the fight against COVID-19. During Wednesday’s COVID-19 press conference, State Health Commissioner Dr. Kris Box reported that the health care and college student reserve workforces have added hundreds of members over the past few days.
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